Tired of the same old vegetable? Ready for something new? Then try this elegant yet easy to prepare chard recipe for a treat. It's a great accompaniment to a hearty lamb or beef dish.  We grow a beautiful, multi-colored Chard called "Bright Lights".

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
3 Tbsp finely minced shallots
2 Tbsp finely minced garlic
1 pound Swiss chard, (stems removed and coarsley chopped, leaves cut crosswise into 1-inch ribbons)
1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream or mascarpone
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

 
Directions:

Heat the butter in a large skillet, preferably non-stick, over medium heat and add the shallots, garlic and chard stems. Cook, stirring frequently, until they soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the chard leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chard wilts, 2 to 4 minutes.

Add the cream, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, until the cream reduces and thickens. If using mascarpone, cook over medium heat just until the mascarpone melts. Stir in the Parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.