almost september, almost autumn

interesting that i post on the 18th and 31st of every month at the moment. i've been thinking food always as usual, yet somehow i've dropped 3 more pounds in the last couple of weeks. it must be my steady tomato diet. ;-)

this week, i made the first dinner that signals autumn. richer flavors, everything warm. here's a picture:



it had rained heavily that day and the high was only about 70 degrees. the night called for something cozier (and indoors since the grill has no shelter yet, we're working on it).




- i broiled chicken successfully for the first time; i learned that 6 - 8" from the heat source is better than just under it when your meat's coated with olive oil. i know it seems elementary, but i thought broil meant "close to heat" all these years. then i slathered on some bbq sauce in the last few minutes. it was delicious.
- side dish number one was my first successful attempt at smashed potatoes. i finally paid attention to my milk/butter combo and didn't boil it for once. i put cilantro butter in and it gave the organic, farmer's market potatoes a nice fresh twist.
- side dish number two was another first success. beet greens sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and red onions with a dash of balsamic to finish it off. yum, earthy goodness.

i took a photo of this dinner because i felt i accomplished a lot of firsts. i also feel like i am beginning to "get" my new stove and we work well together.

this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship....

too tired but eating well

i am so beat from a whole new level of busy at work. it's sometimes energizing, but i'd rather been hanging out at home any day. the best part of our new house and summer has been the grill. i'm calling this the "summer of corn" because i discovered how to brown the golden beauties in husk (after a silk-peel and soakin'). mmmm. i love august. it's my moms' birthdays and the fresh food is colorful, juicy and always earthy:
- tomatoes are ~finally~ starting to show up at the farmer's market
- stone fruits of all types dripping juice down my thumb
- did i mention the corn?
- dinner salads keep you cool
- grilling with that evening breeze is so much nicer than standing over a hot stove
- i like to pop berries (1. blue, 2. black, 3. rasp) or cherry tomatoes after a quick rinse

my friend tricia brought me tomato plants the other day -- some nicely progressed romas, and two sauce tomato plants. i just hope i can keep them alive.

here's a recipe from reba that is caling my name:
tomato pie though it may not be fair to skip my mom's tomato gratin (slow-roasted tomatoes or raw ones, topped with goat-cheese, olive oil, garlic, and parm)
how about both?