An Unusual Pizza Topping

Asparagus. Who knew?

A friend mentioned it to me in passing over the weekend.  He and his wife made a four cheese pizza and put uncooked asparagus on top before popping it into the oven. The result was apparently a yummy pizza with perfectly cooked asaparagus on top.

I couldn't get it out of my head and put in on the menu for this past week.  I didn't want to do four cheeses on it, so I searched around for some potential inspirations of other cheese combos.

Inspirations:
Bon Appetit's Asaparagus and Ricotta Flatbread
Smitten Kitchen's Shaved Asparagus Pizza
Epicurious' Goat Cheese and Asparagus Pizza

In the end though, it was my food-genius sister who suggested making it how we typically eat our asparagus as a side dish.  Some parmesan, balsamic and lemon.

We used basic store bought pizza dough, about a cup of good shredded parm, shoved as many cut pieces of asparagus as possible on the dough and cooked according to the instructions on the dough package (around 10-15 min).

Yes the pizza is oddly shaped and yes the result of this one was also delicious.

xoxo
t

A Quick Coastal Vacation

I often say that I am one of those weirdos who is always overly excited to visit her in-laws, counting down the seconds till we get on that plane.  A large reason for this is that they are wonderful, kind and amazing people.  The other reason for this is where they reside, the delightful island of Jamestown, RI, which we were fortunate enough to sneak away to last weekend for a few days.

Growing up in suburban Chicago, my upbringing resembled an uneventful John Hughes movie.  I can't even imagine what a quaint New England childhood on the water would be like, however my time I spend in RI always gives me a fabulous sneak peak.

View of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge

We rented a house on the bay and I took advantage of the views and the local beer for some relaxing our first night. To say it was a perfect way to unwind would be an understatement.

I think one of the greatest quotes to come out of (one of the greatest TV series) 30 Rock was when Liz Lemon said her "worldview was food based."  Truer words have never been spoken and I employ that motto in ALL of my travels (see below):

Stuffie and Chowder at The Landing in Newport

Lobsta Roll at The Landing in Newport

As always, a VERY successful trip.  If thinking about going to Jamestown, RI there are plenty of houses to rent on the island and a gorgeous hotel on the water to stay at.  The island really comes alive during the summer and prices tend to reflect that...

xo
T

A Frat Party with Pesto

A frat party with pesto.

That is what I called our house on Sunday morning when referring to the shenanigans from the night before.  The evening started innocently enough.  Friends over with food and wine ready to go.

It was this cocktail that took the night downhill fast.  The carefully made pesto might as well have been a jumbo slice of pizza served at 2am.

Ah well.... c'est la vie, great times were had by all!

This was the pesto recipe that was used.  I turned it up a notch with some  lemon juice, lemon zest and a garlic scape that had been hanging out in our crisper drawer.

Enjoy!

T

Bananas for this bread

When life gives you bananas that are a tad too ripe for one's liking then one must bake banana bread!

Not only is it easy peasy, but it makes your house smell ah-mazing.

This recipe is as straightforward as they come. I left out the orange juice, didn't use a glass loaf pan (mental) and incorporated regular size chocolate chips, so it can be modified slightly.

I personally think it would be a simple make-ahead dessert for a dinner party - pair with some Chunky Monkey and enjoy :)

- T

Dinner Party Planning

Last week was a big week in our household. After over a year of eating off of a nice, but very small table, we have finally upgraded to a big "adult" size table.

Our previous table made it near impossible for four people's plates, wine glasses and maybe a wine bottle or 3 to all live on the table at the same time. Our new table gives us ample room to have all of that and more - which I am overjoyed about!

So now all I can think about is what will the menu be for the first time we have friends around the new table.....

I have some old stand-bys which are great and filled with fall flavors. Enjoy!

Appetizer: Cheese plate, really does not get easier than this, esp with this tutorial


Soup: Mango & Tomato has this ah-mazing soup and it could NOT be easier to make. I highly recommend trying it and listening to her instructions to not use low fat coconut milk.

Main Course: Eat It. Drink It. has a curry lamb quiona recipe that I am it love with! The lamb lends the perfect earthy texture to this dish.


Dessert: French Apple Cake via David Lebovitz via Dorie Greenspan. Simple, elegant and the touch of dark rum makes it sublime.


Dessert Photo Courtesy of David Lebovitz Main Course Photo Courtesy of Eat. Drink It., Appetizer Photo Courtesy of A Cup of Jo.

Bucket List for Cooking

A friend brought over cake pops for a BBQ that we had on Monday. Cake pops, being a food that I have always been meaning to make, got me thinking about my Food Bucket list.

This consists of dishes I have always always been meaning to take a shot at making. They aren't the hardest thing to make in the world. Just something I have been looking forward to eventually attempting.

Yes yes I have a real bucket list too (learn another language, run a marathon, write a book), however my food bucket list is fairly simple and something that, if I wanted to, I could tackle in a weekend.

Enjoy and I look forward to hearing yours!















Ricotta. Who knew it is easier to make this than it is to spend money at a Kate Spade Sample Sale?


Limoncello. Ok so not really a food.....however I love it and always wanted to try! In Sicily each of my relatives makes their own special version and each one insists (and will be offended if you didn't) that you try it. Fortunately for me, my mother and sister did not care for it so I was often passed their glasses on the sly to consume quickly.


Grilled Pizza. Such a fun concept that enjoyed a burst of popularity last summer. Still want to give it a go!


Gazpacho. This is slowly fading out of season, but all summer I enjoyed Pret a Manger's amazing version and have been DYING to make it myself.

-T
(Ricotta Picture Courtesy of Yum Sugar, Grilled Pizza and Gazpacho Photo Courtesy of The Kitchn)