By mlb, on August 26th, 2009%
This is a very quick, seasonal meal and I get to proclaim that orecchiette is my favorite pasta type ever. Some say ‘little ears’ but I think they look like little UFOs! We used a combination of two tomatoes from the garden and one heirloom local tomato procured elsewhere. I like using orecchiette here, as it is about the same size and shape as all the chopped vegetables.
The sauce is super quick, just tomatoes, veggies, olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. You can marinate your own mozzarella balls or just buy the already-marinated ones. They will melt into the sauce and you will like it.
Summer Pasta with Veggies and Marinated Mozzarella
12 oz Orecchiette Pasta
2 tbsp + more olive oil
1/2 white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 yellow, orange . . . → Read More: Summer Pasta with Veggies and Marinated Mozzarella
By mlb, on August 19th, 2009%
This is a meal inspired by a dinner that jwa had at his parents house a little while ago. He had gone down there to help them with some things and returned with tales of steak with garlic in it. Mmmmm…garlic in steak. I was intrigued. Such a great idea!
So, we grilled some up, with the addition of chimichurri sauce and some grilled veggies.
This was also a great opportunity to use out new outdoor grill — I still love it!
For the Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce:
Adapted from a recipe from Bob Blumer, The Surreal Gourmet
1/2 cup lightly packed chopped flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
3 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes
2 tbsp shallot or onion, minced
3/4 cup olive oil
3 . . . → Read More: Grilled Garlic Steak with Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce
By mlb, on August 16th, 2009%
Mostly pictures of our vacation to California last week. Very good as I am way tired. Goodnight. *snore*
Places mentioned –
Benbow Inn
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Boathouse Vacation Rental
Sea Ranch
Trinks
Redwood Grill
Mussels with chorizo, tomato and tarragon at the Benbow Inn.
Benbow Bridge over the Elk River
More Elk River
Benbow Inn
View from our room
Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge from the North
On the bridge
Sea horses at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sea dragons at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Deck at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Assorted sea creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Near the aquarium
Willow Glen (San Jose) Starbucks at night
Deck of our vacation rental in Anchor Bay (The Boat House)
The front of the Boat House
More front
More deck (looking out over redwoods and the ocean)
Trinks Coffeehouse in Gualala, CA
Sea Ranch coast
More Sea Ranch
Stairs on the beach
Tide pool
Hanging out on Walk On Beach
Starfish
jwa . . . → Read More: California: The Week in Pictures
By mlb, on August 4th, 2009%
This was really good. I used pizza dough from Pasta Works for this, but you could also make your own (this is a good, easy recipe) or use a store-bought crust. I grilled my squash first and caramelized the fennel. You don’t have to do this. If you don’t, use the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to drizzle over the pizza before you bake it.
I also made a balsamic reduction for another part of the meal but we discovered that it was delicious on the pizza also! The vinegar really helps cut some of the richness of this pizza (and with brie and olive oil, it is mighty rich!) Just pour a little balsamic vinegar in a pot and reduce it for a bit over medium heat. Then proceed . . . → Read More: Decadent Pizza Alert: Tarragon Pizza Bianca
