Last year I experimented with old recipes and, surprise surprise, didn’t find traditional possets pleasing at all. Well, I don’t mind curdled milk, but not with hot alcohol like ale or sherry. The only variation I enjoyed was my own “invention” — hot frothed milk flavored with honey (or caramel) and whiskey. Not curdled. This winter I spent more time researching hot milk and whiskey drinks and found Scottish Posset and Scáiltín. There is very little information available about them. I do not know how traditional or popular they are now. The only difference between the Scottish Posset and “my” recipe is the thickener. I used Xanthan gum instead of oatmeal. I couldn’t resist to modify the recipe a little, There is no reason to strain oats, if you have a good blender. They add velvety viscosity to the drink.

Simple, but cooked with great care, variable stuffings (potato, chicken, mushrooms) easily win hearts and souls of my guests, when folded in French wheat or buckwheat (gluten-free) crepes, and adorned with simple dairy-based sauces and creative toppings. Every small plate of the menu is attractive and delicious. They are easy to make in large batches. Make them ahead, refrigerate, and reheat right before party time.

This corn soup is sweet and creamy with earthy aroma and delicate warming heat of charred green chili. Fresh corn and poblano pair perfectly here. Serve it with crunchy corn tortilla chips and fresh cilantro. Melt some cheese in it to add more depth and creaminess.

I finally made this soup for the first time and it proved my every expectation! The only modification to the original recipe was replacing yellow bell peppers with charred hatch. I also added 1/3 cup balled watermelon. Amazing! I highly recommend the cookbook, this cold soup, and Texas Hill Country in August!

Pkhali (ფხალი) is a signature Georgian appetizer. Its consistency is similar to pesto and tapenade. Pkhali’s main ingredients are cooked vegetables and walnuts mixed with traditional herbs and spices. Georgians are fond of greens. Many pkhali recipes include leaf cabbages/lettuces, chard/beetroot greens, or spinach. “Pkhali” is a Georgian name of chard. Follow my recipe to make this version of pkhali — full of umami and meat-like flavors, yet vegan.

Served buffet style, this preparation is perfect for parties. It is heathy and beautiful, light and bright, a meal you’ll be happy to share with friends and family! The variety of fresh, blanched, grilled, marinated, pickled, roasted, broiled vegetables and seafood could be endless — whatever is available, the best quality, and preferred by your guests.

Blanching is a must for herbs and vegetables to stop the enzyme action and to destroy any microorganisms present on the surface. Freezing only helps to remove extra moisture. Are there any other techniques to replace blanching benefits? Yes. There is heat-shocking.

The more varieties of different greens you mix, the better the taste. Adding arugula is highly recommended. Add sunflower and sweet pea sprouts/micro greens. This salad is not sweet. It is neither sour, nor it is salty. It tastes like a fountain of spring freshness!

Every time I taste this delicate and elegant dessert I can’t believe it is made of ordinary zucchini. Look at the color! The younger and smaller zucchinis you use, the higher the ratio of dark green skin and the more vivid green your soufflé is. Be patient. Just like other soufflés, this one needs to be cooled very slowly. You have to give it a lot of time to set by reducing the temperature gradually and by keeping it refrigerated for a few hours before reheating and serving.

The recipe below is a simple version of crepe stuffed with seasonal fruits. Most often I serve dessert crepes with apples + raisins + pecans + cinnamon + caramel + vanilla whipped cream + mint. During the season I switch to pears. Local strawberries are wonderful in May and and peaches — all the summer. Whipped cream can be flavored with spices or herbs. Replace heavy cream with piped favorite yogurt, low-sugar curds, or fresh fruit purees.