Monday, June 9, 2008

Elegant Artichokes with Lemon Sauce


Elegant Artichokes with Lemon Sauce
4 servings

2 medium artichokes
1 medium lemon, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
for sauce -
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Trim stems and cut 1 inch off the top of each artichoke. (I found it very hard to cut off the top, so I didn't.) Cut the tip end of each leaf with scissors. Rub artichokes with lemon (this prevents browning). In a large pot, combine artichokes, lemon slices, and garlic; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until tender. Drain and refrigerate for 1 hour. For sauce, whisk together oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.

To eat - pull leaves off and dip into lemon sauce (or melted butter). Pull the leaf through your teeth, scraping off the pulp. Cut the heart into chunks, and enjoy - it's the best part.

Tomato Rice Cups

Tomato Rice Cups
4 servings

4 medium tomatoes
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Cut a think slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Chop pulp and set aside. Sprinkle the insides of tomatoes with salt; invert onto paper towels to drain. Saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Add reserved tomato pulp; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat; sir in rice, cheese, parsley, basil and garlic salt. Stuff into tomato shells; dot with remaining butter. Place in baking dish. Bake uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
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~for today~
Monday, June 9th, 2008

Outside my window...
a little swimming pool is calling my name. :-)

I am thinking...
about going outside!

I am thankful for...
each new day.

From the kitchen...
we're having quesadillas for lunch.

I am creating...
a packing list.

I am going...
to the beach soon!

I am wearing...
a baby doll top, a denim skirt and flip flops.

I am reading...
the mail.

I am hoping...
to go to bed early tonight!

I am hearing...
the children chasing the dog.

Around the house...
I'm planning, organizing, cleaning, and playing.

One of my favorite things...
is iced tea with lemon in a big mason jar.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
finish up swimming lessons, do a little shopping.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...
a rainbow from this weekend. :-)

" That it will never come again
Is what makes life so sweet. "

~Emily Dickinson

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Summer Morning" by Barbara Applegate