Savor the Seasons: Late Summer Delights by Chef Rommel Ochoa

As the warmth of summer slowly gives way to the crisp embrace of fall, our Executive Chef, Rommel Ochoa, has crafted a trio of exquisite dishes that celebrate this beautiful transition. With a deep appreciation for seasonal ingredients, Chef Rommel brings together the best of both seasons in these late summer recipes. Whether you’re holding onto the last rays of summer or eagerly anticipating the fall, these dishes will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad: A Fresh Farewell to Summer

There’s no better way to savor the end of summer than with a dish that’s as vibrant and fresh as the season itself. Chef Rommel’s Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is a celebration of simple yet bold flavors. Juicy, fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes are paired with creamy buffalo mozzarella and fragrant basil, all brought together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a salad that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 1-3 oz fresh heirloom tomato
• 1 – 8oz buffalo mozzarella cheese
• ½ oz fresh basil
• 2 oz balsamic vinegar
• 2 oz extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh crushed black pepper to taste
• Pinch of fine sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice the tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella into ¼-inch slices.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating between the two.
3. Chiffonade the basil and sprinkle it over the top.
4. Whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to emulsify, then drizzle over the salad.
5. Finish with a garnish of freshly crushed black pepper and sea salt.

Stanley Tucci’s Veal Bolognese: A Hearty Welcome to Fall

As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a hearty dish to warm you from the inside out. Stanley Tucci’s Veal Bolognese, expertly recreated by Chef Rommel, is the perfect dish to mark the changing seasons. This rich and savory pasta dish features tender ground veal, a fragrant vegetable sofrito, and is finished with a generous shaving of parmesan cheese. Served over pappardelle pasta, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients for 1 serving:

• 5 oz ground veal
• 2 oz pancetta
• ½ oz chopped garlic
• 2 oz fresh finely chopped onions
• 2 oz finely chopped carrots
• 1 oz finely chopped celery
• ½ tsp thyme, rosemary, and parsley
• ½ oz olive oil & ½ oz butter
• 1 tsp flour
• 1 oz veal stock
• Sea salt & fresh crushed pepper to taste
• Pappardelle pasta
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the sofrito (onions, celery, garlic, carrots, and herbs) in olive oil and butter until lightly browned.
2. Add pancetta and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add ground veal and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute before adding the veal stock and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and toss with the veal Bolognese sauce.
6. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Traditional Mascarpone Tiramisu: A Sweet End to the Evening

No meal is complete without a little something sweet, and Chef Rommel’s Traditional Mascarpone Tiramisu is the perfect way to end this culinary experience. This classic Italian dessert combines the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese with the bold flavors of espresso and a hint of spice from rum. Layered with delicate ladyfingers and dusted with cocoa powder, this tiramisu is a luxurious treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients for 1 serving:

• 4 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 oz cream cheese
• ½ oz spice rum
• 1 tsp shaved vanilla bean
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 12-pack ladyfingers
• 1 oz cocoa powder
• Mint and berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whip the cream cheese and heavy cream together, then mix in the shaved vanilla bean.
2. Fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
3. Mix the espresso coffee and rum together in a separate bowl.
4. Lay the ladyfingers on a flat pan and moisten them with the espresso and rum mixture.
5. Sprinkle cocoa powder over the ladyfingers, then cover with a layer of mascarpone mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process 2-3 times, ending with a final dusting of cocoa powder.
7. Garnish with fresh mint and berries before serving.

Indulge in these late summer creations and bring the warmth and richness of the season to your table. Each dish is a celebration of the flavors that make this time of year so special. So, gather your ingredients, try these recipes, and savor the magic of a season in transition. Click HERE to learn more about our Kensington Dining Services.