Best Fruit Now

Balsamic Pork with Grapes

Source: Based on recipe Slow-Braised Pork with Black Grapes and Balsamic in Bon Appétit, October 2005. Modified by Chef Melissa, A la Maison Personal Chef Service.

1 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder (picnic shoulder), trimmed, cut into 3 equal pieces
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
8 large shallots, halved, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 3 [...]

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 [...]

Peach Gazpacho

Source: Bucks County Courier Times, August 23, 2006; modified by Chef Melissa, A la Maison Personal Chef Service

This recipe was given to me by a client who hired me to cook for a surprise anniversary dinner for him and his wife. It’s best suited for summer (August) when peaches are at their peak [...]

French Toast with Blueberry Syrup

Source: Gourmet, June 1999; modified by Chef Melissa, A la Maison Personal Chef Service

This recipe originally appeared in the June 1999 issue of Gourmet magazine. I prefer not to strain the syrup. I’ve also used the syrup, unstrained, as a sweet sauce over savory grilled chicken.

24-inch baguette 6 large eggs 3 cups whole milk 1/2 [...]

Fruit Buying Guide – April 2009

April brings us many bumper crops of quality fruit coupled with great pricing! First mention goes to California Strawberries, be sure to catch the smoothie video and also the dinner party recipe for a fresh strawberry Daiquiri! Next is the sweet and juicy Bartlett pear, at its peak of flavor NOW! Repeating a starring role this month is the Navel orange, soon to be finito! So enjoy them NOW! Also in the BFN “limelight” are Key limes, Haden and Kent mangoes, Autumn Royal and Japanese Concord grapes, aka Kyohos. Did you know Mexicans often squeeze lime atop their sliced mango? Do you cut a mango like a “chicano” or a “gringo”? Avoid Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo mangoes and touch a peach and we will make you wear the shameful fruit dunce cap!