Easy peasy lunch for a group

Putting on a party for friends is one thing, but for family, it’s another. Having parents and grandparents nearby, can be a blessing and a curse. Thankfully, I was given a little bit of time before having the token house warming, or in this case, “just a lunch so your grandparents can see your apartment.”

Knowing my grandparents and I, both like to eat light and prefer Mediterranean food, planning the menu was not a problem, not like choosing between the background music. Hard rock alternative or solid gold oldies?

An olive oil tasting set saved this lunch

Having a carafe of olive oil with fresh basil, salt and pepper, is a good staple to build the rest of a grazing lunch around. I also always use Carr crackers to entertain. They are perfect for cheese, humus and pesto. Spruce up any boring platters with fresh flowers from the garden. Parsley can also be added to tops of dips.

Smoked salmon with lemon also work well on brown breads

A late summer Mediterranean wouldn’t be complete with a chilled bottle of white wine. This Jacob’s Creek Riesling went great with the prosciutto and salami finger sandwiches on pumpernickel.

Voila!

Italiano

A few summers ago I traveled to Italy and wound up in Tuscany. Besides the usual beauty, the romanic escapism and of course the wine that it's known for, there were olives. More than olives, olive oil.

Coming upon an old olive oil farm, learning about the presses (new and old) and tasting the many types of olive oil that exist, changed my palate forever. Stateside, I was never able to use just ordinary olive oil again. As a matter of fact, I adopted an olive tree.

I do read the blog from where I had my olive oil shipped and came upon this recipe, perfect for the summer! http://dolcevitadiaries.co.uk/2010/07/02/half-time-feasts-3-cacio-e-pepe/

Chilly summer nights

Where did summer go? Usually meals during June through August are light, fruit, vegetables and cheeses. When the unexpected storm comes in, it's still possible to eat healthy and hearty.

A penne pasta dish with eggplant, garlic, chopped parsley, mozzarella and pecorino romano cheeses is just what should be served when it's raining during the warm months.

What you will need:

One cup of gluten free penne pasta

Slices of eggplant
Handful of chopped parsley
One minced garlic
Three slices of fresh mozzarella cheese

Boil water and add the pasta, and cook as directed.
Meanwhile, sprinkle olive oil (Nudo) in a frying pan and add the slices of eggplant when warm. Flip over once they start to get golden brown and flavor with salt and pepper.
Drain the pasta and combine with the eggplant, in the frying pan.
Dish on to plate and add chopped parsley, minced garlic and slices of mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle shredded pecorino romano cheese on top.

Eat well, live happy!