Cooling Greens
August 20, 2017
This August heat has inspired me to reach for anything green from the season’s bounty, switching up my weekly shopping trip which seems zeroed in on auto-pilot. Let’s see what this exercise has produced.
From the top:
It started with this green spider orchid from Trader Joe’s inspiring the rest of my selections.
Locally grown Honeydew melons are just the break I needed from Watermelon.
These Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes will switch up that Summertime BLT or Caprese.
Local fresh herbs…it doesn’t get better. Basil for a Pesto Pizza on the grill or maybe a Pesto Potato Salad…Parsley and Mint for a Chimichurri to compliment anything grilled.
Zucchini have gotten a bad rap by showing up on your desk or doorstep by the bagful. Take full advantage by grilling them up with some onions, peppers and tomatoes or knocking out a batch of Zucchini Muffins.
Photo: gp
Going Long
July 3, 2017
What better way to kick off the 4th of July than with an extended holiday weekend? Plenty of time for some DIY projects, maybe a local road trip, enjoying some seasonal favorites and simply kicking back. On your mark…get set…where’s that hammock?
From the top:
First things first…get that flag up.
Add in a new plant material and see how it performs the rest of the summer.photo: http://www.highcountrygardens.com/bouteloua-gracilis-blonde-ambition
How much fun could a tree swing be? Photo: https://www.schoolhouse.com/collections/all-new/products/wood-rope-tree-swing
After a bit of work a rewarding lunch near the water could be a good idea.
Cold watermelon and an 80 degree day…perfect.
A bag of marshmallows, a box of sparklers and a yard full of fireflies should finish the holiday off nicely.
photos: gp, except where noted.
Clink, Pop and Pour
June 10, 2017
A glass of ice, your favorite Bourbon and Birch Beer…the perfect beverage to segue from late Spring to early Summer. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.
photo: gp
Lentil Tacos
May 2, 2017
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo…Lentil Tacos. Four ingredients , a stack of corn tortillas and fifteen minutes….Ole’. Dinner is served.
G’s Lentil Tacos
1 package Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils ( 17.6 oz)
1/2 small red onion diced
1/2 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
1 19 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilis or lime and cilantro
1 tablespoon general use olive oil
Heat oil in skillet and sauté onions for two minutes. Add taco seasoning and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the precooked lentils, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water, stirring to combine.Bring mixture to a simmer and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Serve on grilled corn tortillas street style with some additional chopped onion and cilantro or fully loaded American style with your favorite taco toppings.
photos: gp
Dining Out
April 11, 2017
Outside, out of the house, on the patio, in the yard…any which way but indoors. Two great modern classics from Knoll’s iconic 1966 Group of outdoor furniture by Charles Schultz, ready to be set for dinner. I’m torn between the 60″x 60″ square and the 90″ x 38″ rectangle. Both will easily accomodate 8, the later even up to 10 guests. The original white finish is now joined by a striking black, either being a great place to start, especially when taking advantage of the Knoll Outdoor Furniture Sale which starts on April 13th.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/product/1966-dining-table-60×60
Easter Bake
April 2, 2017
Even with a short list of ingredients baking bread can be a tricky undertaking. This recipe for Milanese Raisin Bread might be the exception. The addition of the raisin soaking liquid to the 50/50 ratio of flour to fruit gives this rich rustic loaf it’s distinct sweet flavor and deep brown crust. My test loaf actually cut and tasted better after a couple of days, so you’ll be fine baking it off ahead of time if you decide to add it to an Easter menu. The thought of pairing this with a sliver a baked ham and a touch of grainy mustard has me thinking…you might want to make two.
Photos:gp
Final photo, https://food52.com/recipes/66796-pantramvai-milanese-raisin-bread
Just a Pinch
February 18, 2017
Sometimes all you need for a recipe is a pinch of a spice or dried herb that you don’t generally keep on hand. With the cost of spices and the quantity usually packaged you might think twice about trying something new. Sure, you’ll have it the next time you need it, but that occasion might be so far off that you’ll need to replace what has gone stale. Until now. The genius of Spice Miser is that minimal increments of a wide array of exotics are available neatly packed in tiny zip-lock bags. A tablespoon of fennel seed?….smoked salt?…Anise stars?….they’ve got you covered from .99 a pack. Someone was thinking.
https://store10292173.ecwid.com/
Photo: gp
Stayin’ In
February 6, 2017
Why fight the mid-week Valentine dinner crowds when there’s a perfect opportunity this weekend to stay in and cook up an amazing Valentines meal yourself? Sweet and Savory Short Ribs have a total of three ingredients with white rice and a side of sugar snap peas rounding things out. A simple prep and a long slow braise allow plenty of time to relax with a movie while dinner is cooking.
The short ribs are braised in prune juice and teriyaki sauce served over white rice and topped with thinly sliced green onion. Sugar snap peas with a little toasted sesame oil are the perfect side. Simple enough. The Short ribs recipe can be found here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/three-ingredient-sweet-and-savory-short-ribs
Chilaquiles
December 30, 2016
Mexican comfort food. Can you think of a better way to start the New Year than with a bowl of tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with a fried egg, cheese, avocado, onion and cilantro? The hardest part is the gathering of the ingredients. If you can put some salsa in a pot and fry an egg, you’ve got this.
Let Rick Bayless guide you through your first time using a handful of prepared ingredients. After that you’ll find yourself making them on the fly for breakfast lunch and dinner. http://www.fronterafiesta.com/cook/starters-snacks-a-light-meals/355-chilaquiles-with-salsa-and-eggs-
and to all a good night.*
December 24, 2016
The holiday seemed to speed up on us, didn’t it? Now that it’s here, all that needs to be done is to leave a plate out for Santa. These Nut Horns have been part of Christmas as long as I can remember. I’m thinking Santa will be pleased.
You might try Mrs. Donato’s recipe for nut horns found here. Thanks Leslie, it’s every grandma’s recipe. http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2016/12/mrs-donatos-nut-horns.html
photo: gp
* A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore
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