Summer Vegetable Bake Tian

July 30, 2013 by Monica in Baking, Quick Meal, Vegetable, Vegetarian, Savory

Originating in Provence, a tian is a French word that describes a shallow earthenware casserole and because why use another word for it? The food it contains. Traditionally it features a variety of vegetables, herbs and cheeses that are layered and then baked. Showcasing summer’s squash and tomatoes, I threw in some potatoes too – because well I’m crafty like that.

But if you search a tian can be made with pretty much any vegetable you like, onions, eggplant, herbs, and I can go on and on.

GCC: Risotto with Springs Vegetables, Tomato, and Basil

July 21, 2013 by Monica in Cooking Club, Gutsy Cooks Club, International, Main Courses, Quick Meal, Rice, Vegetable, Vegetarian

I’m late, late, late on this posting, so let’s jump to it. This month’s Gutsy Cook is Marie from Weekend Viands. She decided that all of her recipes would be coming from the Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan.

Speaks right to my Italian roots and I was super excited with her choices. This past weekend it was the risotto. I have made it before, my first try was for the Daring Cooks Challenge and I wrote all about it here. The second time was with this choice which, ironically was also a Gutsy Cook club choice.

Risotto is one of those meals that people think is super complicated, but in reality is not. The trick is to take your time, stir and in no time you will have this creamy rice creation – Italian comfort food at its best.

Esquites - Mexican Corn Street Salad

July 04, 2013 by Monica in Appletizers & Snacks, BBQ, Cheese, Entertaining, Grilling, Latin, Quick Meal

You all know by now my love affair with corn. So you can imagine that when summer arrives around these parts and the BBQ season starts, I’m giddy with excitement of all the corn that is going to show up.

If there is one country that knows how to eat corn is Mexico. Anywhere you go you will find carts in every street corn selling something made with corn and where there is corn there is this dish called Esquites. It’s a snack and the word comes from the Nahuatl word izquitl, which translates to “toasted corn”.