Eggplant Stacks with Buffalo Mozzarella

Eggplant Stacks with Buffalo Mozzarella

An opulent summer dinner

“The cattle lay drowsing all day long under the willows and only moved out at night to feed. An umber tone came to the grass. And the afternoon winds blowing inevitably down the valley started a dust that was like fog and raised it into the sky almost as high as the mountaintops.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Its still summer. If only it would last forever. But then juicy peaches and sweet corn would become mundane. Voluptuous tomatoes would be boring and perfectly regal eggplant might be ignored for the avalanche of winter squash and pumpkin that nudge us to the next season. Grab the last of summer’s finest and then welcome autumn. READ MORE . . .

Garlicky Kale with Beans

Garlicky Kale with Beans

The Easiest of Recipes

“Charles placed seven eggs on top of the warming oven and built his fire carefully of small pieces of kindling until it burned fiercely. He put the skillet down next to the flame. His sullenness left him as he fried the bacon.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This is barely a recipe. It started, as many things do, with items from the pantry. There was the push to get dinner done and fresh kale that needed to be used. The first time I stirred together just garlic, kale and beans. It needed more and I added the red pepper flakes along with the garlic. Later lemon zest and a sprinkle of cheese made this into a recipe. It has become a favorite. Fresh, quick, full of healthy ingredients, an easy recipe like this deserves to be shared. READ MORE . . .

Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto

Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto

Summer Pesto and Pasta Series: Chapter One

“Why don’t you come up and have some supper with us?”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

An abundance of tomatoes and basil seem to magically appear as the summer sun burns away the fog. Along the coast we wait in anticipation for the caressing warmth of summer. Like small children at Christmas who can’t wait any longer for Santa we wait for the bright glorious summer sunshine. Our spirits soar when there is no fog for a 5 day run and the temperature climbs into the high seventies. To celebrate summer I make fresh pesto and roast tomatoes for pasta. One of my favorites is Roasted Tomatoes and Spaghetti with Pesto. This is a great way to use ripe tomatoes and whirl up all that basil. READ MORE . . .