A Case of the Mondays

For me, Monday calls for an easy dinner, something not too laborious since I usually have a case of the Mondays. I also crave something a bit lighter since I most likely over indulged Friday night through Sunday. I know this weekend I did!

On the menu tonight:

Cedar Planked Salmon
Steamed Broccoli
Cous Cous
Orange Blueberry Spritzer

This was my very first time grilling with a plank. Over all it was pretty simple, and it really does infuse the fish with a great flavor! I opted for a non-alcoholic beverage and kept it simple by just adding a couple of naval orange slices and smashed blueberries to sparkling water. So refreshing!

ingredients

they're almost done!

dinner is ready

La Cornue .... La Amour!

The Williams-Sonoma at Southpoint in Durham, NC has one of these beauties by the French company La Cornue in their window... a deep burgundy, double version that is twice this size, with glowing brass hardware. It was love at first sight. I have never been so in awe at the craftsmanship and sheer beauty of an oven! As a lover of interior design, to me this would be the shining star of any kitchen. As as a lover of cooking, I don't think I'd mind using it either ;o)

Upon reading about La Cornue and their ranges, I was amazed to find out that each one is meticulously crafted by hand by one individual. WOW. I think if I ever see the day I own one of these... (they range anywhere from $8500-$40,000) whenever moved I would take it with me to my next house, and the next...and the next. We would never part. They are available in a variety of gorgeous enamel finishes. How on earth could you decide on a color?

Welcome to the World, Baby Liam!

I just had to post a few pictures of my new nephew! I can't believe I'm an aunt! I feel so old! But I don't even care because he is SUCH a precious little thing. Ashley (Aaron's sister, and the new mom) had him early Friday morning in Virginia. Her husband Barry serves in the Navy and was able to come home early from deployment to see the birth of his baby boy. We headed up for the afternoon to spend a few hours with Liam Joshua.

Siler City for my first Shake and Bake

Yesterday afternoon I ventured over to Belle's new home in Siler City for a good catching up session. Since our last get together, she had adopted a new dog, bought a house, and got engaged! Getting together was long over due!

We had the best time taking mugshots of the 2 kids, Rufus the dog, and Lillie the cat. Rufus was such a good sport! Lillie not so much... I think this is such a cute idea for pet portraits. I think her and her fiance, Dutch should take them of themselves too and have them framed going down a wall in the living room.





After the photo shoot, we got down to business. Before Dutch left for work, he made us a pitcher of delicious pomegranate martini mix all we had to do is shake it up with a little (or a lot) of vodka in a cocktail shaker and pour into chilled martini glasses and we were ready to go!

On the menu:

Pomegranate Martinis
Shrimp and Grits (Crooks Corner recipe)
Fresh Tomato Slices

The dish was a cinch to make since Julie had already done the prep earlier that day and had all the veggies in bowls waiting for us in the fridge. I think this is a great practice for having people over- you can spend more time enjoying your guests rather than face down over a cutting board. We followed the recipe and embellished *just* a hair by cooking the grits in chicken stock rather than plain water. After the cheese was added, I could have eaten these grits for every meal for the rest of my life! I don't know how anyone can turn their nose up at this mushy glob of warm deliciousness! Top them off with shrimp, mushrooms and garlic sauteed in butter and bacon drippings and you have quite the indulgence indeed.

As for the tomatoes- all you need is red ripe tomatoes which are so good right now in the heart of summer, E.V.O.O., fresh basil, freshly ground black paper (it makes SUCH a difference) and kosher salt. Just slice the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil sprinkle with salt, pepper and basil. Ahhh sweet summer time!