Blueberry and Gingersnap Crumble

                  I went blueberry picking with my family this past weekend and we had the best
                       time. I used to go to this same place as a child and it was great to bring my
                                    own children there. It's all about creating memories.

                              I think she ate more blueberries than she put in the basket.

Blueberry and Gingersnap Crumble

For the filling

6 cups of blueberries

1/2 cup of sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Crumble topping

     Anna's ginger thin cookies crushed, ( about 1 cup )

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup light brown sugar

6 tablespoons cold butter. Cut into pieces

Ice cream for serving.

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make the filling. Mix blueberries,

sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and salt in a bowl.

Transfer to an 8 - inch square baking dish.

2) Make the topping, Put gingersnaps, brown sugar and

flour in bowl. Mix, add butter and salt.

Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over blueberry mixture.

3) Bake until bubbling in center and brown on top, about 45 min.

Let cool for about 30 minutes.

Doesn't this look like bliss in a dish?

Enjoy and make a Summer Crumble today.

Greek Couscous

                      If you have been reading this blog for awhile you know it's no secret that
                   I'am a huge fan of Greek food. This salad is so fresh and delicious. A perfect
                         Summer meal. Light and extremely good for you. My kind of meal.  
                          I like simple easy meals in this hot weather. You can add anything
                               to this couscous that you'd like and remember the more feta
                                    the better. Go get your veggies and have a great meal.

                                                                    Greek Couscous

                                   3 cups couscous
                                   3 cups vegetable broth
                                   1 container cherry tomatoes, cut in half
                                   1 English cucumber, sliced
                                   1/2 red onion, diced
                                   1 container crumbled feta
                                   corn off of two cobs
                                   1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
                                    black olives, optional.
                                    2 lemons, juiced
                                    salt and pepper
                                    fresh basil

                     1) Heat broth on stovetop and add salt. Cook until boiling.
                     Add the couscous and stir. Let it sit for about 4 to 5 minutes and than
                     fluff with a fork and add lemon juice.
                     2) Put couscous in a large serving bowl and add vegetables and feta.
                     Season to your liking and serve.

               
                         

Baked Goat Cheese with Marinara

                      I love this dip. Oh, how I love warm cheese smeared on a crusty baguette.
                If you love goat cheese as much as I do this is for you. But - you can switch it out
                            with your favorite cheese....any kind will do. The sky is the limit.
                   Serve this with a glass of your favorite white wine and this just might be your
                             go to Summer dinner. Make it tonight or tomorrow. It's that good.

                                                    Baked Goat Cheese with Marinara

                                   Goat Cheese or your favorite
                                   1 can tomato sauce
                                   1 Can diced tomatoes
                                   3 garlic cloves
                                   1 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
                                   garlic powder
                                   1 baguette, sliced
                                   olive oil
                                   basil for garnish

               1) In a small sauce pan heat tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon -
               seasoning garlic and garlic powder. Heat until boiling.
               2) Place sauce in a heat proof bowl and place cheese on top and put the rest of
               the seasoning on top and heat in oven at 400 degrees for 10 to 13 min.
               3) Grill bread on stovetop and serve.

My Jersey Shore Vacation

       Hello everyone. How is your Summer going? Have you gone anywhere fun or are
    going somewhere? I love Summer. It just makes me happy inside. The smell of the air.
                     The fresh produce. Eating outside just tastes better, doesn't it?

             Last week my family and I stayed a week at The Jersey Shore and let me tell you,
                we had so much fun. I was sad to go but I look forward to going back.
                                         Here are a few pictures of our vacation.

       
                                                              Jersey Shore House
          You didn't think I could start off this post without mentioning this house. The cast
                   was filming all week and we saw them filming daily. Kinda cool.

                                We had beautiful weather every single day. I felt grateful.

                                     Sand castles are a must when you are at the beach.

                                       My 4th of July cutie showing her momma some love.

                                                 Corona-Rita's are a must on vacation.

                       I was beyond happy that everyday I was near Italian bakeries and pizzerias.
                                         

                                                      Italian Donuts. Be still my heart.

                                    Lounging on the porch and having down time. Priceless.

Happy Summer My Friends!!!!!!!

Green Beans with Pancetta and Feta

                       The forgotten side dishes. They are the dishes I look forward to the most -
                    and I post about the least. Why is that? I think it's high time I change that and
                    get working on some scrumptious side dishes for all of you. Let's talk about
                     these green beans. Sweet, salty and crunchy it will go perfect with anything
                          you cook and they are great all by themselves. Happy 4th of July.

                                                      Green Beans with Pancetta and Feta

                                    Green beans - a large bunch
                                    feta
                                    1small red onion
                                    pancetta
                                    2 garlic cloves
                                    olive oil
                                    salt and pepper

                1) In a large stock pot boil salted water and cook green beans for 5 min.
                2) Meanwhile in a frying pan. Cook onion and pancetta until almost done.
                Add your garlic and green beans. Cook until beans are done but still crisp.
                3) Place on a serving plate add your salt, pepper and feta.

                           Note. You don't have to add the pancetta. Sometimes I don't and it's
                                      still just as good. You can also add extra spices.