roughage

I am absolutely in love with this book!  I found it at the library last week.

Where has Ina Garten been all my life?  I seriously think she may be my new best friend. I love the way she talks about her home in the Hamptons and her "off season" home in NY (not to mention the lovely little flat she keeps in Paris) like her readers most certainly have a similar situation. Um not quite.  But that is where her pretentiousness seems to stop.  I was delighted to find that most of her recipes are simple, the ingredients attainable. 

My Saturday lunch:

A little greek salad with warm goat cheese on toast.  I adapted the recipe in the book to include many of my favorite flavors right now.

Toss together: I don't measure anything, just dump in what looks good to you.

Mixed Greens (I am loving the artisan lettuce tub at costco right now...stays fresher longer than the pre-cut stuff)

Artichoke hearts (mine were from a jar, packed in oil)

Kalamata olives

Garbanzo beans

Then mix dressing: (I measured all ingredients into a jar, then put the lid on and just shook it up. This will make enough dressing for salads all week- time saving!)

6 T white wine vinegar

1 t dijon or seedy brown mustard

1 t mince garlic

1 C olive oil

Coarse salt and pepper to taste

Toss Salad and dressing together.

Then I brushed a few pieces of baguette with olive oil and topped them with sliced goat cheese and baked them at 450 for 8 mins.  This is long enough for the goat cheese to warm and the bread to toast.

It was divine. I really did feel "Barefoot in Paris" versus just "Barefoot and Pregnant".  Going back to the library to find more of Ina.  Any recommendations?