Corn & Basil Tart
Here's a little recipe that produces a very pretty & tasty result! I found it in a recent issue of Better Homes & Gardens. I am really starting to get into that magazine! Does that mean I'm a grownup? It's a nice & light dinner option for summer. It would also be a hit at brunch with the ladies! The real star of this dish is the corn and the sliced tomatoes with basil! The recipe says the tomatoes are optional, but I beg to differ! They made the corn pop with sweetness. If I had it to do over again, I'd splash a few goat cheese crumbles on top! But that's just me!
Continue reading→
Tilapia and Quinoa with Feta & Cucumber
Thank you for all of your comments on our anniversary! You are too sweet!!!
This is what we ate for our special anniversary dinner. It's a simple recipe to execute after a long day at work! You don't have to make special trips to the grocery store to find exotic ingredients either! It's a healthy, fresh and light meal perfect for the 70 degree weather we've been experiencing here in the Bay Area. It's a shame that our patio furniture is in hiding right now or we would have totally eaten this outside. We have it rough living in California, huh?
Kiwi Mango Orange Basil Pear Juice
Could we possibly add more fruit to this concoction? My juicer sighs "Please no!"
I have to tell you that the kiwi and the mango are the real stars of this juice. They are thick, pulpy fruits that create quite a *sludge* in the juicer. What comes from them is not just juice; it's more like a jammy nectar! When you add them to the pear and mandarin oranges you get a really thick juice. A juice that will make you feel like you are in Hawaii. A juice that is BEGGING for a decorative paper umbrella to accompany it! Continue reading→
Basil Apple Cucumber Juice
My brother and I made this juice last week.
It's a great juice if you are on a cleanse! Your taste buds will be awakened and your tummy will be satisfied. The basil in the juice adds a nice depth to the sweetness of the apple and cucumber. It makes it more of a grown-up drink in my opinion. Continue reading→
Inspired: Thai Basil Chicken
Inspired by Chez Pim's post on Pad Krapow Moo, I made a version Gai Pad Krapow (Thai Basil Chicken) tonight over brown rice with a fried egg.
I just followed her steps, but used ground chicken instead of pork. SOOOO yummy. This is the whole reason why I am growing Thai Basil!
Tomato Basil Pasta
I'm a busy bee lately! Soo much to do....Sooo little time.
Which means that I've stepped away from the kitchen for a bit....
But when I've been in there, I've concocted quick little breakfast sandwiches like this one:
(a whole wheat English muffin with egg, cheese & turkey bacon)
It's worth waking up for in the mornings. I'm kinda obsessed with them.
Tonight I roasted some tomatoes (not from my garden-yet)
I picked some fresh basil from my little garden I've been working on-
Boiled some Whole Wheat Spaghetti...Tossed in a HUGE handful that basil.
Added:
-red pepper
-extra virgin olive oil
-those tomatoes
-a splash of red wine vinegar (It brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and adds a nice kick)
-fresh ground pepper
-topped with a little grated parmesan.....
My hands still smell like basil, and I am totally loving that!
I'm dreaming of getting back in the kitchen (soon).
I could really use a challenge of making something fun/tasty/good.
You should see what I've clipped out to try....
Hamburger Tomato Pizza
I thought that I would bust this out, while I'm on a roll with Everday Food recipes. I stared at the picture in the current issue for like 10 minutes straight. I kid you not.
If that doesn't get you to try it... Perhaps mine will?
(yes that pan is WELL-LOVED)
Now check up close!
I like a crust that's a little over cooked and crispy!
eating it outside was the best!
Hamburger Grape Tomato Pizza (Everyday Food-May 2008 issue)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- All-purpose flour, for work surface
- 1 pound frozen pizza dough, thawed
- 3/4 cup store-bought marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated provolone cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 pound ground beef chuck
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- A handful of fresh basil! (I added this and it was PERFECT!)
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Rub a large rimless baking sheet (or a rimmed one, upside down) with oil.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin and your hands to roll and stretch dough into a 15-by-11-inch rectangle (if dough becomes too elastic to work with, let it rest a few minutes). Transfer to prepared sheet.
3. Spread sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Top with provolone, tomatoes, and if desired, onion; scatter beef over top. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake until crust is golden, beef is cooked, and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately. (it's not as good the second day for some reason!)
ENJOY!!!! I KNOW WE DID!
Strawberry Juice
As you might know, I got some really great strawberries at the Farmers Market on Saturday.
Here they are right before I started digging in:
So after my strawberry overload breakfast (see below) I decided to treat myself to a refreshing beverage. After working around the house/yard over the weekend, it was well deserved.
I started juicing them with my juicer!
I juiced two of the containers! It produces the best puree!
I think I will use it for pancakes or perhaps in my yogurt....or ice cream!
I muddled some basil leaves with a little bit of sugar. I added some fresh strawberry juice and some sparkling water.
Put in a straw & top with a little strawberry and you have yourself a refreshing drink!
The basil was great! If you aren't as daring...try some mint! MMMMMMM
