Today’s Caramelized Fennel Linguine is a tidy little recipe. Minimal ingredients, minimal prep, and a dead simple method. But just because this recipe is short on flourishes doesn’t mean it isn’t toe-curlingly delicious. This pasta dish features caramelized wedges of fennel dressed with a kiss of sherry, a whole lot of butter, and a healthy sprinkling of shredded Grana Padano cheese. Served in a tangle of al dente linguine and finished with toasted breadcrumbs, fennel fronds, and a dollop of creme fraiche, this dish delivers balanced perfection with minimal fuss.

Well, we’re neck-deep in a pretty intense heat wave here in Toronto. And judging by the long-range forecast, the heat isn’t likely to let up anytime soon. It’s hard to enjoy cooking at a time like this. Frankly, it can be hard to enjoy food in weather like this. And yet, I manage to persevere. It takes a lot to rob me of my appetite. But while the heat hasn’t affected my ability to eat, it has had a somewhat positive impact on my cravings. When it gets hot I crave all the refreshing things usually in the form of fruits and vegetables. That’s why today’s Silky Avocado Linguine with Strawberries and Tomatoes is my new favorite thing.