Comfort Food At It's Best

I've been a little off the grid lately as I've been under the weather. But I'm a glass half full kind of Gal and I decided to put a positive spin on the dreaded summer cold and make myself some ooey gooey comfort food. A couple of nights ago like a good Husband does, MK made me a fabulous grilled cheese sandwich. It hit the spot so much that I wanted to make another the following night. I wanted to switch it up so my brain automatically goes to gourmet. Gourmet Pesto Grilled Cheese?! Perfect!! I just so happened to have fresh from the garden tomatoes (thanks Dad!) just sitting on my counter needing to be used. This just might be my new favorite and the good news is that it's so easy!

All you do is put the pesto of your choice on each side of the bread (I used fresh Italian from the bakery), cut up some tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, I put mine in a Panini press but you can do it stove top as well. It's quick, easy, and so delicious! 

A Fresh Summer Meal

Something I love to do is simplify gourmet cooking. With this recipe I combined fun summer grilling and the cool taste of cucumbers.  What could spice up some chicken kabobs? Avocado Tzatziki !! This sauce is really fantastic to do so many things with. Add it to a grilled tuna steak or a sandwich to replace mayo. The bonus is that it's low cal too.

Here is the recipe:

• 1 large avocado
• 2 cloves garlic
• a pinch of lime juice
• a spoonful of lite sour cream
• 1/2 seeded cucumber
• a little fresh cilantro

Toss those in a blender, and you've got a perfect summer meal to eat on the patio and not have to worry about your waistline.

All In The Details

 One of my favorite things in life is hosting parties. Over the years, I've learned that preparation and attention to detail are everything. My Aunt from the Florida Keys came home and what a perfect party weekend she chose. MK and I already had a little gathering scheduled for Saturday so we just continued on with the fun and had a family soiree the following day.

Sunday morning came and I started prepping. Fresh flowers, premade sangria, and lobster canapés ready to go.

I am absolutely an appetizer person. As much as I love to gather around my table in front of a big bowl of spaghetti and my family's smiling faces, there is something to be said for mingling and floating around nibbling on some delicious hors d'oeuvres.

Here is my Lobster Canapé recipe:

• 1 pound lobster
• 2 tbsp. mayo
• 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup mango (diced)
• 1/4 cup celery
• 2 tbsp. red onion
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Throw everything but the cilantro in a bowl and toss. Take a full tablespoon of the mixture and put in on a slice of cucumber or in this case I used a mini phyllo bowl. It adds a nice flakey crunch.

Fresh flowers are the best! Be your gathering inside or out, they really add some elegance. When choosing your flowers pick colors from opposite sides of the color wheel so that they compliment each other.

Here is Mk and I with the guest of honor. It was so great to have her home.

We will miss her dearly!