Eat Eat!

I am constantly, and I mean constantly, thinking about food.  As I’m eating breakfast, I’m planning lunch.  As I’m eating lunch, I’m figuring out what’s for dinner.

Mi piace il cibo.  I love food.

I was blessed to be raised with parents who cook extremely well.  My mom made all sorts of random delicious dishes, and the most heavenly chocolate mousse cake…  My dad, being 100% Italian, somehow perfected every Italian dish he made.  Pasta, sauces – or as we Italians call it, gravy, and baked goodies that would make you cry.  I learned to appreciate food at a very young age, and my love for food grows daily.

Yesterday I made the rookie mistake of going to the grocery store hungry.  I went for 1/2 and 1/2 and salads, and $50 later I had a basket full of meats, cheeses, veggies, you name it.  I went home, and got to work.  There’s something so invigorating about having a pile of random ingredients, and turning it into something beautiful.

Here’s what I had:

Sliced Meats:  Salami, Prosciutto, Capicola
Cheese (not pictured):  Parmesan, Mozzarella, Brie
Pesto:  Blend a big handful of basil, lots of olive oil, Parmesan, salt & pepper, walnuts and garlic.  Takes no time at all and is so delicious!
Tomato & Onion Salad: Sliced a variety of small heirloom tomatoes, half a red onion, a dash of salt and pepper, dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and red wine vinegar.  The longer it sits, the more the flavors merry.  So, so good.
Orzo:  Mixed with sauteed mushrooms, salt & pepper and lots of Parmesan cheese.  I did this as a base so I can add various ingredients through the week.