Summer of Fun- Summer of Love

When I look back at all the photos from this summer I can't believe we had that much fun. On our road trip to Portland and the Oregon Coast for our five year anniversary in May we expressed to each other that we wanted to have a "summer of fun", mostly because this is when we decided to make a serious decision regarding the future of our family, so just in case this was our last summer alone we wanted to live it up, and let me tell you we did! Even though our summer ended with a loss it certainly didn't over shadow the fun and love we experienced the last few months. Most of all thank you to my sweetie for the most amazing summer we shared as a couple but a huge thanks to our family and friends who added to the fun and most of all the love.

Here a some highlights from our summer, Enjoy!

JUNE

 Me and Mom at Big Mike's god son's wedding @ Log Haven. (Big Fat Greek Wedding)

 The Dudes: Big Mike and Billy at the wedding- good lookin' dudes! (P.S. Beautiful setting and alot of alcohol)

 After or trip to Portland in May we came home with the biking bug.

 Thanks to our friends Don and Kim we had bikes to play around on all summer.

 Mom and Big Mike at our second Big Fat Greek Wedding in June, this one was fatter than the last one! Don't Mom and Mike look handsome?

 Me- flying solo at that second wedding because Billy was on a biking trip in Moab with our buddy Charlie. I'm wearing this super cute vintage dress I got at my friend Missy boutique: MISC.

 Ahh... my first batch of jam- Cherry Rhubarb. I can't tell you what a hit this jam was with a little Drake Family Farms Goat Cheese and crackers. It was a super saver for all the get togethers we went to.

 This jam even got me a early pass to a vintage bikini sale at MISC Boutique before anyone else! I worked that little deal at the party pictured below.

 This is our friends Charise and Chantelle's sister soiree party, about a week before Chantelle (pictured third from the left) and I discovered that our mom's used to work together back in the day, AND her grandpa and my grandma Little Polly used to ride the bus together! Small world!

Pictured from left to right: Charise, her mom, Chantelle, Me and my mom.

 June also marked the beginning of the Downtown Farmers Market- YAY!

This is EPIC beer, we drank alot of EPIC this summer. It was a reacquiring theme.

JULY

Fourth of July: This day started with a very rainy bike ride in which Billy and I laughed the whole way through. This picture is the fix ins for the Bruschetta I took to the Cordray family party. (recipe is on the blog)

 Ravioli Salad (recipe is on the blog) I mentioned in the blog post for this recipe that each season it can be made with what's in bloom, July brings tomatoes, basil and zucchini.

Psst... did you notice the EPIC? *)

 Our first concert of the month (we went to Chris Isaak but we didn't get photo's), Bruce Hornsby and Bella Fleck. Billy requested these tickets for his b-day. We had a blast.

 I made a special cocktail for the concert, The Leland Palmer- Yum! (recipe is on the blog)

 The best part of Red Butte Concerts is that you can bring your own food and drinks. We had white wine that we brought back from our road trip to Oregon, Greek salad and salmon. Delish.

 This is Miss Olive, she belongs to Sadie and JD our friends who used to live here but moved to San Jose last fall. Lucky for us they came for a visit in July for their second daughter Adalae's b-day.

 This is Miss Adalae- the b-day girl. Sadie and JD's second baby girl. Don't you just want to eat her cheeks?

 This is Mr. Soren (Nate and Alisa's first boy) and Miss Olive taking a break from being super heroes, they had on matching capes, so stinken cute!

 Mr. Soren, the oldest child of all our friends.

 Baby Jude, (Nate and Alisa's second baby boy) him and Miss Adalae were born on the same day. Crazy!

 Every one's favorite brotha's. From left to right: Jeff (Nate's brother), Charlie (every one's brother), and Chris (Alisa's brother).

 Our Crew: From left to right- Sadie and JD (and Miss Addy), Nate and Alisa, Billy and Brooke, and the empty chair belongs to our friends Don and Kim who are off in France having their year of fun.

