rustic marinara sauce

it is tomato season!  we are getting so many tomatoes in our farm box that i decided to just throw them all into a sauce...no matter what kind they were...vine, heirloom, grape, roma.  this is a simple, rustic sauce and can be used for so many things...over chicken, fish, pasta, in a lasagna that you can freeze to enjoy for the fall...

ingredients/supplies:
-5-6 cups of tomatoes - feel free to mix it up
-1.5 cups of dry red wine
-1 tablespoons of dry red pepper (2 tablespoons for spicy sauce)
-1 large onion
-3 shallots (you can use garlic instead shallot for a more traditional italian flavor)
-4 tablespoons of olive oil
-a large handful of fresh basil
-salt to taste (about 2-3 teaspoons)
-3 pinches of sugar
-a large tomato friendly pot, a cutting board, a knife, measuring cups, measuring spoons

prepping/chopping/cooking:

prep:
-wash any tomatoes that you choose to use (no need to peel)
-peel the onion and shallots
-heat pan over medium heat

chop:
-quarter tomatoes and take the seeds out of the tomatoes that you are using that are really seedy (i did not bother cutting the grape or cherry tomatoes - i just kept them whole)
-slice the onion into a large dice
-slice shallots into medium slices

cook:
-place the 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the hot pot
-mix in the red pepper to your desired spice level and let the pepper infuse in the hot oil for about 20 seconds
-place the onion and shallots in the pot and sautee together with the red pepper

-once the onions become a bit tender, add the wine and let it lightly simmer so that it reduces by half

(the wine should not boil so keep an eye on it and reduce the heat if needed)

-add tomatoes and add a large pinch of salt

-cook over medium/medium low heat for about 30-45 minutes (it should lightly simmer but never boil) until you reach your desired thickness and taste 

-add additional salt and a pinch or 3 of sugar depending on the desired sweetness once you are nearing your desired consistency

-when the sauce is as thick as you desire, take it off the heat

-chop the fresh basil and add into the sauce, stir and add any additional salt or sugar you feel it needs

enjoy!!

afternoon cheese

i love cheese...like really...it is a problem.  i am taking some time off from the dairy these days but i still serve it for people who are coming over...just with non-dairy options...

this time i chose to serve marcona almonds, figs with honey, and a berry salad with peaches added...

here is a little trick my cousin, yael, taught me...add the juice of 1 grapefruit to your berry salad...it is amazing!

enjoy!

table settings

i love sunflowers and i love them tall but i love to cut them short for a pop of color on the dining room table...

enjoy your weekend!

brown rice stir-fry

quick and easy is on my mind these days...

something i make in bulk and store in the frig for the week besides oats is brown rice...then...in a pinch...with whichever veggies we have in the house...we can have something fresh, filling, and fast for dinner...

ingredients/supplies:
-2 organic celery stalks
-1 small onion
-2 organic carrots
-a handful of mushrooms
-3-4 cups of cooked brown
-any protein you desire (leftovers cut up are great or skip the protein all together as the soy sauce + brown rice provides protein on its own)
-soy sauce
-olive oil
-salt and pepper to taste
-a cutting board, a peeler, a knife, a large skillet, and a spatula

prepping/chopping/cooking:

prep:
-wash celery and carrots
-peel carrots
-wipe mushrooms off with a damp towel

chop:
-chop the onion, celery, carrot, and mushrooms into bite sized pieces

cook:
-place skillet on the stove over medium-high heat
-add a tablespoon of olive oil when skillet is hot
-add onions and mushrooms and saute until onions turn a bit yellow and the mushrooms brown
-add carrots and celery add a pinch or 2 of salt and pepper and saute
-add any precooked protein you desire if you are adding
-after all the ingredients have been sauteed together and have cooked for about 10 mins, add the rice and cook until all ingredients are hot
-add salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste

enjoy!!!

oats for the week

i am loving oatmeal in the morning these days, but, of course, i like the steel cut oats that take a while to prepare.  to save time during the week, i have been making 3 batches at a time on sunday and keeping the extra in the frig.  i pretty much follow the directions on the package of bob' red mill except that i add a pinch or 2 of extra salt than the recipe calls for...just 'cause...

on the week day mornings, i re-heat a small portion on the stove with 1/2 a cup of coconut milk...it is delish and ready to  eat in 10 mins...

enjoy!

roasted salsa

i am always on the hunt for a good salsa...it is something that is just part of being a texan...we love salsa, guacamole, and queso.  this salsa is fresh and easy and good served warm, fresh from the blender or cold the nest day...

ingredients/supplies:

-5 organic tomatoes
-3 jalapeno peppers
-2 serrano peppers
-2 onions
-1 bunch of organic cilantro
-1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar
-kosher salt to taste
-1 roasting pan, an oven, a knife, a cutting board, and a blender

prepping/chopping/roasting/blending/mixing:

prep:
-preheat the oven to the highest temperature (500 degrees)
-wash and dry tomatoes and peppers

chop:
-peel and slice the onions to even rounds
-chop cilantro and set aside (some people care for lots and some less so use as much as you like)

roast:
-place tomatoes, onions, and peppers on the roasting tray in a single layer and place in oven
-after about 15-20 minutes, check on them and if they are nice and roasted, flip them to roast both sides evenly

blend:
-place the roasted veggies in a blender with a few pinches of salt and blend until you reach your desired texture

mix:
-place blended veggies in a bowl and add a dash of white vinegar and salt to taste
-add in the chopped cilantro

enjoy!

happy father's day

i have been a silent blogger for over a month...wow...time flies.

i have been so busy with my husband's and i's latest creation..the best thing we have ever made...happy father's day to all the amazing dads!!

i hope everyone has an amazing dad filled day.

enjoy!