Guys. This New York City summer is killing me. It is so humid, it makes the heat 100 times worse. This coming from a girl who grew up in Texas. But then again, I grew up in dry Texas where I got static shocked from door knobs and metal handles of all sorts. All. The. Time. I had this trick where before I would open a door or turn on a sink, I would wrap my sleeve around one of my hands and lightly tap the metal handle/knob/faucet in lightning quick speed as if I were a toad catching a fly. I'm not sure why I did it since it never prevented the shock, I guess it just lessened the unpleasant surprise. But I digress. It is humid here. Sometimes I get dolled up to go outside and I think to myself, "Summer, what is wrong with you? Why bother? Oh eff...your makeup is literally melting off your face..."
Slow Roasted Cauliflower with Beluga Lentils
Remember my post a month or two ago about my hatred for raisins? Then I said my one exception is pickled golden raisins? Seems like a strange exception, and this recipe is the reason.
This particular recipe is a homemade version one of the best vegetarian dishes I have ever eaten, and of course it was at Longman & Eagle. Their cauliflower entrée is so amazing that I couldn't even strongly object to the raisins in it. However, when I tried to make it at home, I found that pickling the raisins made it even better. I'm not sure if they do this in the original recipe as it's not published anywhere, I also don't remember exactly what every component tasted like, but I have a version that my home-cooking self is happy with.
Savory Pear Tart with Blue Cheese & Pancetta
I really like the combination of sweet and salty. A lot. I love honey mustard, barbeque, sea salt caramel, and I even put a tablespoon or two of dark brown sugar in my chili. But I must say, my favorite combination of sweet and salty comes in the form of fruit and cheese. Apple and gruyere grilled cheese? Fig jam and brie on crackers? Strawberry and blue cheese salad? Come hither, my lovelies, and take your spot on my dinner plate.
Raspberry Cheesecake
Last weekend I made a trip to Long Island to go berry picking. It was a day filled with merriment, but also sore legs and creaking backs. I had to shove my face in the ground to pick the last remaining edible strawberries of the late season. I also tried snap pea ice cream for the first time, the you-pick farm made their own, and it was interesting, but I didn't love it. At the end of the day I came home with two heaping pints of fresh raspberries and strawberries. What better activity to do other than make cheesecake?