Take-out Tuesday, Fresh Garden Tomato & Basil Flatbread

Even though I am not much of a gardener, I can manage fresh herbs like basil and rosemary, and HHjr loves to plant cherry tomatoes and peppers We have a bountiful crop this year and so let’s roast them and make a sophisticated version of a traditional tomato sauce and cheese pizza First season the … Continue reading

Take-out Tuesday, Grilled Blackened Shrimp with Basil Fettucini Alfredo

Grilled Blackened Shrimp with Basil Fettucini Alfredo… Sounds fancy doesn’t it?? Can you keep a secret? Shhh… It’s super easy to make!! This is courtesy of HHjr He is the definition of a morning person, especially at the beach where He gets up and goes to the grocery store before anyone else even stirs “Did … Continue reading

Recipe Box, Savory Corn & Basil Pancakes

This is a fun little side dish for summer Corn pancakes flavored with fresh basil At first your mouth might be confused, because subconsciously, pancakes signal a sweeter flavor But after a bite or two, the flavors of fresh corn and basil kick in, and you will be reaching for more This dish is much … Continue reading

Recipe Box, Lemon Ricotta Lasagna Rolls with Spinach, Fennel & Basil

Just in time for Mother’s Day, these light lemon ricotta lasagna rolls are elegant, yet surprisingly simple The filled noodles are nestled on a bed of sauteed spinach, fennel and shallot, topped with Parmesan and finished with a little brown butter and fresh basil They look sinful but they’re really not…well, maybe just a little… … Continue reading

Take-out Tuesday, Basil Pesto Naan with Caramelized Shallot & Pine Nuts

On this Flag Day 2016, it is more important than ever to stay strong America, and be proud Prayers to Orlando and all those affected in the latest tragedy to befall our nation… 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 ………….. Okay, if you ever make one of my recipes, make sure it’s this one This might be my … Continue reading

Recipe Box, The Marinara Sauce Mystery, and Stuffed Marinara Meatball Subs with Basil Pesto

me: “I’m going out  with the girls tonight…  💅  💄  💃  🍷  There’s leftover meatballs and marinara in the fridge you can heat up for  dinner” him: “Okay, how do I fix it?” me: “Just put it in a sauce pan and heat it up as you would soup, and toast the bread” him: “Okay, … Continue reading

Recipe Box, Summer Cherry Tomato Pie

Our garden this year has not been the perfect success it started out to be We did harvest some kale and made Krazy Kale and Pan Fried Kale Ribbons with Garlic before a giant snake got caught in the protective netting and thrashed about for 3 days bashing everything with it’s tail… And even though … Continue reading

Tablescapes, Lunch in the Garden

We have had so much rain this spring that my backyard is a jungle  botanical garden… I’m so sorry California, how I wish we could share with you~     My Garden Girl has been working overtime and doing a great job   We recently enjoyed an unusually cool and bug free day, perfect for … Continue reading

Gifts from the Kitchen, Fresh Basil Oil

When I saw this Fresh Basil Oil over at the Café Sucré Farine, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some fresh basil~ Make up a batch and put it in a fancy bottle and you have the perfect gift from your kitchen, A most welcome addition to anyone’s pantry…. I used a handpainted … Continue reading

Gifts from the Kitchen, Tomato Basil Butter

This flavorful butter will brighten up your summer!  Make up a batch to take to the next BBQ or picnic, your host will love having some to stash away! Roast some tomatoes with some olive oil and salt & pepper It’s a beautiful thing! Slide all this yumminess into a dish of softened butter Add … Continue reading