Appetizers and Starters

Toasted Almond Topping for Grilled Fruit
Once you've tried this topping you will find lots of other from grilled fish to salad to sprinkle it on.

Makes about 1/2 cup

Olive oil
2 slices day-old French bread, sliced about ½ inch thick
1 1/2 tablespoons almonds blanched and toasted*
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (use a zester not a grater)
1 small garlic clove
6 fresh mint leaves
Kosher salt

Candied Bourbon Bacon
Who can resist bacon especially when it is coated with brown sugar caramelized to a sweet lacquer? Plus there's a hint of bourbon and chili for a little kick. Serve it alone or with your favorite vanilla ice-cream.
Serves 6

1 pound sliced bacon, separated into strips (at least 3 strips per person, try not to use thick sliced bacon)
1 cup sucanat* or brown sugar
1 generous teaspoon ground hot pepper or chili like pepperoncini
½ cup (more or less) bourbon
PAM Spray

Preheat oven to 375°.

Tomatoes Filled with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
This is an elegant version of the classic Caprese salad. Basil vinaigrette is served in a Chinese porcelain spoon alongside each tomato.
Makes 6 servings.

Dressing
1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves, blanched*
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad
6 medium round tomatoes with stems still attached
2 7-ounce balls fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese, drained, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Curry Dip for Crudites
Everyone loves this, it is the first to disappear when I make this for a party. Enjoy with crudites this summer and a crisp cold glass of chardonnay.

Makes about 2 cups

1 1/2 cups whole milk yogurt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, like soy, peanut, or corn
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon your favorite curry powder
2 tablespoons sweet mango chutney, finely chopped
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 dashes Tabasco sauce, or to taste
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper