My Birthday

Last night Wendy had my sisters and brother-in-laws over to celebrate my birthday. She did my favorite Caesar's salad (I won't eat one any where else!). Everyone got a Cornish Hen, rice pilaf, and ratatouille made with local grown produce (don't you love this season?). Of course who can top a peanut butter/chocolate iced cake that Brenda made.

Yaki Soba

Monday we were late getting things going, so we opted for something quick that we had everything already in the house. After inspecting the pantry, I found some water chestnuts, disney mushrooms, and noodles, which are always yummy, we decided on Yaki Soba, a japanese noodle dish. After all Yaki means noodle and Soba means fried in Japanese. Into the fridge for a red pepper, chinese broccoli, spring onion, the freezer for shrimps. 20 minutes later a healthy and delightful asian dish.

Comfort Food

Got back to basic comfort food last night, of course with my twist. Did an individual meatloaf with a red pepper relish, garlic mashed potatoes, and early june peas. It just doesn't get better than that.

Cobbler

Had it kind of easy his weekend, got invited to a family cook-out andonly goto do dessert. That being said, with peaches in season and blackberries looking quite beautiful, we put together a peach/blackberry cobbler, which went as quick as the steaks!!

Crab & Lobster Lasagna

Got inspired by one of my favorites...Emeril, and made his rendition of a seafood lasagna which he proudly named Crab and Lobster Lasagna. IWe found it is very hard to steam a lobster with out picking at it, but managed to get most of the succulant meat saved for the entree. Layering a mixture of a bechamel sauce, then a layer of pasta sheets followed by a layer ricatta/mozzarella/egg, then the lobster/crabmeat until everything was piled, or should I say over-piled into our baking dish. Into the oven for about an hour. Talk about rich, this one is over the top. Accompanying the main course was a salad of field greens with local tomatoes, cukes, shrooms and radish topped with a white balsamic vinegrette and of course garlic bread.

Our Outdoor Atmosphere

When the weather allows this is where it all happens. Saturday we did a whole roasting chicken on the rotisserie seasoned with some fresh herbs (from our garden, of course!). With that we made beets in a sweet and sour glaze and a quick vegetable stuffing.

A Lighter Fare

After a big lunch with an old friend, we decided on a salad fortonight's dinner. Tossed some boston lettuce with arugala added some fresh tomatoes, cukes, and some salmon. Topped it off with capers (Wendy's favorite!), an a catalina dressing.