BRIAN LEATART RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and brown sugar in heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Simmer until liquid is reduced to 1 1/3 cups, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Pour liquid into bowl; chill until cold, at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.
• Using electric mixer, beat crème fraîche and 1/4 cup sugar in medium bowl until thickened and fluffy (mixture will thin out at first but then will thicken). Discard vanilla bean and whisk vanilla cream until smooth. Divide vanilla cream among 6 glasses; top each with 5 banana slices. Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled cookies over each. Divide whipped crème fraîche among glasses. Top with remaining banana slices. (Can be prepared 45 minutes ahead. Cover and chill.) Place 1 whole shortbread cookie in each glass and serve.
• *Available at some supermarkets.

Steps:

• Heat small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until aromatic and slightly darker, about 2 minutes. Cool; grind finely in spice mill. Whisk lime juice, honey, and cumin in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil; stir in dill. Season dressing with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature.
• Cook peas in pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 5 minutes for fresh (or about 2 minutes for frozen). Drain; rinse under cold water, then drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Add radishes, feta, and dressing; toss. Season with salt and pepper. If using pea tendrils or sprouts, divide among bowls. Divide salad among bowls. Serve.