About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
Make the most of peak eggplant season with this savory, picnic-ready dish from Chef Tatiana. Inspired by Ottolenghi’s cauliflower cake, this summery twist swaps in tender, roasted eggplant—one of our favorite late-summer CSA staples. Packed with sweet peppers, fresh herbs, and plenty of Parmesan, it’s a satisfying, portable recipe that’s perfect for a midday park lunch or a sunset picnic with friends. Bonus: it’s just as delicious at room temperature, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for outdoor gatherings.
Summer’s in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Whether it’s a full picnic or just lunch on a sunny bench, being outdoors is a great reset during the workday.
To make it even better, here’s a fun, picnic-friendly recipe inspired by Ottolenghi’s famous cauliflower cake, but with a twist: I used eggplant instead (it’s in season and super flavorful right now).
This keeps well, is easy to carry, and tastes even better at room temp—perfect for a park lunch or a picnic with friends and family.
Eggplant Picnic Cake
by Chef Tatiana Iglesias
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for roasting and sautéing
1 onion, chopped (reserve a few rings for decoration)
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped parsley or basil (or a mix of both)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Procedure
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a round cake or loaf pan with parchment.
Roast or grill the eggplant slices until soft and golden.
Sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic in a little oil until soft.
In a big bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, herbs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix in the sautéed veggies.
Layer some eggplant at the bottom of the pan, pour in half the mix, layer more eggplant, then the rest of the mix, put the ring onions on the top.
Bake for about 40–45 minutes until golden and set. Let cool a bit before slicing.
More Recipes by Chef Tatiana Iglesias
Songbook Sundays: Jimmy Van Heusen
August 3, 5:00pm & 7:30pm
Experience an evening celebrating the timeless songs of Jimmy Van Heusen, one of the most prolific and celebrated composers in American music. Featuring classics made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and more, the set highlights his unforgettable melodies and collaborations with lyricists Johnny Burke and Sammy Cahn.
Ron Blake Scratch Band
August 13, 7:00pm & 9:00pm
Acclaimed Virgin Islands saxophonist Ron Blake returns to Dizzy’s Club with SCRATCH Band, a spirited new project that celebrates the vibrant musical traditions of his Caribbean roots. Joined by Reuben Rogers on bass and John Hadfield on percussion, Blake blends jazz with the infectious rhythms of traditional Virgin Islands scratch bands, creating a rich, acoustic sound full of soul and joy.
Nick Finzer Big Band
August 25, 7:00pm & 9:00pm
Trombonist and composer Nick Finzer brings bold energy and a fresh perspective to the big band tradition. Featuring an all-star ensemble of New York’s top emerging talent, this set honors the legacy of the jazz orchestra while offering a dynamic new voice for today.
First Friday at Poster House
August 1, 10:00am – 9:00pm
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6–9pm. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
About Chefs’ Choir®
A chorus of culinary voices from Great Performances—our chefs step out of the kitchen to share recipes, stories, and inspiration. Learn more →
When the summer heat hits, even professional chefs like Mike and Anastassia turn down the burners. In this Chefs’ Choir feature, the culinary couple—and proud parents to 7-month-old Mila—share their favorite low- and no-cook recipes, clever prep hacks, and baby-approved snacks to help you beat the heat without compromising flavor or family time.
“Who Wants to Turn on the Stove in July?”: A Chef Couple’s Guide to Beating the Heat with Baby in Tow
By Mike and Anastassia, aka Mom and Dad to 7-Month-Old Mila
We’re chefs. We love our kitchen. We live for that rush of heat from the oven and the crackle of something searing hot in a pan. But when July rolls around and our home already feels like a sauté pan by 9 a.m., even we say: no thanks.
This summer, with our daughter Mila hitting the 8-month milestone (and entering peak “grab everything off the counter” mode), we’re not about to crank up the oven or stand over a hot stove. And honestly, we don’t think anyone should have to. Whether you’re a new parent like us or just trying to survive the swelter, we’ve pulled together our favorite low- and no-cook recipes, snacks, and drinks—plus some chef-tested, baby-approved tips to help you stay cool without sacrificing flavor.
🥒 Crisp, Cool Meals
Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad
Toss cooked noodles (we make extra during a cooler morning and chill them) with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, shredded carrot, cucumber ribbons, and scallions. Top with cold rotisserie chicken or silken tofu.
