Fish Tacos

These Fish Tacos were from Cosmos in the Graves Hotel in Minneapolis. The fish was smoked and super tender. The shells are fried won tons. They are seated on avocado creme fresh, so good we had to order more.

Dinning Alfresca

Tonight the rain held off (the arc is still being constructed) so I decided to eat outside. I love to eat, read and relax in the summer outside. Inspired by the grilled cheese, I went with a simple, flavor packed, quick and easy dinner. Pita bread, dijon mustard, roasted turkey, and smoked rambol cheese. The salad is baby arugula, with pears and raspberry vinaigrette. The kicker....I cooked the sandwich on George Foreman Grill (the poor person's panni press).

Two rules I try to keep at all times, using the real utencils and cloth napkins.

Grilled Cheese

I was at a wedding last weekend at the Graves 601 Hotel. We ate at one of the in house restaurants Cosmos. I had a grilled cheese to die for, I know not my usual crazy item. But I was not disappointed. This was one of best grilled cheese sandwiches ever. Plus, my Dad always used to cut it this way, he left the crust on, but it was nice to have someone else may one for me. It extra was honey with truffle oil.

Corn On The Cob

Nothing says summer more than corn on the cob. We have some very good corn on the cob in the grocery stores now. I like the simple, just boiled. I also have a favorite that my friend Christine's husband shared. Take a piece of foil (big enough to wrap one ear in), place a paper towel on top of the foil. Put corn on paper towel. Dot corn with butter and balsamic vinegar. Cook on grill for about 15-20 minutes, turn a few times. Yum and don't forget the extra dental floss or tooth picks.

Brown Bananas=Fun

We know you have them, what do you do with them? Make banana bread, smoothies, or toss them? Here is a great summer idea that is easy and fun with the kids.

Banana Ice Cream! No ice cream maker needed. Cut the bananas (even the little ones can cut them). Freeze on a cookie sheet or plate with wax or parchment paper on it. Freeze for at least one hour more if you have the time. Put bananas, milk (you can use rice or soy milk), and a little vanilla in the blender. Blend and eat!

Salsa Verde

Tomatillos are in the store (and for some lucky ones, in your garden). I was gifted a salsa verde last year and I ate the entire jar in one sitting. So I was cooking for the little friend's family and I made roasted tomatillos and then salsa verde. Very easy to make and I used only one pepper, as not to burn their mouths. It is great on grilled fish or just plain chips.

Fire Up the Grill!

Oh, the love of the grill. Turns out my 6 year friend loves trout.
I know, I know you are thinking the mac and cheese queen who won't eat any sinewy or fat part of the chicken is not going to eat fish but you would be wrong. It does require a KGB stealth search for bones but this is my new summer favorite. Trout in foil (be sure to spray foil with non-stick spray or veggie oil. Dot with butter and lemon cook 8 minutes per side. Enjoy.

NYC

Memorial weekend was spent in NYC.  I was lucky enough to travel to NYC for a wonderful dance weekend with my two of my dancing girlfriends. The weekend was a celebration of Frankie Manning's Life. While most of the trip was dancing we did get a few good food-to-dos done. One friend is a cupcake fiend, on our last trip to NYC we did the cupcake tour and our winner is....Buttercup Bakery. The Lemon flavor is my favorite. The chocolate is  also good, but I must admit that I like my chocolate cake very moist.

Charleston Take Four

The desserts from Cypress Lowcountry Grille were to die for. One of the gentlemen in my part had the prix fix dinner three courses for $39.00, a wonderful bargain. I continued the key lime fest with a key lime souffle with raspberry sauce. The only thing wrong with this dish was the presentation, too much of the sauce was wasted on the napkin.



My friends had the molten chocolate cake and the strawberry short cake, also very yummy desserts.

Charleston Take Three

So, the best meal from Cypress Lowcountry Grille was too big for one post. The main courses were Tuna seared with wasabi wrapped in phyllo dough. My friends had the steak Dianne and the pork shoulder with red beans and collards. As you can see this was a wonderful meal...but wait there is more....desserts to follow.

Baby Shower

One of my co-workers is having a baby and at work we love to throw parties! I can't believe that she didn't know this was happening, but the look on her face was just pure joy! I made this fruit salad and it was so much fun to do and bring in.