July 2012
13 posts
4 tags
Herby Avocado Hummus
I like hummus. I make it fairly frequently. I’ve made it lemony, garlicky, spicy, cilantro-y, and even peanut-buttery. It’s always satisfying and delicious. But I do know that hummus can get old. And then recipes like this come along that make you go “ooh.”
Loaded with fresh herbs and creamy avocado, this hummus is refreshing and light. Perfect for hot summer...
6 tags
Caprese Salad
A perfectly ripe tomato, sliced thickly, and layered with pillows of fresh mozzarella. Sprinkled with sea salt and drizzled lightly with extra virgin olive oil and sweet balsamic glaze. Fresh basil leaves from a community garden down the street add freshness and bite. Simple and delicious.
Tastes like summer.
6 tags
Snuggle Buddy
I took this picture when I was home last month for Woozie’s birthday. Pick would snuggle with me every night, always opting to be the inside spoon. I’d wake up in the mornings with my toes buried in a warm pillowy mass of soft fur, his body wrapped around my feet.
He’s the sweetest.
7 tags
Pro Tip: Not All Substitutions Are Equal
Yesterday I made pancakes. I used a recipe that I’ve used for years, except I made two changes: I substituted heavy cream for milk, because I thought it would add richness; and I added peaches, because, well, peach anything is delicious.
I knew that cream and milk were not equal. I knew that cream’s higher fat content affects how things are baked. But pancakes aren’t baked,...
5 tags
Summer Corn Pasta
This is a go-to recipe of mine that is the epitome of laid back summer evenings. Seasonal ingredients paired with no-fuss preparation make it a terrific weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: 3 ears of corn, kernels sliced off the cob 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 ball fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes 1/2 cup fresh basil, stems removed 1 1/2 cups pasta (I prefer small shells, but use...
6 tags
Green and Grey
Pun and Pops were in northern California and Oregon last week. They enjoyed a leisurely, scenic drive up the Pacific coast over the course of ten days, catching up with friends and hiking through national parks along the way. Pun sent us pics while Pops regaled us with tales of their travels via email. By all accounts, it was a wonderful trip.
4 tags
Green Gazpacho
This gazpacho is the epitome of summer: loads of fresh vegetables whirred together in a blink and served chilled. No hot ovens or stove tops, no extended prep or cooking times, and lots of fresh cool goodness to slurp.
The original recipe called for tons of basil (which I didn’t have) and a whole green pepper. I like bell peppers when eaten raw and used as a vehicle to deliver some sort...
5 tags
Plum Cake
This is a simple, buttery cake. Visually, it’s a summer stunner. Taste-wise, it’s more autumn. Both the use of cinnamon and Deb’s comment that it was more a late summer/early fall cake should have clued me in, but somehow I was still surprised by the spice.
While I probably won’t make this cake again with the temps soaring well into the hundreds, I will certainly file...
7 tags
Spicy Lemon Date Spread
I first made this spicy date spread for our Equinox party in March. I didn’t hesitate when throwing all the ingredients together — everything sounded delicious (and that Joy sure knows her stuff). A quick taste as it was coming together, however, alerted me to just how spicy it was. I like spicy and quite a bit of it, but not everyone enjoys a swift kick in the pants.
Since there...
4 tags
How 'Bout That Weekend?
Please. Like you don’t want to lay your head on the floor too.
6 tags
Pound the Hill
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending a food and wine tasting at Pound the Hill. Originally a craft coffeehouse, Pound the Hill has since expanded its horizons to include a full-service bistro and wine bar.
Since we all know I can’t keep my thoughts to myself, I shared them with one of my friends, Brad Kanus. Check out his site for the full write-up of my experience. Spoiler...
6 tags
Cypress Grove Chevre
Last month at the Fancy Food Show I met the folks behind Cypress Grove Chevre, which produces exquisite goat cheese. Although I didn’t recognize the brand at first, I immediately made the connection once I spied my favorite Midnight Moon among their spread. (Related tangent: Midnight Moon is something I picked up several years ago while living in New York because it was on sale at Whole...
4 tags
Sag Harbor
We’re in Sag Harbor with friends for the week enjoying our first vacation in ages. It’s been nothing but sun, booze, and afternoon siestas. Summertime perfection.
Happy (belated) 4th of July!
