No Labor for the Weary

Hope you have the most relaxing Labor Day!  That's the plan here at the Smith T house.

Here's what we have on the menu today:

Grilled Flank Steak 

(grill it medium rare and slice super thin).

This marinade is my friend Sarah's recipe and it is too yummy for words: Bragg's aminos liquid (or soy sauce), agave nectar, garlic, lemon juice, green onions, olive oil and dried Italian herbs.

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

(sorry no picture, I haven't made it yet)

Sliced Tomatoes & Lady pea Salad

I cooked the fresh lady peas in homemade chicken stock until tender.  Then put them in the frig to cool down.  When you're ready, slice the tomatoes, sprinkle on the peas and your favorite salad mix.

Last step, drizzle the entire salad with a dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, kosher salt and back pepper.

Other Offerings:

Swimming at the pool (it closes for season today)

Catching up on shelter magazines - such a chore (smile).

Mani/Pedi in a new fall color 

Trip to the driving range for the boys

Just a totally relaxing day

source

See you tomorrow! M.

Melted Heirloom Tomatoes

Earlier this week, I posted about my weekend.  I had several people email me to ask about the melted tomatoes, so I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Melted Heirloom Tomatoes

Start with the freshest heirloom tomatoes you can find (sounds like Martha, right).  I got these at Whole Foods and selected some of every color they had.
 You will need to wash and dry your tomatoes and cut them into large pieces.  Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.  Place your tomatoes in a single layer on a cookie sheet and add, fresh basil (10 leaves or so julienned), olive oil (drizzled over them), balsamic vinegar (as much as you like, I just sprinkled it over mine), sea salt and pepper.  Then I tossed them to coat each piece really well.  
You will place these in the oven and forget about them for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

And this is what they look like when they're ready!! 

And when I say they will melt in your mouth, I mean it!! They are divine.
I topped mine with thinly grated parmesan cheese.  

Now I am encouraging you to treat yourself to a meal at home one night this weekend.  I paired these tomatoes with grilled chicken and orzo, but you could easily do any grilled meat.  I think the tomatoes would also be yummy paired with rice, if you're not into pasta (which is unimaginable to me, but to each their own).  

This is such a light, healthy summer dish.  M.

Summer Pasta Salad

Since the 4th is fast approaching, I thought I would share one of my favorite summer recipes with you - Pasta Salad
I got this recipe from a friend of a friend, and I think we make it at least every other week in the summer months.  It is wonderful hot, cold and even room temperature.  I have served it with any grilled meat you can name, hamburgers and even as a side for sandwiches.  It's that versatile.

Start by cutting up two pints of grape tomatoes (they are sweeter than the cherry tomatoes and when cut in half are the perfect bite size).  

Always cut them on the perimeter rather than from stem to end.  I just learned this from an amazing cook at our church.  When you cut them this way, they burst in your mouth for ultimate flavor.

Add to these, several leaves of fresh basil julienned.  

I like to stack the leaves on top of each other and fold them into a tight roll before cutting.

 Makes quick work of it.

Then add four teaspoons of garlic, one teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.  

Here's the most important step.  Let this mixture sit at room temperature for at least four hours.  This allows the garlic and basil to flavor the oil so that every bite has great taste.

Cook your pasta, any shape will work.

Drain your noodles and add immediately to the tomato mixture along with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.  

Serve as is or chilled.  If you want to make this a main course, simply add grilled chicken or shrimp. 

It's the perfect side dish for your weekend grilling.  I know we're having it for sure!
Happy Summer! M.