Showing posts with label asparagus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asparagus. Show all posts

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Bridgerton Brunch: The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus

 





A quiche worthy of noble taste—this easy-to-make, herb-laced delight with tender asparagus and velvety Gruyère is destined to be the centerpiece of any Bridgerton brunch. Refined, savory, and fit for the Ton’s most discerning palate—even the Duke himself would approve.





A Continuing Affair: The Bridgerton Brunch Series

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It is with utmost delight that we welcome you once again to Bridgerton Brunch—that most enchanting culinary affair where Regency elegance is whisked together with modern indulgence. Inspired by the opulent style and whispered scandals of the Ton, this series serves forth recipes worthy of Lady Whistledown’s approval and designed to elevate even the most modest of morning tables.

This entry marks our third gathering in this ongoing fête of flavors. Following the sweet allure of Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair and the decadent drama of Scandal & Spice: Lady Featherington’s Honeyed Tea Loaf, we now find ourselves in more refined company—at the Duke’s table no less. The Duke’s Delight, a quiche adorned with herbs, tender asparagus, and Gruyère, brings with it a savory sophistication sure to impress noble guests and secret admirers alike.

Yours in savory scandal and culinary courtship,
Slice of Southern




“Whispers suggest the Duke’s affections were not won with words—but with a quiche so tender, even his heart melted like Gruyère. A lady would be wise to take note.”

Lady Whistledown




The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus

There are few things more delicate—or more dangerous—than a man of status with a discerning palate. And when such a gentleman takes his breakfast not with mere eggs and toast, but with a flaky, herb-kissed quiche, one must assume a woman of great culinary cunning is behind it all.

This third installment of our Bridgerton Brunch series escorts us from the frilly parlors and sugary intrigues of previous delights to something a touch more savory, yet no less seductive. The Duke’s Delight is a quiche of refined flavor and tender affection—laden with fresh herbs, tender asparagus spears, and luscious Gruyère cheese. A dish both noble in composition and deeply satisfying to even the most formidable suitor.

Let it be known: a properly baked quiche may not guarantee a title or a ring—but it will, without question, secure the attention of the Ton (and perhaps a few whispered invitations to dine again). For what begins as brunch may yet end in courtship.

So preheat the oven, gather your best china, and prepare to impress. Because when brunch is served with such elegance, even the Duke must take notice.





A Toast to Elegance

With a buttery, golden crust and a filling as velvety as whispered promises, The Duke’s Delight is the very portrait of brunch sophistication. Flecked with fresh herbs and adorned with tender spears of asparagus, each slice is laced with the richness of Gruyère and the grace of good breeding. Whether served warm at a sunlit garden table or passed amongst gloved hands in a candlelit salon, this quiche is a savory triumph—elegant, indulgent, and fit for the most distinguished of appetites.





Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

A savory showstopper such as The Duke’s Delight deserves companions of equal refinement. These thoughtfully curated touches will transform your gathering into a brunch worthy of the Ton’s finest invitations.

  • Music: Classical elegance meets modern intrigue—try the Bridgerton string covers of modern ballads by Vitamin String Quartet or Baroque flute sonatas for a touch of nobility.
  • Tea: Darjeeling or a white tea with rose petals—delicate enough to let the quiche shine, yet noble in their own right.
  • Libation: A crisp French 75 or cucumber-mint gin spritzer. Light, flirtatious, and thoroughly aristocratic.
  • Decor Tip: Pale sage or cream linens, silver flatware, and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary at each setting—simple, stately, and subtly herbaceous.




Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

As every esteemed hostess knows, the mark of a memorable brunch lies not merely in the guest list, but in the fare placed before them. And The Duke’s Delight—with its buttery pastry, verdant spears of asparagus, and luscious melt of Gruyère—is a triumph of savory sophistication. Both hearty and refined, this quiche may very well inspire second helpings… or second glances.

Whether served with flourish at a lavish affair or enjoyed in quiet indulgence, it is a dish destined to win admiration—and possibly affections.

As Lady Whistledown might whisper behind her fan… until next time, dear reader—may your eggs be tender, your suitors attentive, and your secrets safe behind the soufflé.


















Thursday, July 11, 2024

Asparagus Salad with Oranges and Feta

The perfect light and refreshing, go with everything summer side dish!


 

Asparagus Salad with Oranges and Feta


I love changing up my side dishes during the summer.   I always have a cold salad dish that I  can serve with any grilled protein or burger, or even sandwiches.   This salad has nothing to do with lettuce but has everything to do with crispy green veggies.  Asparagus to be exact. 