Chef Tip: Use baby’s bath water warm-up time to thaw pre-cooked noodles or grains from the freezer. Efficiency is key.
Summer Rice Paper Rolls
Dip rice paper in water, fill with avocado, mango, lettuce, shrimp or tofu, and roll it all up. Serve with peanut dipping sauce or nuoc cham.
Chef Tip: Let kids get in on the rolling fun (once they’re older than Mila, of course). It’s like edible arts and crafts.
🍉 Snacks That Don’t Sweat You
Watermelon + Lime + Tajín
Chop and chill watermelon. Right before serving, hit it with lime juice and a sprinkle of Tajín. It’s juicy, cooling, and wakes up your mouth.
Cottage Cheese + Tomato + Everything Bagel Seasoning
We spread this on crackers or cucumber slices—no toaster or stovetop required.
Yogurt Bark with Berries
Spread Greek yogurt onto a sheet tray, swirl in honey, top with sliced berries and granola, freeze until firm, and break into shards.
Chef Tip: Freeze in bite-sized squares for one-handed snacking while bouncing a baby on your hip.
🍨 Sweets that Chill, Literally
No-Churn Banana Ice Cream
Blend frozen bananas with a splash of coconut milk and peanut butter until smooth. That’s it. It tastes like soft-serve, and Mila can even enjoy a tiny lick!
Mason Jar Cheesecake Cups
Mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple syrup. Layer with crushed graham crackers and fresh fruit in jars. Refrigerate for a cool, no-bake treat.
🧊 Drinks That Don’t Require a Degree in Mixology
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Blend cucumber, mint, lime juice, and a touch of honey with sparkling water over ice. Add a splash of gin for the adults if bedtime went well.
Cold Brew “Affogato”
Pour cold brew over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dessert and caffeine fix, all in one.
Chef Tip: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to keep drinks cold without watering them down.
☀️ Bonus Heat Hacks from Two Sweaty Chefs and One Cute Baby
- Soak your wrists in a bowl of ice water while prepping your no-cook dish. Instant body-cooler.
- Do your prep in the morning when it’s cooler and your baby is (hopefully) in a good mood.
- Keep a chilled washcloth in the fridge for baby (and you!) to cool down mid-afternoon.
- Freeze fruit puree in silicone molds for homemade baby popsicles. Mila loves frozen peach and pear!
This season, don’t sweat it—literally. Whether you’re a parent navigating solids for the first time, or just trying to avoid turning your kitchen into a sauna, low- and no-cook meals can still be deeply satisfying. We’re learning that simplicity, creativity, and a good blender go a long way in the summer heat. Stay cool, eat well, and hug your little ones a little tighter—preferably somewhere near the air conditioner.
With love (and extra fans),
Anastassia, Mike & Baby Mila
More Recipes by Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel and Chef Mike Deuel
We're delighted to share our latest digital cookbook, Cooking with Katchkie.
A collection of 10 mouthwatering recipes—from sides and dressings to main dishes—these dishes will make your summer gatherings and backyard barbecues pop.
Created by our culinary team, the recipes showcase condiments from the Katchkie Pantry, a line of house-made favorites crafted from grown and foraged produce. These condiments bring an extra layer of flavor to already delicious ingredients. We’re also sharing the recipes for the condiments themselves, so you can make them at home—or feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought versions and make them your own.
Enjoy the recipes, and let us know what you create—we’d love to see your photos!
And as always, we’re here to help you plan your next event, whether it’s at one of our stunning venues or in your own backyard.
🍴 Check out our cookbook below
Check out the recipes from our pantry
Explore what’s happening this month across the Bronx—from outdoor concerts and art festivals to family paddles and open mics. Scroll by venue to find your favorite neighborhood spots or discover somewhere new.
Al Quiñones Playground (NYC Parks)
Concert: Son Del Monte
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Details: Led by veteran timbalero Manuel Rivera, Son Del Monte delivers high-energy salsa with a signature blend of charanga elegance and conjunto punch. A must-see for Latin music lovers.
