I love having fresh produce! After a cold spring, my garden was a off to a sluggish start but now it is amazing! We now have sweet, fresh and plentiful tomatoes along with zucchini, eggplant and peppers. The tomatillos that volunteered are starting to burst into action. Finally! Life is good.
I go out with my basket every morning feeling like I just won the lottery. The stars collided to have an abundance of veggies, a break in the heat and friends to enjoy it with. This gives me the perfect excuse to make my favorite summer soup. This is a rift of the Tomato Bread Soup that is so popular in tuscany but is a delight to the senses. There is so much flavor and texture in every bite, it’s always a hit!
Love is in the air with the Girlfriends! Last month Yanira introduced us to her new boyfriend. This month Laure has a new beau. Of course I am so excited for them. Steve is not so sure – he is a bit protective of his girls.
On a beautiful Sunday we gathered in the backyard. It just seemed to fall together that day and that is when the best stuff happens. We scheduled dinner with Laure to catch up on her whirlwind romance, but it turned out Jack could join us. Yanira invited us to brunch with her and Patrick, but we had plans and asked them to dinner instead.
The menu was simple, fresh and easy. As we gathered, Steve served cocktails in the bar along with Laure’s amazing stuffed dates drizzled with truffle honey.
The first course was a different rift on Tomato Bread Soup that I never tire of in the summer. We followed this with a mixed grill of shrimp, calamari and swordfish, roasted eggplant and zucchini in a fresh tomato sauce, along with a simple salad served family style.
Yanira and Patrick brought a stunning bowl of berries they served with ice cream and caramel sauce.
It was such a lovely evening. Our dining club has evolved bringing three couples to the table. It’s so nice to see everyone so happy.
Oh My Gosh! I wish I lived closer to you. These dishes are so perfect. The weather seemed to be in your favor too. What a lovely way to celebrate friendship and food.
This looks like a beautiful night. Your menu also looks amazing.
I was part of a dinner club a few years back and it was such a wonderful experience to share good food with good friends. I’d love to be invited to join your group, Monica (hint, hint).
Wow this really is a simple dinner for summer night. I love how it looks so delicious and full of options to eat up! I would most certainly eat this meal.
Now that is a perfect meal with wonderful people. I must say the berry ending is too yummy for words.
Backyard dinners are the best. I wish it wasn’t so hot in Texas!
Looks delicious and such a picturesque garden!
This is a sumple supper but oh so pretty and sounds so very tasty! Perfect for when close friends are coming over.
So happy for everyone! MissSteves Gin n Tonics and you both so much!!!
what a great setting love dinners al fresco with yummy dishes =)
Would love to have a garden someday, your harvest sounds amazing! You have created some beautiful, simple, and yummy dishes with your garden!
Next time, I’m coming to your house for a summer luncheon. What an abundance of delightful, healthy foods.