Lamb Shoulder Chops with Herb and Sunflower Seed Salad
Lamb shoulder chops cook quickly; they’re a very forgiving cut that’s perfect for outdoor grilling. Here, Justin Chapple pairs the grilled lamb with a simple salad of parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, chives, and crunchy sunflower seeds—the tender herbs are a fresh foil for the lamb. Pick up one bunch of chives and two bunches each of parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint for the herb salad.
Chicken Fricassee Stir-Fry with Asparagus
This quick-cooking recipe from cookbook author Grace Young showcases the technique for a "simple" stir-fry, where ingredients are continually added to the wok, layering flavor as each cooks perfectly. “Once you understand the basics of stir-frying, you don’t have to limit yourself to Asian flavors,” Young says. Here, tender asparagus joins carrots and chicken in a speedy stir-fry seasoned with white wine and garlic, and cream enriches the sauce.
Opulent Grilled Cheese
Inspired by Margaret Eby's love of Zabar's in New York City, the combination of creamy, silky Taleggio and nutty aged Gruyère cheeses in these small but decadent sandwiches results in the perfect melt, with plenty of flavor. Pops of fresh salinty from lightly smashed capers stirred into sweet, jammy strawberries balance the richness. Use Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Preserves for the ultimate version of this sandwich—it is made from tiny, sweet strawberries. You can find it at Zabar's or online at brandsofbritain.com.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Cornmeal Skillet Cake
Juicy strawberries and tart rhubarb stud the golden brown top of this simple skillet cake. The mix of all-purpose flour and fine cornmeal gives this dessert a pound-cake-like density, while goat cheese and buttermilk keep the crumb nicely tender and moist. A dollop of rosemary-infused whipped cream ties the sweet and savory flavors together.
Butter Chicken Calzones
At their Chicago restaurant Superkhana International, Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada’s decadent, flavor-packed Butter Chicken Calzone takes three days to make; thankfully, they’ve shared some shortcuts (like a great store-bought butter chicken spice blend and store-bought pizza dough) for this homemade version. Whole-milk yogurt and gently acidic tomatoes team up with warm spices to flavor and tenderize boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the rich calzone filling. Amul is a firm and salty processed Indian cheese; double the mozzarella if it’s unavailable. Crimp the calzones firmly to seal.
Herb-Roasted Trout with Buttery Almonds
Lemon slices and a bounty of hardy herbs flavor these tender whole trout from the inside out, while toasted almonds provide a crunchy finish. Tucked inside and underneath the fish, sprigs of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage release their essential oils during roasting without getting too crisp in the oven. Serve these roasted trout over a simple spring salad of arugula and thinly sliced fennel and radishes.