 This is a picture from Billy's secret b-day party we had a Squatters. Shh...

 This is Billy and hie sister's favorite Christmas tradition- their dad's Eggs Benedict, but since his sister was here for his b-day Big Bill made a special batch. Featuring, Clifford Family Farm eggs, and Creminelli ham. This is a classic.

 Peanut Butter and Jelly thumb print cookies I mad for a Slow Food Utah pot luck.

 This is a pasta dish I made for the pot luck with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.

 Sausage and Grapes (Gwen Crist, the new president of our Slow Food Utah Chapter made this dish), the recipe came from a book we read for Slow Food Book Club, A Thousand Days in Tuscany.

 Evey one enjoying each other's company, the house we were at was magnificent.

 Billy's pregnant sister Michelle was visiting so we took her with. She said this food was some of the best food she has ever eatin. I should mention that Michelle lives in one of the food capitals of the world- NYC!

 Gwen Crist (the Pres of Slow Food Utah) and her niece Ashia enjoying the party.

This is what I whipped up with the leftover pasta from the potluck. I chopped up some fresh spinach and tossed in the leftover pasta, VIOLA dinner!

AUGUST



Bathroom remodel- Our nasty old bathroom

Let the work begin...

New floor, new tub and tile

New cabinets that Billy and Charlie built, they are gorgeous and work so well. Billy had to have that vessel sink and cool faucet. Good picks sweetie.

I waited 4 years for this new bathroom and I love it. It was totally done the day before my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!



 SLC Bites is like the new little sister of Slow Food Utah, these get together are a way for the younger generation to get involved in all things food.

Mr. Matt Caputo was in charge of apps.

These are the apps, all local ingredients.

The Queens of Slow Food Utah, Gwen Crist-the Pres, and Chantelle Bourdouex-the Vice Pres (well that's what I would call her), these ladies work their butts off for Slow Food.

These are all the people who made SLC Bites happen, it was one of the memorable nights we got to experience. Good job!

This photo is for Kimmy, our friends Nate and Alisa are the King and Queen of camping and since Kim couldn't be on our camping adventure she wanted me to take a photo of this.

Baby Jude is ready for camping.

Canoe time... every one had a turn, it was a beautiful lake.

Billy and his buddy Jude.

Our first meal, local chicken sandwich on great harvest bread, classic Lay's potato chips, dried mango's and EPIC beer.

CAMP...

 Kimmy! Look at Alisa's kitchen, can you believe it? She is the Queen.

 Mama bear and baby bear (Alisa and Jude).

 It was an EPIC camping trip. The boys enjoyed games of horse shoes.

 Chow! Taco night, I made nachos- they were soooo goood!

 Billy and his other buddy Miles, and his best friend that weekend EPIC beer.

 Alisa's sister Laura and her sweet kids, Ryan and Tommy. Sweet family, papa bear was playing horse shoes.

These last two photo's are of the wonderful Ries family, they made this whole camping trip a reality. The photo above is Nate and Soren in the canoe, Soren loved being in that boat with his dad. The last photo is Nate, Alisa and Jude relaxed and bellies full. Thanks again you guys this was the highlight of our summer, we can't wait till next year.

Truly the summer of a lifetime, full of fun and tons of love. What could be better?

Gnocchi With Squash and Kale on the Food Network

Gnocchi With Squash and Kale on the Food Network

Billy and I made this for dinner tonight, seriously so good. Fast, healthy and a perfect fall dish. For a picture of this dish check out my fan page on facebook. (Cosmopolitan Hippie Chef)

Shrimp Tostadas

I use to make this recipe back in the day when I was single and living in my shabby chic apartment on Elizabeth St., those were the days. What is great about this recipe is that it is fast to whip up and feeds 4-6 people comfortably, with a few beers of course. This recipe is now one of Billy's favorites and is requested during the summer when something light is called for. I hope you make these for your next backyard hangout. Enjoy!

