I’m feeling like quick and easy is the way to go on hump day, so with that theme in mind, I give you orecchiette with peas and mint, one of the simplest one-pot meals to make. It’s the perfect pasta for this time of year – simple flavors that aren’t to heavy, leaving you with the taste of tangy goat cheese, sweet peas, and fresh mint dancing around in your mouth.

Ready for the instructions? Because this is way too easy to call a recipe… (more…)

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Lunch, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian by Courtney

It’s that time of year again! When tomatoes start ripening, and the basil grows big and bushy. Of course, I’ve killed my basil and I only have one ripe San Marzano thus far, but that isn’t holding me back. My CSA was full of Roma tomatoes and basil this week, and what better to make than the classic combo — tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella — a Caprese salad.

During summer I eat these every chance I get. Breakfast, snack, lunch, appetizer, between two slices of bread if I need more sustenance. While you could simply throw the three ingredients together and it would taste wonderful, there are a couple of additions that I like to add to take this over the top. Want to know what they are? (more…)

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Appetizers, Gluten free, In the Garden, Italian, Quick and Easy, Salad, Vegetarian by Courtney

This bit of Indian summer we’re experiencing is making me want to have one last hurrah of summery, grilling out sessions (you know, before those fall grilling out sessions that are more like tailgate fair). So I’m going to make some thin burgers, about a 1/4 pound each, perfect for stacking up for a double (or triple) cheese burger. I’m jonesing for a bit of fruit, and a fruit salad is the perfect way to trick myself into thinking this burger meal is healthy! Chips are added for good measure though. Really, who can eat a burger without some form of potato? (more…)

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Cooking outdoors, Lunch by Courtney