Served at a luncheon for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, coronation chicken, or “Poulet Reine Elizabeth” as it was written on the official menu, is a dish of cold chicken coated in a creamy curry sauce. This is my textural vegan take, with cauliflower and chickpeas regally stepping in for the chicken. While classic recipes typically feature cream and mayonnaise in the sauce, I’ve lightened things up with coconut yogurt, which adds sweetness and a tropical tang that pairs well with the curry flavor. Greek yogurt works nicely, too, delivering more sour notes. Dried fruit is a common addition to “coronation-style” dishes, with some recipes calling for dried apricots or raisins; I’ve opted for the former (though you can use either), along with optional mango chutney for liveliness and subtle spice. This salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prep ahead; I recommend using leftovers to make a sandwich.
Everything I know about Indian cooking could fit on a strand of saffron. So I was thrilled when Niloufer Ichaporia King came to work with us at Chez Panisse, guiding us through the preparation of several traditional Parsi New Year’s feasts. It was the first time that I’d tasted such authentic and wonderfully aromatic Indian food. My favorite dish that Niloufer gave us a recipe for was a cake enrobed in a sheet of gold leaf, a stunning touch that lent the dessert a splendor worthy of a Bollywood musical. This is my version of that cake, but I left out the gold, since it’s not something you’re likely to have on hand. I did, however, brighten up the batter with vibrant green pistachios, which are more easily found in grocery stores than sheets of gold leaf and, honestly, more delicious to eat.
The appeal of this salad comes from its contrasting flavours and textures. Make this in midsummer, when the nectarines are ripened by the sun and the green beans are still tender. It is best served on a wide plate, rather than piled into a deep bowl.
This is a meatless riff on one of my all-time favorite sheet pan dinners: a spicy harissa-slathered chicken loaded with lemony leeks, crispy potatoes, and a salty, garlicky yogurt topping. Here, roasted cauliflower stands in for the poultry, and almonds are tossed in for crunch. Added bonus: without the chicken, this lively, highly festive meal comes together in a flash.
Glazed carrots are one of my favorite veggies. The earthy, sweet flavor balances nicely with the bright acidity of the Ginger, Lemon & Hibiscus Strainge Beast Hard Kombucha. Topped off with sliced almonds for a little crunch and you’ve got a delightful side dish to pair with a roast, chicken or turkey.
Sometimes the sauce makes the dish, and when you find a great one, it is worth having different preparations for the different seasons. We are evoking the spirit of tahini (one of our favourite sauces) with this, but making it with almonds in their skins, which brings a great nuttiness. We serve this at Honey & Smoke with peaches in summer, pears in autumn and sweet potatoes in winter. Spring is reserved for green vegetables and they don’t really work with this almond tahini, so we make a special, luxurious pistachio version instead to drizzle over grilled spring greens, dressed with lots of lime juice.
This set-it-and-forget-it dessert is easy to make, and a perfect surprise for friends. We like to eat these frozen banana pops on ice pop sticks, but if you don’t have any, you can just use your hands—it’ll be messier, but every bit as tasty. After you’ve dipped the bananas in their chocolate shell, feel free to get creative with the toppings and decorations. We love the combination of crushed pistachios and chopped freeze-dried strawberries, but anything that adds crunch and color would be up for the task!
Raw broccoli is a powerhouse salad ingredient, and covering it in yogurt dressing makes for a match made in heaven.
Florentines are pretty little lacy cookies, studded with sliced almonds and dipped in chocolate. These were in my childhood cookbook and I could not make enough of them. They are so simple to make and yet so elegant. Give these to close friends and loved ones.