Parsnip and Apple Soup with Parmesan-Chive Foam...

This was one of Princess Diana’s favorite dishes. Her personal chef, Darren McGrady, made it for her many, many times. It has the right balance between silky, earthy parsnip flavor and the taste of sweet/tart apple that comes through. Make time to prepare the garnish; it turns a good soup into a great one. Serves 4 For the SOUP 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1pound parsnips, peeled and chopped 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled...

BLACKBERRY PIE SUNDAES...

All the wonderful flavors and textures of summer berry pie a la mode in an ice cream sundae. For a casual party, offer the individual components buffet style and let guests make their own. Serves 8 4 ½-pint baskets fresh blackberries (about 5½ cups) 1 cup orange juice ¾ cup sugar 2 teaspoons grated orange peel ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 7.25-ounce package shortbread cookies (such as Pepperidge Farm Chessmen) coarsely...

TOMATO FENNEL SALAD...

Ah, beautiful, ripe summer tomatoes. Tomatoes are at their peak and with a little luck you may be able to find beautiful Heirloom ones. These are tomatoes that look and taste like old-fashioned tomatoes of yesterday. Summer is also the best time to seek out local growers or Farmers Markets that are likely to have them. Serves 6-8 1½ pounds heirloom tomatoes 1 small fennel bulb 2 tablespoons good olive oil Zest of one small...

BUCATINI PASTA AL PESTO...

Summer! When the basil is growing fresh in your garden and the aroma is so very fragrant is the ideal time to make a great pesto. Bucatini is a larger, round spaghetti, which I love, but you can certainly use regular spaghetti as well. Serves 6 Good olive oil Kosher salt 1 pound Bucatini or regular spaghetti 1 to 1½ cups pesto (recipe follows) Splash some oil in a large pot of salted boiling water and add pasta. Cook the...

MANGO SALSA...

This salsa recipe hails from Nicarauga. It’s sweet, spicy, and chunky and is terrific with the Grilled Herb Shrimp. Makes 2 cups 2 tablespoons good olive oil 11/2 cups diced yellow onions (2 onions) 2 teaspoons peeled, minced fresh ginger 11/2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 ripe mangos, peeled, seeded, and small-diced 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly...