Cooking with Summer Fruit

Cooking instructor Lorie Fangio says you should capitalize on seasonal fruits to brighten up your dishes and add a punch of juicy flavor.

Fruit is abundant and is best in the summer months. It's packed with nutrients including antioxidants and fiber. Fruit also adds color and beauty to any dish. We eat first with our eyes. Add fruit to your favorite go-to recipe for a little variety.          


Berry Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

1 head of romaine lettuce washed and chopped
½ cup chopped strawberries
½ cup blue berries
½ cup raspberries
¼ cup pecans
2 ounces goat cheese
Vinaigrette
¼ cup raspberries
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 shallot
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

To make vinaigrette, place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until mixed well.  Assemble salad on 4-6 plates by placing a bed of greens on each one.  Sprinkle salads with remaining ingredients and add dressing just before serving.


Pork Chops with Fruit Salsa

1 ½-2 pounds pound pork chops
Marinade
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼  cup honey
1 clove garlic pressed
1 tablespoon Worchester sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon Tony Chachere's Creole salt
Salt and pepper to taste
Fruit Salsa
½ cup finely chopped strawberries
1 peach chopped
Corn cut from 1 ear
½ cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 tablespoon red onion chopped finely
1 small avocado diced
Zest and Juice of 1 small lime
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients except meat in a zip lock in a gallon zip top bag and mix well.  Add meat and marinade for 2-4 hours.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Remove chops from bag and place in baking dish, bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until pork chops internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees. Prepare salsa by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl.  Let stand a room temperature until time to serve.


Stone Fruit Chutney over Brie

1 8 ounce wedge of brie
1 cup pitted and diced cherries
1 nectarine chopped
1 plum chopped
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
The contents of 1 vanilla pod

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except cheese and let stand stirring occasionally for about 1 hour to allow sugar to dissolve and combine.