Boogie Down Grind
Open Mic Wednesdays
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free for audience members
Location: 868 Hunts Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10474
Details: Join a vibrant weekly open mic featuring live music, spoken word, and more. Come to perform or enjoy the show while sipping on drinks and supporting local talent.
Bronx Brewery
Salsa Pa’ La Cultura: 2025 Live Concert Summer Series
Date: Friday, July 25
Time: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Band at 9:00 PM)
Cost: $16.50 – $31.00
Location: 856 E 136th St, Bronx, NY
Details: The Salsa Project and License to Love bring their summer concert series to the Bronx Brewery backyard. Expect top NYC salsa bands, DJs, dancing, and craft beer.
👉 Event & Tickets
Bronx Documentary Center (BDC)
Opening Reception: 8th Annual Latin American Foto Festival
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: BDC Annex, 364 E 151st St, Bronx, NY 10455
Details: This annual festival features powerful photography from emerging and established Latin American artists. Work will be exhibited across the South Bronx and beyond through August 3.
Bronx River Alliance
Bronx River City of Water Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Starlight Park, 1490 Sheridan Blvd, Bronx, NY 10459
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate our waterfront with arts, music, foraged teas, drumming, plant walks, and a climate justice paddle. Registration required for canoe activities.
👉 Event Info + Paddle Sign-Up
Guided Lake Paddle
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Mitsubishi River Walk (Bronx Zoo)
Cost: Free (registration required)
Details: A calm, family-friendly canoe tour along the Bronx River. Includes paddling equipment and safety orientation.
👉 Register Here
Mott Haven Library (NYPL)
Author Talk: Myriam J. A. Chancy in Conversation
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 321 E 140th St, Bronx, NY 10454
Cost: Free
Details: Meet award-winning author Myriam J. A. Chancy as she discusses her acclaimed novel Village Weavers and shares insights on writing and culture.
NYC Parks
Movies Under the Stars: Justice League vs. Teen Titans
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Play Area in Willis Playground, Willis Ave, Bronx, NY 10454
Cost: Free
Details: Watch your favorite heroes take on supernatural villains in this animated adventure. Bring a blanket and enjoy family-friendly fun under the stars.
Note: Canceled in the event of severe weather. No glass or alcohol permitted.
Van Cortlandt Park
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
Date: Sunday, July 13
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center
Cost: Free
Details: Learn essential survival skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and water sourcing in this Urban Park Rangers program. Great for adventurers and outdoor beginners alike.
Wave Hill
Sunset Wednesdays: Live Music on the Lawn
Dates: Wednesdays, July 9 – August 6
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Wave Hill Great Lawn
Cost: Premium admission in effect 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Details: Enjoy a picnic and stunning views of the Hudson while listening to live music performances in a relaxed garden setting.
This Month’s Feature: July 9 – Allison Miller
Wild at Night: Evening Nature Encounters
Dates: Fridays, July 11 – August 1
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Registration encouraged
Details: Explore the nocturnal side of Wave Hill with programs focused on bats, fireflies, and other night creatures. For ages 12+, accompanied by an adult.
4th of July
Spend your holiday with us! We’re open 11 am to 8 pm on Friday, July 4. We’re collecting brief birthday messages to America: Visit our first-floor Smith Gallery and write a note telling us what your hopes are for the United States and our democracy. And don’t forget: We’ll be hosting a half-day of family activities for all ages, including old-fashioned ice-cream making and sing-alongs. Kids ages 17 and under get free admission!
New York Historical Summer
We’re celebrating the summer with live music during pay-as-you wish admission hours on Fridays, July 11, 18, and 25! Swing by our restaurant Clara for a special menu of select wine, beer, and cocktails; and hear old-school jazz starting at 5:30 pm from Michael Hashim’s trio.
West Side Fest
July 11 – 13
Join a three-day celebration with free admission to some of the best of the West Side at West Side Fest.
Poster House will be participating with a variety of activations, workshops and tours.
Sunset Wednesdays 2025
Wed, Jul 9–Aug 6 7:00PM – 8:00PM
Registration Encouraged
Wave Hill’s annual summer tradition is back, bringing five exciting performances Wednesday evenings to our Great Lawn! Pack a picnic and bring your favorite blanket or chair for an unforgettable summer evening as the sun sets over the Hudson. Delectable food and drinks also available for purchase. Premium admission is in effect from 4PM to 8PM each Sunset Wednesday.
