Recipe: Rosemary Lobster Fricassé

This recipe comes to us courtesy of Chef Philippe Ruiz of the Palme d’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. Rosemary, while capable of overpowering a dish, here gives the fricassé a subtle flavor, then is removed before the delicate flavor balance of the dish is thrown off. You may substitute whatever vegetables are freshest, but be sure to choose tender “baby” vegetables.

gilded fork, food, food writing, recipes, rosemary, lobster, Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

Cocktails: Ever After

Rosemary, named 'dew of the sea' by Pliny the Elder, symbolized love, loyalty, friendship and remembrance. Its forest-like scent seduces even the mythical elves, and forms the heart of this elixir. Orange blossom honey and matcha (Japanese green tea powder) are woven into this understated tapestry, while the classic peach bitters and smoothest vodka complete the encounter. Fall in love with "Ever After". See Damian Sim's inspiration for this recipe here.


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Recipe: Roman-Style Leg of Lamb with Orzo

While we love to create new recipes to showcase our featured ingredients, there are certain classic preparations that bring our taste buds to life. This is a classic roast leg of lamb with an Italian twist. The lamb is roasted with garlic, anchovies, fennel onions and tomatoes, and while the lamb sits, orzo is baked in the pan juices. Che buon gusto!

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Recipe: Rosemary and Honey Roasted Pears

When it comes to simple desserts, there are few things as comforting and satisfying as warm pears. Don't be deceived by the simplicity of this recipe; treated to a simple roasting, this is an elegant and flavorful way to enjoy them. Fragrant sprigs of sweet rosemary add a wonderful, yet unusually aromatic and peppery flavor to an otherwise ordinary dessert. This is also a perfect dessert for effortless entertaining -- just prepare ahead of time and pop into the oven to roast while enjoying your main course. Buy firm pears, as they maintain their shape best with heat.


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The Main Ingredient - Rosemary: The Scent of Inspiration

Herbs have been valued for centuries for their culinary, medicinal and decorative purposes. Though they may look to some like common weeds, their delicious, evocative scents lure passers-by just as gardenias woo honeybees. What passionate woman (or man) wouldn't love to be greeted with a bouquet of basil or thyme? Or better yet, a wreath of rosemary which not only pleases the eye with its beautiful blue-grey flowers and the nose with its spicy, sweet, singular scent, but most of all pleases the mind with its symbolic qualities: Rosemary represents friendship, love and fidelity -- and possesses far more character than a simple rose.

Like other long-beloved foodstuffs, rosemary has inspired a certain amount of rumor and superstition. Brides carry rosemary for a long and happy marriage; sleeping with rosemary under your pillow is supposed to ward off bad dreams; the scent of rosemary is believed to be a memory aide; and carrying rosemary on your person was believed to ward off evil in medieval times. In fact, recent studies have suggested that rosemary may actually help you remember things. As for warding off evil? We can't be sure, but tuck a few sprigs of rosemary wrapped in gauze into your sock drawer, and they will certainly ward off evil aromas. (read more)


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