Raw Asparagus is the star of the show. It remains crunchy by cutting it thinly on the bias and then is doused in a mint basil pesto and tossed with oranges and feta for some tang and sweetness.  My husband said I knocked it out of the park on this one! (Sounds like a keeper).

Pull this together in under 30 minutes and bring this Mediterranean style salad into your summer menu rotation. 

Enjoy! 




What Ingredients do I need?

  • fresh mint - you want that bright flavor you get from fresh herbs
  • fresh basil - again fresh herbs should be used in this dish
  • Romano cheese
  • fresh lemon - you will use if for the zest and the juice
  • fresh garlic
  • Olive oil - extra virgin is best. You want one that you enjoy the flavor of since it will be prominent in the dish.
  • 2 bunches of asparagus - I used the thin stocks but you can use the regular if you like.
  • naval oranges
  • feta cheese - I always by the block of cheese and then crumble off what I need.


Substitutions and Variations

  • Crunchy additions: try adding chopped hazelnuts, pine nuts, or chopped almonds
  • Cheeses:  This is a part of the pesto which binds it.  Try parmesan cheese instead.




Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Asparagus - You can use thin or regular sized asparagus in this dish.  The key is how you slice it.  Slice it on the bias to keep the stocks crunchy instead of being woody.  To do this slice on an deep angle in 2 inch pieces.  Make sure to cut off the woody part of the stock toward the bottom first.
  • Segmenting an orange - The easiest way to do this is to cut across the bottom so the orange will lie flat on your board.  Then cut off the top and start going down the side cutting away the peel and the white pith below.  You will be left with just orange flesh.  Hold the orange in your hand over the serving bowl to catch any juices. This will add some sweet flavor to the pesto sauce. Slice along the side of the membrane on each side of the segment and release the segment.  Do this, rotating the orange until all segments are free.


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Asparagus Salad with Oranges and Feta


serves 6


Pesto:
2 Cups fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup Romano cheese
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin Olive oil

Salad:
2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
2 naval oranges
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper


In a food processor add basil, cheese, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.   Process until finally chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.  Transfer to a large bowl and add in oil, whisking to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the woody ends of the asparagus.  Cut asparagus tips from the stocks into 3/4 inch long pieces.  Slice the remaining stocks on the bias thinly into 2 inch lengths.  Cut away the peel and the pith from the oranges holding the fruit over the bowl and using a pairing knife to slice between the membranes to release the orange segments. Add The asparagus tips, stocks, orange segments, and feta to the pesto and toss to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Either serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until serving.


adapted from America's Test Kitchen - The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook











Monday, May 22, 2023

Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus

Sheet pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagusis quick enough for a weeknight meal and the taste is out of this world! 




Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus



Ready for a new sheet pan dinner?  These lemon garlic butter chicken bites with asparagus are ridiculously easy.  Baked not fried, on one sheet pan in under 45 minutes. 

These saucy chicken bites come out juicy and tender and the asparagus crisps to perfection.  Say hello to your new favorite meal! 

Enjoy! 





What Ingredients do I need?

  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • onion powder
  • Italian seasoning 
  • paprika
  • crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
  • asparagus
  • butter
  • olive oil
  • garlic 
  • low-sodium chicken broth 
  • lemon
  • parsley


Substitutions and Variations

  • You can customize the seasoning to your liking: try honey and mustard, taco seasoning, cajun spices, etc.





Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Make sure to dice the chicken uniformly into 1 1/2 - 2 inch bite sized pieces to ensure even baking.
  • One good trick is to freeze the chicken for 45 minutes to make cutting the chicken bites easier and less messy, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.


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Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Asparagus


serves 4-6


3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
1 teaspoon paprika
pinch crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional
2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced 
1/4 cup  low-sodium chicken broth 
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon minced parsley
Slices of lemon, for garnish


Preheat your oven to 400ºF.  In a medium bowl season chicken bites with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red crushed chili pepper flakes, paprika, and onion powder. 

Arrange asparagus on one side of the baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chicken broth and lemon juice.

Arrange chicken bites next to the asparagus on the sheetpan, then drizzle the chicken bites and asparagus with the lemon butter sauce.

Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink on the inside. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and lemon slices and serve.



source:  https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-chicken-bites-recipe














Saturday, December 17, 2022

Asparagus Multi Rice Blend Pilaf

Asparagus Multi Rice Blend Pilaf is loaded with 4 types of rice, asparagus, cranberries, and almonds.  Doused in the most deletcable vinaigrette this is a delicious side dish perfect for Christmas!



Asparagus Multi Rice Blend Pilaf


Who doesn't love a good side dish?  This one is full of deliscious flavors and is perfect alongside your chosen entree for Christmas dinner.  The base is a blend of four types of rice (texmati white, red, brown, and wild) so you get a wonderful array of colors, textures, and tastes.  Added to that are the mix-ins to make it a pilaf.  I've added sauted asparagus, toasted almonds, and cranberries.  The whole dish is then doused with a fabulous vinaigrette.  

This is one hearty, elegant, and flavorful side dish.  Worthy of your Christmas dinner and any other winter meal.  Make sure to put this one on your "to make" list, it's that good!

Enjoy!




 What Ingredients do I need?

  • Asparagus - 1 bunch
  • dried cranberries
  • sliced almonds
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • white wine vinegar
  • Dijon mustard

Substitutions and Variations

  • Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds
  • Add chopped kale or spinach to the bowl for more greens
  • Add dried cherries instead of cranberries
  • Don't like asparagus? Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms or broccoli instead
  • Make this a bowl meal by adding bite sized cooked chicken pieces



Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Cook the rice first as it takes the longest.
  • Serve warm for the best flavors.
  • Leftover may be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and may be reheated or eaten at room temperature.


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Asparagus Multi Rice Blend Pilaf


serves 4-6


1 cup RiceSelect Royal Blend Texmati White, Brown, Red, & Wild Rice
1 bunch of Asparagus stems
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressing:
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt & pepper

Cook rice according to package directions.  Once cooked place rice in a large bowl.
Trim the wood ends off the asparagus and cut the asparagus in to 2 inch pieces.  In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, saute asparagus for about 3 minutes, stirring ocassionally.  Add sliced almonds and stir constantly for 1 minute, making sure not to burn the almonds.  Add the asparagus and almonds to the large bowl of rice.

Make the dressing in a small bowl.  Add olive oil, vinegar, mustard, a pinch of salt & pepper and which until combined.

Add the cranberries to the bowl of rice and drizzle on the vinaigrette, tossing to coat,  Serve right away.










Sunday, April 24, 2022

Spring Fling: Grilled Chicken Spring Vegetable Salad

When you take a base of arugula and spring mix and top it with asparagus, green beans, peas, radishes, goat cheese, and a fabulous grilled chicken you have one heck of a main dish salad perfect for Mother's Day!


Grilled Chicken Spring Vegetable Salad


It's time to use up all the abundance of spring produce. Yea Spring!  Today we are making a main dish salad that I served for Easter.  It's filled with spring greens, asparagus, green beans, carrots, radishes, and peas!  It's a smorgasbord of spring ingredients.  I then grilled some coriander rubbed chicken breasts to top the salad.  Finish with a sprinkling of goat cheese crumbles, pecans, and a few raspberries and you have an amazing main course salad!  Feel free to top this with your favorite dressing or use one of my suggestions below.

This is the perfect main course for light lunches, weeknight dinners, Easter, Mother's Day, bridal showers, spring brunches or eating alfresco on a sunny weekend afternoon.  You will be filled with good for your ingredients and have a happy tummy to go along with it!

Enjoy!




What Ingredients do I need?

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts - I used thin cut
  • 50/50 spring mix - part arugula and spring mix
  • asparagus - thin spears
  • fresh green beans
  • frozen peas
  • radishes
  • goat cheese with herbs
  • raspberries
  • pecan halves
  • ground coriander
  • fresh mint


Substitutions and Variations

  • Substitute roasted chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or leftover chicken
  • Substitute the protein:  salmon, shrimp or pork tenderloin would be great in the salad
  • Use the herb of your choice: basil, thyme, or chives would be great additions
  • Use a plain goat cheese, or use feta or ricotta salata - or leave off the cheese
  • Switch up the greens:  use red leaf, green leaf, spinach, or butter lettuce
  • Use your favorite spring produce - get creative!



Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Chicken:  if you like cold or room temperature chicken on your salad, cook the chicken first, then prep all the rest of the salad ingredients.  If you like hot chicken on your salad, cook the chicken last.
  • Vegetables:  To get bright green tender crisp vegetables blanch them in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain them in a colander and rinse them with cool water to stop the cooking process.  They will be bright and green and tender crisp!
  • Instead of using a large salad bowl for the entire group I plated the salads directly on each individual's plate.  It's easier, and the presentation comes out better than tossing a salad.
  • See below for some of my suggested dressings.


