Summer’s high heat days are the time for cold salads that are filling and satisfying, but easy to prepare and to eat. I haven’t reinvented any wheels with this recipe, just taken the classic combination of tomatoes, basil and mozzarella to create a refreshing, simple summer meal. Because when the ingredients are at the peak of freshness, simple is best. I return to this flavor … [Read more...] about Orzo Caprese Pasta Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Sides
Summer Squash Muffins
Sunny yellow summer squash is so abundant here in the summer. If you know anyone who grows it, you’ve probably found a bag of excess stealthily left on your doorstep in the deep of night – when it grows, it really grows. The farmers market is also awash in all varieties of summer squash, and sometimes I find it so cheerful I just can’t say no. But I frequently have one or two … [Read more...] about Summer Squash Muffins
Alioli with Salt Roasted Potatoes
A few years ago, a friend invited a group to his family vacation home in the hills outside Valencia, Spain to celebrate his birthday. I will always travel for a good party, so I packed my bags and jetted off. I was the first guest to arrive, so he and I headed off to the grocery store to stock the house (he is also aware that I am an expert grocery shopper). In addition to … [Read more...] about Alioli with Salt Roasted Potatoes
Savory Vidalia Onion Upside Down Cakes
I’ve never been completely sure what to title this recipe. They are more than muffins, but this is based on an old recipe I found in an English cookbook where they were called dumplings, but I don’t really think that translates. There’s a biscuit-y batter, but turn them upside down and there is a pretty and sweet onion surprise. Muffins, cakes, dumplings, upside down surprise, … [Read more...] about Savory Vidalia Onion Upside Down Cakes
Herbed Focaccia Dinner Rolls
If you search through the bread recipes on this site, you will see that it maps out my quest to bake fresh bread without too much effort. I am not one who is going to carefully nurse starters or delicately knead and form stylish loafs of artisan breads. The mysteries of yeast sometimes elude me. I love a shortcut, but I do love the smell of fresh bread baking and the sense of … [Read more...] about Herbed Focaccia Dinner Rolls