FFWD: Minted Zucchini Tagliatelle with cucumber and lemon

I was so happy to find an alternative way to enjoy zucchini. I have to admit, RAW zucchini...not a fan. However, after squeezing the Meyer lemon on the zucchini, adding the mint, cucumbers, red onion and letting it "cook" in the refrigerator for and hour..."voila!" Delicious! The recipe is in Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table. For other versions go to http://www.frenchfridayswithdorie.com/?p=1172 http://tuesdayswithdorie.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/bakingwithjulia.jpg

the food matters project: brown arroz caldo with bok choy and chicken

The gang at The Food Matters Project is suppose to be working on Crisp Rice Cakes with Stir-Fried Vegetables and Chicken. OK, I have the same ingredients, but put it together a little differently. The weather has cooled a bit here and I'm in the mood for some comfort food...arroz caldo is my favorite comfort food and I have learned to make it in a slow cooker. For the real recipe, check Mark Bittman's The Food Matters Cookbook or go to http://thefoodmattersproject.com/2012/08/27/crisp-rice-cakes-with-stir-fried-vegetables-chicken/ and check the other versions.

FFWD: Nectarine Melba

OK, I've kept up with all the recipes, but I haven't posted this month. The tomato-cheese tartlet was a big hit at our friend's BBQ...sadly, no pictures to prove it. The scallops were also delicious and perfect with the warm weather we were having. The carrot salad went great with the chicken we grilled...again, not picture, no post. So, before it's too late. Here's my Necatrine Melba. I will make this again and use Peach, like I'm suppose to, but I just bought a 5 pound box of nectarines, so I just couldn't resist. Oh so yummy. I opted for vanilla greek yogurt instead of ice cream. I have the recipe on my IPad, but you can find it in Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table. For other versions go to http://www.frenchfridayswithdorie.com/?p=1147#comments

FMP: Greek "Nachos" with Feta Drizzle

Start with the drizzle...super easy, really! OK, Greek yogurt, feta, mint, olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest...blitz. Add salt and pepper...done. In between making the drizzle and toasting the pita chips, I took the extra mint and made myself a perfect Mojito!!! I served the "oh so delicious" Greek Nachos with Grilled Rosemary-Garlic Chicken...mmmmm! The recipe can be found in Mark Bittman's The Food Matters Cookbook. Download it to your Ipad, like I did, or go to http://joinmefordinner.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/greek-nachos-with-feta-drizzle/ To see other versions, go to http://thefoodmattersproject.com/2012/08/20/greek-nachos-with-feta-drizzle/#comments

the food matters project: corn-avocado salad (with a little something on top)

I really enjoyed this recipe, especially now that produce is looking so great from the Farmer's Market. The flavors are fresh and light, perfect for the warm weather we are finally experiencing here in the Northwest. The recipe can be found in Mark Bittman's The Food Matters Cookbook (buy it or borrow mine) or by going to Jenn's blog http://vanillalemon.com/2012/07/16/the-french-laundry-gardens-corn-avocado-salad/ To see the other versions, go to http://thefoodmattersproject.com/2012/07/16/corn-avocado-salad-with-a-little-something-seared-on-top/ Hope you like it!!!

TWD/ Baking with Julia: Blueberry Nectarine Pie

Let me start by saying, I could have eaten the filling and forgotten about the pie.  So YUMMY!!!  OK, I cheated a little with my pie, I made mine in these cute jars.  These 2 cuties went in the oven and the other 2 went to the freezer.  You won't see the fully baked pies...they were gobbled up.

The recipe can be found in Dorie Greenspan's Baking with Julia.  If you don't have the book, buy one.  For the recipe go see That Skinny Chick Can Bake, http://thatskinnychickcanbake.blogspot.com/2012/07/blueberry-nectarine-piebaking-with-julia.html or Manchegos Kitchen, http://manchegoskitchen.typepad.com/manchegos-kitchen/2012/07/twd-baking-with-julia-summer-fruit-pie.html

To see other versions, go to http://tuesdayswithdorie.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/lyl-blueberry-nectarine-pie/

food matters project: Roasted Potato with "Grilled Swordfish" and Romesco

Perfect Summer dinner at our house is simple and grilled!  I took a little detour from the food matters project recipe this week and switched out chicken for swordfish.  Great flavor combination with the yellow Dutch potatoes, romesco sauce and lightly seasoed swordfish.  I sautéed Tuscan kale and the dinner was complete.

...and, since we're trying to keep it light this summer, we ended with a "catch-up" recipe from last week, "Sangia Blackberry" Sorbet....YUMMY!

For the recipe, click here and to check out the other versions of this recipe go to the food matters project