Chou à la tomate

Still in bed, looking out my window at the gray sky and windy trees, I already knew today's mood would be nostalgic. Maybe it was the weather - temperatures have dropped literally 40 degrees since last week's heat wave - or that New York Times article I read about why nostalgia is a beneficial emotion, that had me in the mood to cozy up to pleasant memories. I don't mean to sound overly reflective and dramatic, but I've always been one to look back at the past with fondness. Appreciating all that has lead to where I am keeps me grounded in the present, and reminds me that I have much to look forward to as the future turns to a grateful present to a rich past.

Having thought more on the subject than I knew was warranted, I decided to get busy by making food. Not only would this bring back pleasant memories of cooking with my family and friends, but it would also give me the opportunity to use a cookbook full of vegetable recipes gifted to me by my sister. All while making a nice, comforting dinner. Just what I needed.

Recipe for "chou à la tomate"

Seriously though, I have a love affair with cruciferous vegetables

My cabbage in a sweet cumin tomato sauce. Made better with Tabasco, as is everything else.

Summer's ice cream

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist.

This picture is making me crave a French ice cream cone terribly... A thin, crisp sugar cone guarding a modest scoop of blackcurrant or passion fruit sorbet. The perfect summer treat.

Fourth of July

Mountain flowers brought back from a dirt bike ride

I spent the Fourth of July on a sunny mountain lake in Idaho, surrounded by family and friends. The cocktails flowed and the steaks sizzled - and so did my skin. Besides enjoying the warm weather and cool lake, we spent a lot of time at the grill and in the kitchen. Lunch was mostly effortlessly based on big salads and cheese plates, though dinners got (slightly) more involved with two-hour caramelized onions, grilled vegetables and turkey sliders. We were on vacation, after all. And we couldn't help but make even this most quintessential American holiday a little French with a few bottles of rosé!

Hope everyone had a fun and festive Fourth!

One of many delicious dinners: grilled chicken and ribeye steak, bacon sautéed corn, curry yogurt sauce.