sjgourmet: Very French Radish Appetizer

I love cookbooks! One of my favorite set of cookbooks is by Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa. I love her refined simplicity. If I could choose any food network personality to emulate, it would be without a doubt her. ( my handsome hubby would definitely choose Alton Brown but that is a post for another day!)

Radishes are one of those very overlooked vegetables. They get carved as a garnish, thrown into a salad and occasionally get tossed in with Thai food.

In this lovely and very simple appetizer, the radish is the star.

Radish Appetizer

adapted from Barefoot Contessa Paris

Serves 4-6

1 bunch fresh radish

1/4 cup good sea salt

8 tbsp. very good European butter

1 baguette

Wash and peel the radishes, leave the tops on. (It makes the radish easier to grasp and looks beautiful) Place the room temperature butter and sea salt into separate bowls. Slice the baguette. Plate the salt and the radishes near one another. The butter and baguette next to one another.

To eat: Dip the fresh radish in the salt.Eat. Serve with baguettes slathered with butter.

10 comments:

Chef E said...: Oh yum, what a great summery idea!; May 16, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Tangled Noodle said...: This sounds really good (especially the part about buttered baguettes). 8-); May 16, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Donna-FFW said...: I also think the radish is underrated. This looks perfect for summer. Ina Gartens recipes never fail!; May 17, 2009 at 4:38 AM
Delectable Dining said...: This does sound like a perfect summer recipe... I love the tips you sprinkle through! :); May 17, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Mindy said...: I love this combination...the butter is soooo good with the radishes! And the French have a ton of different radishes to choose from, including a black one!; May 17, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Christy said...: I love radishes and am always glad when summer arrives to enjoy them in abundance. This recipe sounds wonderful!; May 17, 2009 at 8:36 AM
The Cooking Photographer said...: You make me want to run out and by all of Ina's books!

This is beautiful.; May 17, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Ksenia said...: Very French :)
I tried a real French bagette a year ago, in Paris: the most delicious thing I have tried in ages!! After trying it, I understood why French love so much their bagette, he he; May 17, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...: I'm crazy about Ina also. This appetizer is very French, which I love also.
Sam; May 19, 2009 at 3:51 AM
Anonymous said...: That is one of my favorite things to eat. I could eat it three times a day!; May 20, 2009 at 4:11 PM