I bought this beautiful, flavorful shrimp at Aquarius Fish Co.

Disclaimer: There is technically not a set recipe, just don't over do it on the onions and garlic and you'll be fine. (This means you Jenn)

-Shrimp Tostadas-

1-1 1/2 lb shrimp (I used large wild Louisiana shrimp) peel, devien and cooked just until pink, drain and let cool and then chop into a few smaller pieces
1/2 large onion, diced
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint baby size tomatoes
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and diced
2 limes, juiced
Salt and pepper

1. Start by placing the onion, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeno into a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine, next add the lime juice and toss again.
2. Add the shrimp to the already mixed mixture and toss another time to combine all the ingredients.
3. Place in fridge and let marinate for a few hours or even overnight. Toss a few times while marinating. Serve cold. (remember this is not an exact recipe, feel free to experiment on your own)

-Toppings-

You can dress yours up any way you want. These are just the toppings we like. Delish!

Update: X96 and Cristiano Creminelli

All I can say is, this morning has been one of the coolest things I have been lucky enough to be a part of. Cristiano Creminelli did such a great job on the X96 Radio from Hell Show in their 'Ask A' segment. He was very nervous when we first got there but as soon as we got going he got into a groove. The hosts of the Radio from Hell show (Kerry, Bill and Gina) loved him and Bill called him 'a very charming guest'. Their producer (Richie) was even getting text from ladies wanting to know if Cristiano was married because they were mesmerized by his accent! Cristiano did a fantastic job, and it was neat to learn more about were the passion for his craft comes from. Good job Cristiano, thank you X96 (Kerry, Bill, Gina and Richie), and thanks to Chantelle for being my sidekick in the studio this morning.

 Mr. Cristiano Creminelli

 Treats for the X96 crew, Creminelli salami of course!

The Radio from Hell Crew- Gina, Bill, Kerry and Cristiano

X96 and The Radio from Hell Show featuring Creminelli Meats

‎'ASK A SAUSAGE MAKER' Thursday August 18 @ 8am X96 and The Radio from Hell Show (FM station 96.3 KXRK) will be featuring Cristiano Creminelli of Creminelli Meats for their 'Ask A' segment. This is a great way to learn more about one of our local food artisans. I can't wait! I get to be a guest in the studio that morning along with my food buddy Chantelle Bourdeaux. Hope you tune in.

 This is Enrico w/ Creminelli Fine Meats at the Downtown Farmers Market w/ our friend Christiane a Slow Food Utah buddy.

 This is a pic of a Muffaletta sandwich I made with Creminelli ham.

 Big Bill's (my father-in-law) famous Eggs Benedict featuring Clifford Farm Eggs and Creminelli ham.

 Remember this sandwich? It is was kept Billy fed the weekend I was really sick. Thanks Creminelli, Beehive Cheese and Crumb Brothers for helping a girl out.

One of the dishes I made for Mother's Day after the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk, sliced cucumber and Creminelli salami.

HERA and Climb4Life Interview

My new friend Jessica Kinghorn asked if I would do an interview for the climb4life organization that she is so passionately involved with. I was honored to be asked and said yes without hesitation. Here is a brief description provided by Jessica to better translate what they are all about.

The HERA Foundation, through Climb4Life and other events, raises funds for research, awareness, education about ovarian cancer. Climb4Life Utah is holding it's 10th Anniversary event this year, giving Utahns and others the opportunity to learn to climb or go on group hikes and raise funds for the HERA Foundation. It's an exciting weekend filled with exercise, parties, massage, yoga, film night and much more. http://www.herafoundation.org/c4l-utah-2011/

You can check out my interview here herafoundation.org/blog/

Blog at ya later, B

Farmer's Market Beauties

I just thought I would share some pictures of some beautiful food. When I see these photos they not only make me happy to look at but also happy to know this is what Billy and I put in our bodies. Lucky us! Enjoy.