Good news! I was just outside and there was a cool wind! By cooler, I mean cool (85 degrees F) compared to what we’ve had. I think that nasty old heat dome is passing by! I wanted to throw up my arms and dance. And maybe I did, just a little. 🙂 I was like Rose in The Titanic. Well, older, chunkier and without Leanardo DiCaprio…or the ship. Ok, so I was just an old lady smiling into the breeze. 🙂
If you’re from the Midwest, you might be familiar with Minerva’s. There’s one not far from my hometown in Iowa and there’s one not too far from my folk’s in South Dakota. Although they’ve expanded over the years, don’t mistake this for your average chain – it is THE place to wine and dine someone! I was lucky enough to go there for my birthday dinner last month.
Tomato Zucchini Bisque
I believe any food can be made delicious with the right treatment, but I’ve had a hard time warming up to squashes. Too often, I’ve served them because they’re so good for us but my sister-in-law showed me the error of my ways. This little side dish of zucchini and yellow squash is absolutely scrumptious!
Summer Squashes with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Diners, Drive Ins & Dives is on Netflix this season and this episode features the Sparrow Tavern in Astoria, New York – a run down rock & roll type bar with gourmet style. One of their star items was the Sparrow Veggie Burger and even the carnivores were going on about it. After I made them, I can see why – they’re flippin’ AWESOME! A bit of work, but the best Veggie Burger I’ve ever had!
Sparrow Tavern Veggie Burger – early version, I fixed the “cracking” flaw.
Here’s the thing about Ratatouille – it’s originally a Provencal vegetable stew, and like any stew, just calls out for the personalized touch. Don’t like eggplant – who cares? Peppers aren’t your thing? Use something else. I think you’ll love this version, roughly adapted from Tyler Florence. We do.
Ratatouille
