I have my child to thank for this cucumber sandwich. Their obsession with cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches started the idea, and my love of flavored cream cheeses followed. This easy, fresh summer sandwich is perfect for picnics, road trips, or a quick lunch at home. The layers of the cucumber sandwich When making fresh […] The post Cucumber Sandwich with Charred Scallion Cream Cheese appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

While blistered shishito peppers seemingly peaked in 2017, these small snacking peppers will always have a place in my kitchen. They are fun to eat, an easy canvas for flavor exploration, and a pure joy to grow (compared to all the other peppers I'm so patiently waiting to deepen in color).  Why I adore Blistered […] The post Blistered Shishito Peppers with Fennel-Buckwheat Sprinkle appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of soggy hash browns. It’s sad to be excited for some crispy breakfast potatoes only to get a soggy bite. Because of this disappointment, I’ve spent much time perfecting my crispy hash browns.  Crispy hash browns, every time The potato type If you’ve tried your hand at […] The post Crispy Hash Browns with Chile-Fried Egg appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

Through the end of May and into June, garden production can be slim as the transition to summer produce begins. Many of the cooler-weather spring vegetables have thrown their hands up and bolted, while the summer produce still needs a few hotter days. However, luckily for us, the tomato plant is a giver, even early […] The post Fried Green Tomato Wraps appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

When balancing meals, I always have a fresh component to balance some richer dishes. While this role typically lands with lettuce-based salads, I'll occasionally mix it up to highlight other produce. Cucumber, celery, or an avocado salad, such as this recipe, keeps meals fresh and delightful.  Avocado salad While salad may be a loose term […] The post Avocado Salad With Vinegar-Butter + Sesame appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

One of the most significant changes to our lives over the years has been evening activities with our child, which has meant less time for making dinner. While it's been a shift, I've come to rely heavily on filling items that freeze well, including dumplings, soups, and filled pasta such as this kabocha ravioli.  Kabocha... The post Kabocha Ravioli with Chile-Lemon Butter appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

When it comes to flavorful finishes for vegetables, nothing quite compares to compound butter. This little bit of fat, which can also be a vessel for salt, heat, spices, alliums, or acid, can take an average dish and make it unique within 60 seconds—my current obsession: this chile-lemon butter.  Compound butter, two ways Typically, compound... The post Chile-Lemon Butter | Component Cooking appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

While I adore and use as many vegetables as possible, I have a handful of ones I turn to more often, primarily because they grow well, and I love them with many flavors. During the summer, romano beans come front and center. These flat and large runner beans are gorgeous and are easily the star... The post Tofu Cutlets with Charred Romano Beans appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

A certain kind of magic happens when you combine vegetables with a bit of binding and fry them until golden and crisp. Think of a solid okonomiyaki with cabbage, a hearty potato latke, a crispy pakora, or these delightful corn fritters. The combination always hits the spot.  MY CORN FRITTER CRITERIA While I’ll gladly eat... The post CHEDDAR CORN FRITTERS WITH BASIL MAYO appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more

Mayo is a newer condiment to my repertoire, but I can’t seem to get enough now. Mayo helps create creamy dressings, spreads, and dips. And while I’ll usually make a homemade version, I also adore just gussying up a bit of premade mayonnaise. The easiest way to do this is to add a bit of... The post Basil Mayo | Cooking Component appeared first on Naturally Ella ..read more