Best Fruit Now

Chicken Sausages with Apples

Source: A la Maison Personal Chef Service

1 lb chicken sausage with white wine, garlic and herbs 2 Tbsp butter 2 large apples such as Fuji or gala, peeled and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped plus more for garnish ¼ cup white wine Salt and pepper

Grill sausage over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, [...]

Bacon-Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Goat Cheese

12 ripe Mission Figs, halved 6 Tbsp goat cheese 12 Slices bacon, halved ½ cup balsamic vinegar Large Basil Leaves for garnish Honey for garnish

Preheat broiler. Simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced to about half and consistency is syrupy. Halve figs. Mound about ½ -1 Tsp goat cheese into center of fig, pressing slightly. Wrap bacon around fig and place on baking sheet seam side [...]

Amaretto Peach Parfait

2 large, ripe peaches, pitted, peeled and diced ½ cup Orange juice ¼ cup Lime juice 2 oz. Amaretto (optional) 1 Tbsp Fresh ginger, minced 2 Tbsp Sugar 1 cup Plain or vanilla yogurt 1 cup Pound Cake, cubed and divided Fresh mint for garnish

Combine orange juice, lime juice, amaretto, ginger and sugar in small saucepan. Simmer, [...]

Mango Sorbet

½ cup water 1/3 cup sugar ¼ cup corn syrup 2 cups diced mango 2 Tbsp lime juice

Make simple syrup by combining water, sugar and corn syrup in medium saucepan, heating and stirring until sugar is dissolved and liquid is clear. Refrigerate overnight. Puree mango and lime juice in food processor until smooth. Combine mango puree and simple syrup in large bowl, [...]

Strawberry Muddle Prosecco Popsicles

6-8 Fresh, ripe strawberries, halved 6-8 Fresh mint sprigs ½ c Simple syrup 2 Tbsp lemon juice 750 ml bottle of Prosecco (optional)

Muddle strawberries and mint in large pitcher. Add simple syrup and lemon juice. Stir in Prosecco and let bubbles settle for just a couple of minutes. Pour into popsicle molds, leaving 1/4 “ at the top for expansion. Stir the mixture [...]

Fruit Buying Guide – August 2009

The August Fruit Buying Guide begins with a plea to visit your local farm market and see the fresh and delicious offerings. Summer goes quickly and NOW is the time to enjoy fruit at it’s freshest! Also recommended are Dapple Dandy Pluots, this is the pluot that sparked a revolution and these babies are BEST NOW! Perhaps you like the sugary sweetness of a perfect white fleshed peach? Well now is the time as California’s are running awesome now! In the Fruit’s to Try section Tommy K suggests you seek out the sweet and delicate Champagne grape just before going out to slay the Dragon Fruit!

Mixed Berry Crostata

Source: Country Living Magazine, Date unknown; Modified by Chef Melissa, A la Maison Personal Chef Service

This recipe is part of my personal collection that I accumulated long before starting A la Maison Personal Chef Service. I copied it out of Country Living Magazine years ago and have made it many times since substituting [...]

Fruit Buying Guide – July 2009

Check out July’s Fruit Buying Guide and you will learn of a once in a decade deal on a real favorite, CHERRIES! Other fruits noted as timely and delicious are California nectarines, and most professional melon experts favorite melon, the Crenshaw! Be careful to avoid old plums, pluots and apricots. And you’ll learn to keep an eye out for the rare and delicious MANGO NECTARINE.

Fruit Buying Guide – June 2009

Read the June edition of the BFN Fruit Buying Guide and celebrate the arrival of fresh locally grown berries, Flavorosa pluots and the long awaited New Crop of grapes! Read on to learn how to navigate the many produce departments armed with landmines of antique and immature fruits. Finally explore the arrival of Golden Kiwi and the only healthy DONUT, the Donut PEACH!

Tropical Fruit Salsa

Source: A la Maison Personal Chef Service

1 medium pineapple, peeled and diced 4 ripe kiwi, peeled and diced 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped Juice of 1 lime 2 Tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped

In large bowl combine diced pineapple, kiwi and jalapeño. Toss with lime juice and fresh cilantro. Chill at least 2 hours; stir well [...]