By Chef Amethyst Ganaway
Braised cabbage is a South Carolina favorite side dish, but often it can be made with fatty and salted meats like bacon, ham hocks, or sausage to help flavor it. This recipe is meatless but full of flavor. The cabbage is sweet and mild on its own, but the radicchio adds a bit of bitterness (which can be neutralized by adding a cap full of apple cider vinegar if you’d like) and color, and the butter adds richness and fat as the meat would have. This recipe could also easily be halved if you’d like a smaller portion.
Fennel is beloved by chefs and a bit daunting to home cooks, but don’t let the anise- or licorice-like flavor scare you. When roasted, fennel caramelizes and takes on a new, rich and slightly sweet flavor. Paired with quail, this dish feels decadent and even a little fancy, but it’s one that’s easy to make. This recipe is super simple and can be adapted to put on cornish hens, chicken, and even fish. By adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano or dry seasonings like a poultry blend, you can enjoy fennel in a way that’s subtle and not overpowering. If you’re looking for quail, check out South Carolina quail farm Manchester Farms, which is available in grocery stores across the state.
Quick pickled blueberries are a bright twist on traditional pickles, offering a burst of tangy sweetness that complements a variety of dishes. This simple recipe requires only five ingredients: fresh blueberries, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and fresh thyme. The vibrant combination of blueberries and apple cider vinegar creates a balanced flavor profile, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the natural tartness of the berries. Fresh thyme infuses a subtle herbal note, making these pickled blueberries a versatile addition to cheese boards, salads, or as a garnish for cocktails. Ready in just a few minutes, this easy recipe transforms ordinary blueberries into a unique, flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire that’s sure to impress.
This Snap Pea and Roasted Radish Herb Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Crisp, sweet snap peas provide the perfect contrast to the slight bite of breakfast radishes, which become mellow and slightly caramelized when lightly roasted. The combination of fresh herbs—thyme, mint, and flat-leaf parsley—adds layers of brightness and complexity, while a simple dressing of local olive oil, lemon juice, and zest ties everything together with a touch of citrusy freshness. A sprinkle of chili flakes gives just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the natural sweetness of the peas and radishes.
This salad is as versatile as it is simple. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or roasted chicken, but it can also stand alone as a light, refreshing side. The balance of warm and cool elements makes it a great dish for transitioning between seasons—perfect for early spring when radishes are at their peak or late summer when herbs are abundant. Plus, with minimal effort and a short ingredient list, it’s a dish that highlights how a few high-quality, fresh ingredients can create something truly delicious. Serve it immediately to enjoy the best textures and flavors. This salad is great on its own or paired with grilled seafood or roasted chicken.
When you’re buying mushrooms, look for ones that are firm and dry with no slimy spots. Skip any containers with a bunch of condensation because they’ll spoil quicker. To clean them, don’t rinse them. Mushrooms soak up water fast. Just wipe them down with a damp towel or use a soft brush to get rid of any dirt. Store them in a paper bag or a container lined with paper towels to keep them dry and fresh.
Traditional Chicken Marsala usually has a flour-coated chicken breast and a buttery, wine-forward mushroom sauce. This version keeps the soul of the dish but skips the gluten and, optionally, the dairy. Use boneless thighs for more flavor, cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and olive oil or dairy-free butter to round it out. Still cozy and rich, just a little lighter and allergy-friendly.