Wild at Night: Evening Nature Encounters
Fri, Jul 11–Aug 1 8:00PM – 10:00PM
Registration Encouraged
After the sun sets, Wave Hill belongs to the creatures of the night. Bats, fireflies, katydids, and more emerge from their daytime slumber to animate the grounds far from human eyes and ears. The Garden is open late for all visitors until 8PM. Exclusive evening programs for ages 12 and older welcome with an adult.
AVP
Dates & Times
Saturday, July 19 – 6pm to 10pm ET
Doors Open at 5pm ET
Sunday, July 20 – 12pm to 4pm ET
Doors Open at 11am ET
Event Details
Week 6 of the 2025 League Season takes the AVP to the Big Apple.
Tickets for this iconic venue in Central Park are limited and on sale now.
Schedule of Play:
- Saturday, July 19th:
6pm – Austin Aces v New York Nitro – Women’s Match - 7pm – Austin Aces v New York Nitro – Men’s Match
- 8pm – Palm Beach Passion v San Diego Smash – Women’s Match
- 9pm – Palm Beach Passion v San Diego Smash – Men’s Match
Sunday, July 20th:
- 12pm – Palm Beach Passion v Austin Aces – Women’s Match
- 1pm – San Diego Smash v New York Nitro – Men’s Match
- 2pm – Palm Beach Passion v Austin Aces – Men’s Match
- 3pm – San Diego Smash v New York Nitro – Women’s Match
An inside look at this show-stopping celebration from the GP team
When we got the call that we’d be catering a Beyoncé-themed wedding weekend in New York City, we knew we were in for something special. And when Amanda DiUglio, our Senior Event Director and in-house wedding planning expert, heard about the couple’s choreographed first dance? “Pure excitement!” she recalls. “Once we heard of the choreographed first dance, we fell in love even more with the couple.”
The multi-day celebration was featured in Brides, and we were honored to be part of the magic. With events that spanned venues and vibes, the weekend was full of joy, glamour, and delicious moments — from personalized cocktails to creative service touches that made the couple’s vision come to life.
Personalized Touches and Signature Sips
From the custom Pink Pony cocktail to tray-passed hors d’oeuvres served on bespoke inserts featuring the couple’s logo, every detail of the catering experience was crafted to reflect their style and story. “They created a logo for the wedding and we were able to pull in little touches throughout the celebration,” Amanda notes. These thoughtful, personalized elements are part of what makes wedding catering not just memorable, but meaningful.
Seamless Collaboration Across Time Zones
With the couple living in England, collaboration was key — and working with planner Lauren was a dream. “Lauren is an exceptional planner and very collaborative in her approach,” says Amanda. “Since the couple lived in England, we worked hand in hand with her to make sure their vision came to life. So when the clients were in town, we were able to quickly and efficiently make decisions and bring it all together.”
That kind of trust and communication is what allows us to navigate the complexities of multi-day, multi-venue events — and to do it with grace and good humor.
Hospitality That Hits All the Right Notes
From the first moment to the final toast, our team was focused on warm, professional hospitality and impeccable service. While there wasn’t a major behind-the-scenes challenge to report — “the night was really smooth!” Amanda shared — it’s a testament to our planning, preparation, and partnership with the full vendor team.
We’re thrilled to see this extraordinary celebration spotlighted in Brides, and we’re so proud of the role Amanda and our team played in bringing it to life.
Planning @cherish.events
Photography @larisashorinaphotography
Couple @mattdavisnospace @cg261
Venue @thebordonelic
Florals @fernbotanica
Beauty @marcisaucedonyc
Catering @gpfood
Rentals @rentpatina @atlaspartyrentals
Ceremony musician @najahmoeser
Entertainment @elegantmusicgroup
Lighting @universallightandsound
Meet Jason: The Creative Mind Helping Great Performances Events Come to Life
At any Great Performances event, you’ll find beauty in the details—from thoughtful signage to imaginative food displays and custom design elements that transform spaces into immersive experiences. Behind much of that magic is Jason, a member of GP’s in-house design team. We sat down with him to talk about how his team brings events to life, what craftsmanship means in their work, and why collaboration is everything.
Tell us a bit about the design team—who you are and what you do at Great Performances.
