planning sunday's lunch or dinner--haven't decided which...

Last week I suggested that we dine in on Sundays as part of a way to enjoy dining at home. Last week's Sunday meal was successful--grilled ham, pineapple, peppers, corn and mushrooms with au gratin potatoes. I tested some of my culinary limits and succeeded. Yes, I can slice potatoes thin without chopping a finger or two off.
While enjoying said meal, I casually mentioned my hope of creating this custom. I figure as long as I have meals planned, they will support it.
I enjoy roasted eggplant and was inspired while perusing a local market earlier in the week. And, I have used an eggplant recipe on numerous occasions that I enjoy. I found it in the Moosewood Cookbook. I know it is great and believe that I can execute the recipe without too much effort.
Instead of relying on past recipes, I decided to consider other options. I googled eggplant recipes and found many ideas. And, we already have mint, thyme, parsley. I wanted to incorporate those ingredients if at all possible. Moreover, I know how much tomatoes are an asset in this house. Finding a recipe that could blend them all would be ideal.
After checking out a few recipes, I returned to the smitten kitchen where I had found the israeli cous cous recipe from the other day. I liked what they recommended and wanted to see what other goodies they offered.
I found a recipe that they adapted from Giada. They had made improvements to the original recipe. It was funny how many people had commented on her lack of flavor. Agreed, they enjoyed watching her perform the recipes, but were disappointed in how bland most of her creations are.
Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. Apparently, eggplant does not make for the most beautiful dish. If it tastes good; well, I am sure the appearance can be overlooked.
I will shop tomorrow for lovely tomatoes, eggplant and garlic. I believe everything else can be found within the pantry. Well, wine will be purchased too. How else can I prepare a meal without sampling wine?

longing for the beach

Happy Friday~

I am dreaming of the beach. Miss the tranquility, peace and endless amounts of time to reflect on life.

Maybe I will convince my friends that I should return for a brief stopover visit. That could work.

Yes, I think that is what I will try to do. I want to capture more moments of beauty with my elph. Last month, I thought my camera was broke. Super bummed. I asked a few friends to look at it. I had tried to fix it myself by adjusting the lens, turning it off/on, taking the battery out with no luck. My friend, Jeremy, looked at it and suddenly it was functional again. I have no idea what he did or how he adjusted it. I am thankful that he fixed it. At least for now.

I am not ready to find another camera. My elph accompanied around the world and continues to capture moments of my life. Destinations, food, friends and wine seem to be part of most of my photos.

I miss the beach and street fare. Although I did find a place that sated that need earlier in the week. Pastor tacos with cilantro and pineapple. Yummy!

Yes, I miss the beach. Maybe a return trip is possible~

Dinner number five....

My friends dine out--a lot. I have known this for as long as we have been friends. How could I not? I mean, I have spent numerous meals with them. Italian, mexican, pub fare. You name it...we have experienced it.
I love visiting them. I do. It's just that, sometimes, I enjoy making a meal at home. I will admit it. I like homecooked meals. In the past, they have grilled chicken and vegetables. A nice change and something they like to do. I am not a grill person, yet. I prefer testing my skills in the kitchen. And, I am learning that I like to prepare meals and expand my culinary knowledge.
Thankfully, my friends are willing to explore that option. They let me experiment hoping that it will taste decent. I ply them with alcohol--beer--and pray that the fare will be suitable.
They have every possible gadget available. Yes, cooking in their kitchen is delightful. We started with Easter dinner and it has continued until tonight. We have enjoyed salad, bruschetta, tomatoes and an array of dips with bread. Light fare and ideal for this weather.
Tonight, I offered to make oven roasted tomatoes. I love tomatoes and oven roasted tomatoes are the best. I can eat them as is. No other condiment, starch, or pasta is necessary. Yet, since it is supposed to be a meal, I looked into what would accompany the tomatoes. Cous cous, mint, parsley, kalamata olives and olive oil. In theory, it sounds appealing. I am hoping that I am capable of creating a wonderful dish. My friends can be picky and I want them to want to dine at home. Enjoy their lovely space and dining room table.
I am feeling more confident in the arena of the kitchen. I am interested in expanding my knowledge. Maybe take a cooking class. That might work. If only I had paid more attention to Brian while he was making us dinner. Instead, I filled up our wine glasses and waited for whatever wonderful creation he made for us. Too much wine and not enough watching. I took it for granted. Brian loved making us dinner. I miss that along with many other things that I miss about my life with Brian.
I did retain some knowledge. Pour more wine, enjoy life and good food. Yes, food continues to unite us all. I need to return to the tomatoes to make sure that this evening is a success.
Cheers!

another favorite

Another recent favorite--fish tacos discovered while visiting Eugene, Oregon.

