Not much new going on here. Still humid, still feels like walking into a dog's mouth so I stay in and cook more.
Curious - if you could move anywhere/ live anywhere you'd like, where would it be? I'd be interested to know if you like seasons, love snow, like it dry as the desert.....Do you like a place where you could walk to markets and coffee shops or would you rather be off the beaten track in a rural area? Humor me if you'd care to leave a comment about your ideal place :-)
Ok right - now on to the food and drink this week. These zucchini fries are a bit of a mess to make but oh so worth it. I put the link for the recipe below but basically you slice the zucchini/courgette into strips, dip in an egg mixture then Parmesan Panko. Line a baking sheet and you have a healthy crisp veggie side.
Here they are on the baking sheet ready for the oven.
Served with grilled chicken and sliced melon.
Zucchini Fries recipe from Damn Delicious HERE.
In the evening we enjoyed a Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir. It was good but for the price I can fall back to the Joel Gott label OR my favorite Jadot Pinot Noir 🍷
Last but not least is a pasta recipe which won't heat up your kitchen. No oven needed, it's all stove top cooking.
Spaghettini with Bacon, Mushrooms and Herbs can be on the table in a half hour. Winner on time and taste with this recipe.
Spaghettini with Bacon, Mushrooms and Herbs
(from an old Food Network magazine, September 2012)
Spaghettini or angel hair pasta
4 or so slices of thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of red pepper flakes
3 TB tomato paste
12 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced (I used lots more)
2 TB unsalted butter
2 TB chopped fresh parsley
1 TB chopped fresh tarragon (I used less)
Graeted Parmesan cheese for topping (Optional)
Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in large skillet, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Then add onion, garlic and red pepper flakes and salt. Stir until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until mixture is brick red. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
Once the water boils cook pasta and save about 1 cup of pasta water. Slowly add some of the pasta water to the skillet with sauce; stir and simmer over low heat.
Next add butter and herbs. You may now add the drained pasta to the sauce mix or you can just ladle sauce over pasta in your bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
That's it. I hope everyone had a good week!
Oooh, that's a good question. Maybe Sequim (pronounced "skwim"), which is a town on the Hood Canal in Washington. Or Port Townsend, which is also in WA. I prefer to be near the water and mountains (both of which these towns feature), as well as in an area where I can walk to stores, library, coffee shops, bookstores, etc. With that said, we love living in Depoe Bay, OR, which has the ocean and nearby mountains.
ReplyDeleteLes, we haven't been to Washington state but it would be great to visit. Oregon is also on the to-visit list. Thank you for sharing that!
DeleteWe love zucchini fries, too! I like to serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Haven't made them yet this summer... it's time!
ReplyDeleteWhere would I live, hmmm. I love being near the water, hate dealing with 6 months of snow, and appreciate the changing seasons. As much as I love Sanibel, I don't think I could live there all year long. Summer is just too long and hot... plus hurricanes. I'm enjoying the Connecticut coast - water, four seasons, but not a lot of snow.
JoAnn, I don't blame you for escaping Florida in the summer. It's brutal heat. I miss Pennsylvania but it's most likely the dream of what it used to be. Things change over the years. We don't want snow either.
DeleteVicki, the zucchini fries are so good but alas, they don't reheat well. Healthy side for sure. If you don't mind me asking, why did you move from Monterey CA? Sounds amazing. Not sure where I would like - it would be great to walk to some things but that means a city I suppose. We've been so long in a rural area that it would be a hard transition. Overall, I just want cooler weather without snow.
ReplyDeleteooh yes please to the zucchini fries. I do like cold and snow but after years of living here in sub tropical queensland i doubt i could go back to live in cold Melbourne where i grew up. Mm not sure where to live in that case ... Here with frequent trips down south for some seasonal cold weather for fun.
ReplyDeleteSherry, it is hard to go back to cold weather when you are adapted to tropical weather after a while. I grew up in the northern part of the U.S. (Pennsylvania and a bit of time in Michigan) and would like some cooler temps where we live now (Northern Florida). Florida isn't what is portrayed in movies! The north is humid (sigh)
DeleteWe have seriously debated moving to Gulfport, MS / New Orleans area. We love the area and really miss it after living there for a few months before the pandemic. I love the quirkiness of the area and all the different celebrations. I have no interest in living in a cold climate and will take a hot humid climate (with AC!) any day!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I read all the time about Alabama being retirement friendly! I have never been to Gulfport and it's been years and years since I went to New Orleans. Thanks for answering!
DeleteI'd love to live in Europe or coastal Canada (east or west coast). In the USA, northwest or New England ... I should give those zucchini fries a try in the air fryer.
ReplyDeleteBFR - We have talked about leavig the country and it is possible, but I wouldn't want to be so far from our son. Plus a language skill would be great but...alas.
DeleteThe New England area has appeal.
Those zucchini frites look better than French fries! And for living, I'd stay right where I am, rural Hawaii, yet not too far from a town, beautiful weather, and not too hot, at least when the Trades are blowing. Just use a little air con for a few hours some nights in the summer.
ReplyDeleteAnon, thank you! Your home sounds amazing. I had always had the impression Hawaii was humid but I realize there are many islands with different humidity levels.
DeleteI'd love to eat the zucchini fries and the Spaghettini.
ReplyDeleteI've shared with friends the idea that one day we will all live in the Widows' Home. It will be a big house near the ocean, beside the forest, in the mountains, close to the desert, and there will be room for art and reading and cooking and anything else we want to do.
Deb, both recipes are easy so I do hope you try them, especially the zucchinin fries. I love the house idea!!
DeleteGood question...I do love the desert but would have to be somewhere I can walk to stores, cafes, libraries and museums!! Sometimes I think I would like to love the Maritimes like Charlottetown or Halifax but that would only be in the summer!! I've always loved California. Mexico also appeals to me. And then I was born in Ireland so always thought that would be perfect for hopping around Europe.
ReplyDeleteMondavi wines are so expensive!
Those Zucchini Fries look excellent, i must have a go at making them.
ReplyDelete