SUGAR SNAP PEA SALAD

Seamus Mullen’s Hero Food: How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better by Seamus Mullen

(Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2012, $35)

As soon as sugar snaps show up at the farmers’ market, I’m instantly happy. Sweet, crisp, snappy and sugary! This salad is all about the sugar snaps, with a pinch of Aleppo pepper for heat, some fresh ricotta cheese for richness and texture, and edible flowers for color. It comes together easily, looks gorgeous, and is oh so easy to love.

• 1 pound fresh sugar snap peas
• 1 bunch radishes
• 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• A few leaves fresh peppermint
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil to taste
• Pinch Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
• Handful of edible flowers, such as pea blossoms or nasturtiums

With a sharp knife, trim the tips of the sugar snap peas on both ends, remove the strings if they bother you, and cut some in half lengthwise. Blanch the sugar snaps quickly, just about 30 seconds and shock in ice water. Slice the radishes thinly into coin shapes or half-moons. Combine the peas, radishes, cheese, and peppermint in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the lemon juice and olive oil. Serve with a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper and garnish of edible flowers. Serves 4.

2011 BUTTER CHARDONNAY BY JAM CELLARS

The name of this wine tells you everything you need to know. Everyone loves butter, especially when it’s flavoring Chardonnay. At a price like this, butter tastes especially good; the wine retails for under $15 a bottle (normally a wine of this caliber is closer to $30).
Butter Chardonnay is made by Jam Cellars, which is part of John Anthony wines – known for making very expensive and highly allocated wines. John Anthony is also part of the famous Turchard winemaking family, earning him an amazing winemaking pedigree.
This particular Chardonnay is double fermented, which is why the flavor is so “buttery.” It has incredible creaminess on the palate, smooth oak nuances and a fabulous finish. You will also taste some tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and honeydew. Give Butter Chardonnay a try this summer – with its outstanding flavors and reasonable price, you won’t be disappointed!

— Richard Righton
Owner, Bidwell Street Bistro in Folsom