Thursday, July 25, 2013

Deep Summer

We've hit deep summer.  Those days when the playgrounds are empty because everyone is at the Cape.  Those days when you start looking at your summer to-do list, erase a couple of wishes and add a couple of wants.  So far I've crossed off at least one thing -eating a whole pint of blueberries by myself.  I did that yesterday when I took an afternoon to myself.  I rode this bike and texted the person who borrowed my bike to next time please lower the seat to original setting after usage.  I also mailed the package on the back of the bike.  Huge.


I came back from my outing feeling extra-balanced.  (That is until I saw pictures of the Duchess step out of the hospital with baby George.  Oh, Kate, you do beat all.)  Starving but balanced.  I harnessed this hunger and peace and made dinner.  Summer Garden Ratatouille.  Now I know how the French get their children to love vegetables.  It did include a splurge on olive oil and heirloom tomatoes.  I want to buy heirloom everything.  Fortunately for both of us Ratatouille doesn't photograph well.  But, I will give you unsolicited advice and tell you to add it to your summer to-do list.  

Summer Garden Ratatouille

2 onions (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 bay leaf 
Saute in 3 tablespoons olive oil about 5 minutes.

1 medium eggplant (chopped)
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Add, cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is soft, about 15-20 minutes

2 summer squash (chopped)
2 green, orange, or red sweet peppers (cut in strips)
2 cups / 500 ml tomatoes (chopped)
Add simmer until peppers and squash are tender, about 10 minutes.  Serve over pasta or polenta sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.  

*minorly adapted from Simply in Season

3 comments:

  1. Yum, just added it! :) I am loving deep summer too, when the anticipation of a birthday is all anyone needs.

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  2. Going to try this recipe!!! So many of my fav flavors and veggies except eggplant which I've never really been able to come to terms with, but ths might just do it, sounds lovely!

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