Roasted tomatillo salsa with a baked tortilla chip, made by Liz Weindruch.

By LIZ WEINDRUCH
DavidsonNews.net

It’s springtime in North Carolina.  The weather is warm, the greenery is lush, and vines are promising lots of summer tomatoes. But, not just yet.

I love a fresh tomato salsa but have been underwhelmed by the tomatoes available in the grocery stores right now.  Recently a friend requested I bring salsa to a dinner party, so I turned to the tomato’s cousin: the tomatillo. I also took advantage of some leftover poblano peppers. This salsa is great with baked corn tortilla chips (or just regular old chips).

RECIPE BELOW: Roasted tomatillo salsa and baked tortilla chips
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J.J. Roberson works the grill at Char-Grill on opening day Tuesday. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Char-Grill opened its doors to a big crowd at lunchtime Tuesday in the Harris Teeter shopping center off Griffith Street, becoming the Raleigh-based hamburger-chain’s first Charlotte-area location.

Some customers familiar with the popular college-town hangout drove from well beyond Davidson to sample the shop’s cooked-to-order hamburgers, chicken, fries, milkshakes and other fast food. Continue Reading

Homemade Pop Tarts, made by Liz Weindruch. (Liz Weindruch / DavidsonNews.net)

By LIZ WEINDRUCH
DavidsonNews.net

Liz Weindruch lives in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte and works as a research analyst.

Before moving to North Carolina, I spent several years in Boston. It was at Flour Bakery on Washington St. that I first experienced a homemade version of the childhood breakfast treat, the Pop Tart. I’m not sure if it was nostalgia for Boston or nostalgia for childhood that sparked my craving this week, but I had to whip up a batch.

Recipe Below: Homemade Pop Tarts Continue Reading

2011 market poster, image by Dione Goyette

2011 summer season begins Saturday next to Town Hall

Davidson Farmer’s Market kicks off its third summer of weekly markets this Saturday, April 9, with a lineup of more than 40 farmers, bakers, cheesemakers, chefs and other vendors from around the area.

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, the market has become a weekend destination for residents and visitors. The market has kept a twice-monthly schedule over the winter, and now returns to weekly markets through Thanksgiving.

“Our farmers and vendors have been working hard this winter to plan their offerings to meet the expanding customer demand at the Market,” Market Manager Mary Jane Leach said. Continue Reading

Stuffed poblano peppers, made by Liz Weindruch.

Liz Weindruch lives in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte and works as a research analyst.

By LIZ WEINDRUCH
CorneliusNews.net

My husband and I made these peppers the other night, and the aroma drew out our across-the-hall neighbor, who came and knocked on our door. “Wow, something smells good…” he said.

Flattery will get you everywhere, so obviously we invited him to stay for dinner. And here’s what all the fuss was about:

Recipe below: Stuffed poblano peppers Continue Reading

La Parisienne is ending sales of chocolate with a half-price day Friday. (Christina Ritchie Rogers/DavidsonNews.net)

Also, a new menu at Flatiron Kitchen, a new bar at Campania and other dining notes.

La Parisienne on North Main Street in Cornelius is getting out of the chocolate business, and shifting to an art-focused coffee and wine shop with a new name. Friday will be the last day for chocolate, with all confections half-price for the day. Meanwhile, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse has a new menu, from new chef Andres Arboleda; Campania Cafe & Trattoria has added a bar and menu items; and other dining news. Continue Reading