Back in May, I started receiving a weekly 1/4 bushel of produce from a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) run by Avalon Acres. I’ve honestly had a hard time keeping up with cooking and eating all the veggies. That’s why I’m so happy when I find recipes like The Pioneer Woman’s Roasted Vegetable Minestrone. This is a great recipe that allows you to tailor it to whatever veggies you have available. It also turns out to be a colorful pot of food, which I love!
Second new restaurant on the list…Gondola House Pizzeria.
Went here with Drew on a Saturday night for a quick dinner before we went to see The Campaign. This little place is across the street from my local Publix, and I’ve been wanting to try it for a while. I ordered the Meatball Sandwich that came with shoestring fries. The meatballs had a ton of flavor, and the sub roll was really soft. I loved it, but I would definitely ask for extra sauce next time.
Although the photo is a little shaky, Drew really loved his lasagna…
I definitely want to try the pizza here next time. The ones we saw delivered to the neighboring tables looked super tasty! On a side note, The Campaign had some side-splitting hilarious moments (Zach Galifianakis is a genius), but overall, it went too far for me.
I feel lucky to have stumbled upon a service opportunity that’s right up my alley. The Hospital Hospitality House is similar to the Ronald McDonald House in that it houses out-of-town families/friends of individuals who are seeking treatment at local hospitals. They try to provide their house guests with homemade meals whenever possible. That’s where crazy people like me come in. I’ve signed up to cook a meal for 15-20 people once a month. I’ve done it two months now, and I absolutely love it! It gives me such a thrill to come up with what to make and drop it off hoping that they will enjoy it.
In August, I made Chicken Chili, cornbread, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana bread. I also threw in some salad fixin’s. Below, you can see the 40+ cups of chili I made. Whoa!
In September, I attempted to simplify the menu a bit. I made BBQ Meatloaf, Broccoli/Cheddar/Pepper Jack Mac n Cheese, and Chocolate Toffee Pecan bars.
I’ve decided to challenge myself. To eat more food, of course. Ive made a new goal to try (at least) one new non-chain restaurant and one new recipe per week. I started 2 weeks ago, and I’m really enjoying the challenge so far! Here are some of my delicious discoveries…
It all started with a lovely “bestie brunch” with my best (pregnant) friend, Jessica. We went to Saturday brunch at Marche, a cute little bistro in East Nashville (known lovingly as Easty Nasty to the locals). We enjoyed every single bite and would highly recommend this spot. However, it’s pretty small and very popular, so plan to wait a bit to get a table. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Yummy looking pastries and sweets. Must try some of these next time!
Fresh baked breads to take home. Love the French blue shelving!
Jess and I agreed on a starter to share. This thick slice of raisin toast with melty (pasteurized) Brie, fresh apples, and balsamic honey drizzle was to die for! We both decided we’d order it again and again!
For the main event, I chose the mushroom, caramelized onion, and Fontina omelette with a side of greens and creamy dreamy cheese grits. This was the fluffiest, most perfect omelette I’ve ever been served. The onions gave it a hint of sweetness that was just right. The grits were seasoned perfectly. I also ordered the coffee which was served in a huge mug and had a nice, rich flavor.
I didn’t get a pic of Jessica’s plate since we were both so ready to dig in. She ordered the eggs, bacon, grits, and oven roasted potatoes. She loved all of it. She also went out on a limb and tried the caramel apple hot tea. It was amazing! Perfect for an early fall day!
Tried a new recipe for jambalaya. It was good but different since it had oregano and thyme in it. I think I prefer a more traditional mix though. Bought shrimp and andouille sausage from the Louisiana Seafood Company at the Nashville Farmer’s Market along with the biggest bell peppers I’ve ever seen.
I also stopped by AM@FM in the market house where Arnold Myint, former Top Chef contestant, served me a Mushu wrap with a side of Rosemary Macaroni Salad. The wrap was delicious, but I’d probably try a different side next time. Maybe the cucumbers with vidalia onion and dill.
Found some gorgeous plum tomatoes in July at the Farmer’s Market, and they made this soup the best I think I’ve ever made. The spanakopita was so light and flaky with a slight sweetness. The mixture of spinach, onions, and feta was just right.
Made this for dinner tonight because I wanted something light. I changed up a few things from the original recipe, and it turned out great. This has bacon, Granny Smith apples, Craisins, walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese. I made the vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh orange juice and orange zest, brown sugar, and olive oil. The original recipe called for maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the dressing, and it also called for blue cheese instead of Gorgonzola.
I made these when I was at my parents’ house in Gainesville, Florida, for Christmas in 2009. My parents raved about them, but they have to do that, they’re my parents.
My cousin and her then-fiance were in town. It was chilly outside, and we wanted something warm and tasty. These tarts were flaky and full of good pesto flavor. I will admit that the tomatoes would have tasted better in the summer, but it didn’t stop us from pairing it with this beautiful, hearty soup:
A chunky, rustic tomato soup with a toasted topping of ciabatta bread, pancetta, and basil. Really comforting on a cold night in Nashville. My lovely guests seemed to like it pretty okay too. It was so great to have them here! Wouldn’t mind having more guests in the future…hint, hint!
I liked this, but I think I’ll use less salt and a little less lemon zest next time. It was a bit too “bright” for my taste. I did actually peel and devein the shrimp for this though, and it was worth it for that fresh flavor!
It's Just Me, Little V 