Binny's Blog

Meat pies have been beloved across Ireland and the U.K. for centuries. Usually that means a hearty crust made with beef suet or lard but when it comes to Shepherd’s Pie, rich, creamy and tantalizingly browned mashed potatoes stand in for pastry. Underneath that buttery layer of mash is a savory mixture of ground meat and vegetables, bound together with a thick gravy, making for a hearty and filling dish for a late winter’s day. St. Patrick's Day, to be precise.

A medley of sweet, tangy, earthy, and herbal. A bright and vibrant mélange of freshly picked vegetables that also foreshadows some of the comforting richness to come. In a word, succotash. We top this with grilled filets of mahi-mahi, aka dolphin or dorado. It is a firm but flakey fleshed fish that puts an exclamation point on the summery feel of this dish.

Caponata is a signature dish of Sicily. It’s a slightly sweet and sour mixture of vegetables akin to France’s Ratatouille or Spain’s Pisto Manchego. It can be eaten on bruschetta, as an appetizer or as a side for fish or chicken.

It is officially time to fire up the grill if you haven’t already. There isn’t too much to say about this easy and satisfying recipe for the summer grilling season other than people will love the tender, marinated chunks of beef and crisp summer vegetables.

Grilling is a sure way to add extra layers of flavor upon already flavorful vegetables. The high heat caramelizes, imparting not only a smokiness but also a satisfying sweetness that elevates any humble vegetable.