Remember a few weeks ago when I wrote this post about not really having anything to write about? I suggested that rather than admit that it was a quiet week, I could have thrown together one of my “links” posts to share with you some good reads, inspirational recipes and kitchen tools I’ve acquired of late.
Well, I am glad I held out because with another month’s time, I now have so many more links to share! I thought with the impending long weekend, this would be a good time to share all of them, thinking that if you had the time to even look at the blog this week then perhaps you might also have a moment to click through some of the links below. Who knows? Perhaps you will find something new to watch, cook or purchase for your kitchen soon!
Enjoy and Happy Labor Day weekend! Not sure how summer slipped away quite so quickly, but I just adore the Fall so am looking forward to crisp mornings and cool evenings…
To Watch (this was originally categorized as Television until I realized it was 2016 ha ha. Pick your screen):
Chef’s Table on Netflix. A must watch, whether or not you are a foodie. The series debuted in 2015 with six, one hour episodes dedicated to one chef and their journey ini the restaurant industry. These are not fluff pieces, but deeply personal documentaries that are not only about the chef’s relationship with food, but also with family, friends, health and more. Season One only included one female chef which irked me, and two were included in Season Two – an improvement. Season Three will debut on September 2nd highlighting 4 French chefs. Try watching Domique Crenn’s episode without shedding a tear.
Cooked on Netflix. I went to a lecture given by Michael Pollan last Spring and wanted to follow it up by watching his series. Four, one hour episodes based on his book of the same title. Pollan’s refrain here is, “If you cook it, it’s ok to eat”. He explores the lost art of cooking via fire, water, air and earth.
Recipes that have interested me or that I have tried this Summer…
BLT Gougeres from Spoon Fork Bacon
Grated Fresh Tomato Sauce from Edible New Hampshire
Pasta with Summer Squash, Ricotta, Honey & Thyme from Food 52
Linguine with Lemon Sauce from The New York Times
Pineapple Coconut Water from 101 Cookbooks
BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls from Simply Recipes
Honey Balsamic Pulled Pork with Avocado Relish from Fine Cooking
Chicken with Prunes and Olives by Valerie Bertinelli (Think a scaled down Silver Palate Chicken Marbella. Easy and delish).
Garlic-Parmesan Hassleback Zucchini from Eating Well (easy and quick side dish. Really tasty leftover as well.)
Honey Roasted Peaches with Cinnamon Mascarpone (I made this a few time this summer with my friend, Marte’s honey and they were so delicious. I think you could adapt this recipe using other stone fruits, possibly pears. I added toasted slivered almonds for some crunch…
A few articles to read…
The Mysteries of the Thyroid via GOOP
“Another reason to love Prince William” via House Beautiful
The Families That Can’t Afford Summer via the New York Times
The Most Exciting Cookbooks for Fall 2016 via Tasting Table
Some new items in my kitchen…
Trying to improve the health profile of some of my pantry items, starting with this sunflower oil based mayo from Sir Kensington’s recommended by my friend, Kristin. The company also makes a version using avocado oil that I am on the hunt for and has a line of vegan products as well…
If you don’t have time to make my Roasted Carrot Tapenade, then you should pick up this dip from Eat Well Embrace Life at the market. Introduced to me by my friend, Anne R., it’s a carrot hummus made with a white bean base and spiced up with a little sriracha sauce. Yummy!
And if you want an alternative to those Angels who Whisper, then try one of these alternatives introduced to me by my sister-in-law, Tracy and my friend, Madeleine (links, no pics). I think you have 3 days until rose season is officially over until you want to hold out for the first day of Fall on September 22nd!
And if you just can’t stand the idea of summer being over, then prolong the season further by ordering some of the most delicious jumbo lump crab cakes you’ve ever had from Faidley’s in Baltimore. I was introduced to these by my friend, Elbee this summer and I have not had a better crab cake ever. Filled with gorgeous lump crab and what seems like hardly any filler, you won’t be disappointed.
Lastly, my friend Allyson used William Sonoma Potlatch Seasoning on grilled salmon this summer and my husband for whom salmon is not his first choice, raved. The spice mix is specially designed for salmon and combines sweet and smoky herbs that yield a beautiful and bold flavor.
This and that…
I had never heard of a Lemon Cucumber before this summer, but my friend Louise brought a gorgeous salad to my house filled with produce from her home garden, including the citrus shaped cucumbers. See if you can pick them out. They were delicious and provided such a beautiful contrast in shape and flavor. Check out more here.
I haven’t used it yet but purchased this mandoline vegetable slicer thanks to a recommendation from the guys at The Bitten Word blog. It has four widths, a hand guard and seems easy enough to use but I will report back!
No more black avocado halves…
Not sure where this trick has been all my life, but I usually just wrap my avocado halves that I am not using (along with the pit) very tightly with plastic wrap. However, if you take just a minute to brush some olive oil on the avocado flesh before storing it, you can just pop it into a plastic bag and it will be beautiful and green a day later, even two. The oil provides a barrier so that the avocado does not continue to oxidize while waiting for you to finish it off.
And lastly, what are you doing June 3 – 10, 2017? Doesn’t this look just dreamy?
Phew! Are you tired? I hope you found at least one or two things of interest. See you next week!
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for sharing our “La Dolce Vita” retreat with your readers. I am so excited about this week with Jo Packham and glad to hear that others are too. We have added a second week, May 20-27, 2017 and still have room for you to join us 🙂