Two of my sisters live there and fortunately, I have been able see them this year. They like food but tend to prefer more tex-mex mexican. Jade's favorite place, Chapala, is good, but I like more authentic fare.

I walked into this restaurant with my friend, Jeremy. He has a few places that he frequents in his neighborhood. Jarro Azul is a place that we checked out on an earlier visit. I enjoyed it and was, in fact, looking forward to trying another dish there. We walked over to it and it was closed.

Bummed.

At this point, Jeremy suggested a soul food place, a pub, or there was another mexican restaurant but they would not offer margaritas. It was soda, juice or water only. I was interested in the soul food but intrigued by the mexican place. Drinks could wait.

I told Jeremy that we could enjoy drinks post lunch. I was really in the mood for mexican food.

The restaurant was located next to a carniceria that was owned by the restaurant. Jeremy raved about the carne asado tacos because of the carniceria.

I was in the mood for fish tacos and so that is what I ordered. They had photos of their offerings instead of a printed up menu.

There was a salsa bar with pico de gallo, limes, and four different salsas. I really enjoyed the salsas.

Simple fare and delicious. I have been on a mexican food kick for the last few months. I love it. There is a movie, Tampopo, about a man's search for the perfect noodle in Japan. I feel like I am on a quest to find the ultimate mexican restaurant. There are too many options out there. I am enjoying the idea of it and love all of the homemade tortillas--yum.

Still, it is super excessive and I do take breaks from it. I must. Otherwise, I might have to start a fitness regime blog to take off all of the weight. Moderation is the key.

Next time, in Eugene, I will definitely seek this place out again. I wish I knew the name of it. I remember it was in an orange building, on a corner, next to the carniceria. That helps, right?

daily reminder

Trying to remember to enjoy life.

Inspired by my recent footprints in the sand.

Messy, unperfect, but motivating nonetheless.

Yes, I am committed to this saying.

What inspires you? What are you thankful for?

Easter dinner

Easter lunch=successful venture.
And, possibly a new trend for my friends to try. Sunday lunches at home.
I love my friends and have known them since 99. We met when I was a bartender at a pub in Arizona. For whatever reason, we started meeting outside of the brewery at other bars and eventually restaurants, holidays and vacations. They have known me through success and hardship and remained supportive. Encouraging, even, of my nonsensical impulsive decisions.
As long as we have been friends, I have noticed a few things about them. They prefer to dine out exclusively. Rarely, if ever, do they eat at home.
A few times over our ten + year friendship, we have grilled at their home. Few and far between the meals enjoyed at restaurants.
Yesterday, being Easter, I suggested making a home cooked meal. Her husband was all for it. He would pick up a ham. They already had this gorgeous pineapple that we could grill and I suggested grilling vegetables. Jan wanted au gratin potatoes. I looked on-line and they consulted a few cookbooks. They had a recipe that they liked and so I opted to use that cookbook.
We cleared the table. Gorgeous table that is covered with items--books, bills, flowers. Like I said, they rarely dine at home. The table is beautiful when available for dining.
All, in all, the meal was delicious. The asparagus was too stringy; but otherwise, I loved the pineapple, grilled mushrooms and peppers. I even liked the ham.
The potatoes were fine. I think I would doctor up the recipe to improve upon it. More garlic and onions, less milk.
Afterwards, we sat outside of their massive patio and contemplated life. I suggested making their Sundays a tradition of utilizing their home. They have other family here and wanted to have them over. I recommended a rotating Sunday dinner guest. That way, they could experiment with cooking and work their way up to incorporating more people.
I think they might take a cooking class to spruce up their options. Yes, easter lunch was a success. Great way to illustrate how cooking at home can be simple and delightful.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

This is the only visual of spring that seemed suitable. Taken a year ago at an amazing NYC eatery that will remain anonymous. Let's just say, I have blogged about him and this dish a few times. It was that decandent!

Enjoy!

I believe we are grilling pineapple, red peppers, asparagus and ham to celebrate.