What do I dress this salad with?:



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Grilled Chicken Spring Vegetable Salad


serves 4

4 thin cut boneless chicken breasts
kosher salt & ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground coriander
8 cups of spring mix with arugula
1 1lb of thin asparagus spears, woody ends discarded
1/2 lb of fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1/2 cup frozen peas
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2-3 oz of goat cheese with herbs, crumbled
1/2 pint raspberries 
1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted

Pre-heat an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat.  Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.  Sprinkle the coriander about 1/4 teaspoon for each side on all chicken breasts.  Place chicken on the grill pan and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken reaches 160 degrees internal temperature.  Set aside and allow chicken to cool.

Meanwhile bring a large pot filled with water to boil.  Cut the asparagus spears in half and the green beans in half.  Add asparagus, green beans, and peas to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are bright green and crisp tender.  Remove from heat and drain vegetables in a colander.  Run cold water over the vegetables until cool, to stop the cooking process.

Arrange salad on individual dinner plates by spreading about 2 cups of spring salad mix per each plate.  Divide the green vegetables among the plates.

Cut the chicken breasts in to slices.  Place the slices on each salad plate among the veggies and lettuce mix.  Add sliced radishes, a few raspberries, crumbles of goat cheese, and pecans to each plate.  

Dress with your favorite dressing.











Sunday, April 10, 2022

Spring Fling: Spring Couscous Salad with Lemon Feta Vinaigrette

With a base of pearl couscous, I've added roasted asparagus, tender garbanzo beans, fresh herbs, and green onions, tossed with a Lemon Feta vinaigrette.  This is a side salad that is full of spring goodness!



Spring Couscous Salad with Lemon Feta Vinaigrette


I love couscous as a base or addition to a salad.  Pearl couscous is the larger variety and works perfectly in salads.  It provides you with an open canvas to create so many variations and since it's pasta it absorbs a vinaigrette perfectly.  Today we are taking spring produce, so we are adding some roasted asparagus, lots of fresh herbs like parsley and basil, and fresh lemon.  You will get a double dose of lemon in the salad and the dressing for that bright pop!

This is a wonderful side dish that can be served along side chicken, beef, or pork for a light springtime meal.  It's also perfect as a side dish salad for Easter.  Easy to pull together and the flavors are popping.  It's sure to be one you'll want to repeat often.

Enjoy!




What Ingredients do I need?

  • pearl couscous
  • thin asparagus spears
  • lemon - zest and juice
  • feta cheese
  • canned garbanzo beans
  • green onions
  • parsley
  • basil
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • pistachios (optional)


Substitutions and Variations

  • Change up the herbs - use fresh mint, dill, thyme, or chives.
  • Use thick asparagus if you wish - note: roasting time will be about 5 - 7 minutes longer.  I would cut these in to 2" pieces.
  • Can't find pearl (Israeli) couscous?  use the original small type.
  • You can substitute the couscous for a grain such as farro, bulgur, or even quinoa.
  • Don't like cheese? leave it out or trade it for ricotta salata or even cotija.
  • Don't like nuts? leave them out or add your favorite, pine nuts, or hazelnuts would be a good addition.




Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • This recipe is great for leftover couscous.
  • You will need to allow the couscous to cool so plan a little time for that, or make it ahead.  You may help the cooling by running it under cool water and then draining it well.
  • Leftover will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several days.  
  • The vinaigrette will keep for several days in the refrigerator.
  • Drizzle leftovers with more vinaigrette to moisten and flavor the salad.


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Spring Couscous Salad with Lemon Feta Vinaigrette


serves: 6


Salad:

1 cup pearl couscous
1 pound thin asparagus spears, woody stems cut off
olive oil
14 oz can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 green onion, thinly sliced both white and green parts
zest of 1 lemon
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 Tablespoon pistachios, chopped (optional)


Vinaigrette:

Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese


Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Cook the couscous according to the package directions.  This should be about 15 - 20 minutes.  Meanwhile roast the asparagus by placing them on a sheet pan.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, tossing to combine.  Spread them out on the pan so they are not overlapping.  Roast for 8-10 minutes until they are starting to darken on the ends.  Larger asparagus will need about 5 more minutes to roast.  Remove from the oven and set aside.

Once the couscous is done, drain off any excess water (if any) and place it in a bowl to cool down.  You can run it under cool water and drain again if you like.  Add the garbanzo beans, green onions, lemon zest, parsley, basil, salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.  

Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette and toss.  Top with asparagus and some pistachios (if using) and drizzle a little more vinaigrette over the top.  Serve.  

To Make Vinaigrette: in a small bowl or jar add lemon juice, herbs, lemon zest, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper.  Whisk in olive oil until well combined (or shake jar vigorously).  Add in the feta cheese and stir.  



adapted from:  How Sweet Eats












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