GP’s design team is a group of creative individuals that work to help elevate Great Performances’ food, events, and venues through thoughtful and meaningful visuals. We provide events with a large breadth of brand and printed customization, as well as fun ideas to elevate the look and aesthetic of our food presentation when there isn’t another event designer involved.
How do you approach design for each event? What’s your starting point?
Every event is different, and that’s what makes them so fun! As such, the approach often varies as well. When we get an event brief, the first thing we like to do is have a kick-off meeting to make sure we’re all on the same page and have aligned goals and expectations. From there, we go through an ideation phase and try to define the overall feel and aesthetic behind the event. After the vision and mood boards are aligned, we define the design details and make sure all design elements are sorted and accounted for.
What about challenges? Are there any standout events where your team had to get especially creative?
We solve design challenges by dividing and conquering and playing to our strengths. Not everyone can be great at everything, so knowing who should take the lead on which parts of a project is crucial to our success.
How do you collaborate with the Event Directors, Event Producers, and clients?
We utilize forms to get notified about upcoming events and gather preliminary information. Following the initial “event design order,” we embark on a series of conversations—many in person—to capture continued event planning and changes. I find in-person or phone conversations to be so much more productive. There’s so much information that you can get through voice inflection and gestures that can’t be conveyed in an email.
What’s the creative exchange like with the chefs, floral designers, or venue teams? Can you walk us through a recent collaboration that brought a vision to life?
GrowNYC is a nonprofit providing essential sustainability services and opportunities to make NYC a greener city. At their gala this year, we were asked to build a farmer’s market stand that would display and provide the donated vegetables that guests were invited to take home at the end of the evening. It was beautifully photographed and perfectly conveyed the message and atmosphere we aimed to create: an inviting, plentiful, and authentic farmer’s market experience. What made it especially meaningful was the collaborative effort behind it. We were able to take our client’s idea and the beautiful produce of local farmers to create an abundant display of food that perfectly captured GrowNYC’s mission.
What does craftsmanship mean to you in the context of event design?
Craftsmanship means care, intention, and precision in the details—both big and small. It’s the collaboration of going beyond just making something look good; it’s about creating a thoughtful experience that feels unified and elevated from every angle. From fabricating custom pieces, designing signage, or finding a long enough extension cord—it shows up in the quality of execution and the impact it leaves not only on the client, but on the guests and staff.
How do you balance aesthetics with practicality, especially for large-scale or high-pressure events?
Balancing aesthetics with practicality means understanding limitations and knowing when to say no if something isn’t feasible, while always proposing alternative solutions to meet the vision halfway. At the end of the day, we feed people. Our designs must serve the function of getting food into people’s hands. If a design can’t do that, then it needs to be modified. Design must always serve function and work for the benefit of the food, the event, our chefs, and our guests. For large-scale or high-pressure events, we take time to review every detail, plan, and order extra materials to ensure that the overall experience exceeds everyone’s expectations. By thinking beyond just design and focusing on functionality, along with clear communication and collaboration, we ensure the event is a success.
How important are visuals—like sketches, mockups, or renderings—in your process and in telling the story of the event?
Incorporating visuals is a key component, as they clearly communicate how the result will look while ensuring all elements fit and harmonize within the space. They’re also a valuable tool during planning, making it easier to gather feedback from other teams and refine both the functionality and aesthetic of the overall design.
Do you work closely with the photographer or marketing team to capture your work? What kinds of photos make you proudest?
GP has an excellent internal marketing team that works tirelessly to go to and photograph as many of our events as possible, in addition to making sure those photos are of the highest quality. They make sure we have an online presence that visually tells GP’s story and showcases the incredible and vast catalog of events and venues that all of GP’s teams work so hard to create.
How does your team embody the values of Great Performances—creativity, sustainability, and excellence?
Our team brings events to life with creative, thoughtful ideas that leave a lasting wow factor as we stay up-to-date with current trends and personalization. Sustainability is always on our minds, whether it’s choosing eco-friendly materials, reusing elements from past events, or using our scrap paper as sketching and writing materials. We strive for excellence—always thinking about the details and making sure every piece feels intentional and well-executed. We want the work to feel not just beautiful, but meaningful.
What makes the GP design experience different from what clients might find elsewhere?
Our level of collaboration, creativity, and care we bring to every detail is different from the rest. We design beyond looks—we think about the impact, flow, and functionality. Our team works closely with clients and other departments to understand their vision, then brings it to life in a way that feels thoughtful and specifically curated for them.
What do clients most appreciate about the design team’s contributions to their events?
Our clients know that when they hire GP, they will get great food and great service. People love beautiful things, and I think that our clients really appreciate when we can deliver something that is highly visual, impactful, and interesting on top of what they know they are already going to get when working with Great Performances.
What’s inspiring you and your team these days? Are there any new trends or materials that have caught your attention?
I’m very excited about 3D printing and the world of opportunities that that technology unlocks. In addition, the design industry is making so many huge strides in sustainable materials and how to manufacture them in more responsible ways.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about what goes into exceptional event design?
We wish more people understood how much thought, teamwork, and time go into event design. It’s more than making things look pretty—we are carefully planning, refining, and collaborating behind the scenes. Food and station designs take a lot of time and attention to detail to make sure they not only taste amazing but also look beautiful, fit the theme, and are functional. Every detail is thought out and intentional.
Is there an upcoming project you’re especially excited about?
We’re really excited about some of our upcoming holiday parties. It’s an annual event for most companies, but this year we’ll be choosing new themes and finding ways to bring fresh energy and creativity. The projects will involve collaboration with many vendors and include lots of interactive features designed to engage guests of all ages, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
Stay tuned to see more of Jason’s work at upcoming events, or follow along on our blog and social media to catch the latest behind-the-scenes stories from the Great Performances team.
Each summer, as Katchkie Farm comes into full bloom, we find ourselves asking the same question: how can we hold on to these fleeting flavors just a little longer?
The Katchkie Pantry is our answer.
It’s a collection of handcrafted condiments—each one made with ingredients grown or foraged with care, and preserved using timeless techniques like drying, confiting, fermenting, infusing, and simmering. These recipes reflect our deep connection to the land, our chefs’ creativity, and our belief that a single jar can carry a season’s worth of intention.
Some of these—like our beloved Katchkie Ketchup and Basil Salt—have been with us for years, gracing our cafés and gifting tables. Others, like Ramp Hot Sauce and Garlic Scape Marinade, are newer additions, born of collaboration and culinary curiosity. And our Bronx BBQ Sauce, adapted from a long-standing GP recipe, is a flavorful tribute to our current home in the Bronx.
We’re thrilled to share these recipes with you, and invite you to make them your own. Whether you’re bottling a sauce for your next gathering, sprinkling basil salt on roasted vegetables, or simply browsing for inspiration, we hope the Katchkie Pantry brings a taste of summer to your table.
🍴 Check out our cookbook:
👉 Cooking with Katchkie
Includes even more recipes that showcase these condiments in action.
Explore the Katchkie Pantry
Every summer, our basil grows in vibrant, fragrant abundance at Katchkie Farm. One of our favorite ways to preserve it is also one of the simplest: Basil Salt. This aromatic blend of dried basil and flaky salt is a finishing touch that transforms everything from eggs and tomatoes to grilled meats and cocktails.
Over the years, we’ve created variations with other herbs—thyme, rosemary, even lemon verbena—and gifted them to guests, clients, and friends. But basil remains our classic. It’s the essence of summer in a pinch, and a beautiful reminder that preservation doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Basil Salt is part of the Katchkie Pantry—a collection of handcrafted condiments made with ingredients grown or foraged with care, and preserved with purpose.
Basil Salt
Yield: Approximately 1.5 oz per batch (3 Tbsp salt + 1 tsp dried basil)
Ingredients
3 Tbsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
Ratio: 90% salt / 10% dried herb by volume. Multiply as needed.
Procedure
- If drying your own basil: bundle fresh basil and hang it upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. Once completely dry, crumble the leaves finely.
- Combine 3 parts salt with 1 part dried basil and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
Suggestions for Use
Sprinkle over sliced tomatoes, roasted vegetables, popcorn, or avocado toast. Use as a rub for grilled meats, or finish baked goods like shortbread or fruity desserts with a savory twist. Explore more pairings in our Cooking with Katchkie cookbook!
Explore Other Recipes in this Collection