Culinary ramblings...

Since I have no edible accomplishments lately I will discuss random culinary ramblings, so be forewarned!

First things, first - PEACHES! OH, my how, I love myself a juicy peach! Not to overshadow Miami's mango, because both sustain my existence. One of my favorite meals in the world is a spinach salad with a roasted peach, slices of cherries or mangoes, some fresh basil and goat cheese drizzled with oil and balsamic vinegar. When tossed together, the warm peach melts the goat cheese and forms a heavenly thick dressing with the oil and vinegar. A little salt and pepper and you are licking the plate! Try it - you can use any fruit or vinegar, sometimes I toast some almonds or throw in some left over roast chicken! I promise, you will never laugh at a salad eater again because this baby will rock your world!

Today I made some epic granola, accidentally. The granola wasn't an accident but the amazing bit was a fluke. I over-confidently disregarded the recipe and winged it, since I figure what can go wrong with some nuts, raisins and granola? Well, there are some absolutes about making granola, however I was lucky enough to slip through its crunchy tricks. First of all, It will burn so don't keep in a 400 degree F oven for more than about ten minutes, especially if you put the dried fruit in before you bake it. Apparently, it is recommended to toss in fruit last because they scorch easily. If you are determined, however, there is a delicious, yet thin line between volcanic rock raisins and fragrantly heated raisins, which I almost crossed. To sweeten it, I combined 2 tsp of cinnamon, a generous tsp of vanilla, a hint of nutmeg, some fresh squeezed orange juice, and just a little agave ( or honey), then added some shredded coconut, raisins, almonds, dates and oatmeal. It was golden and crunchy, unlike any homemade granola, if I may so boldly claim. Let me tell you, it is darn good and would make any yogurt proud, not to toot my own horn! ; )

Also, for you cobbler/pie/crumble lovers who can't bear to toss the leftovers, I recently mixed some store bought vanilla ice cream with strawberry and peach cobbler for an amazing frozen treat! This way you can enjoy your summer fruit well after the due date and you will feel like you cheated!

Warning: Just in case you had doubts, once a cobbler/pie/crumble has been served it MUST BE REFRIGERATED, you lazy bum or the fruit will sour. Wrap some plastic wrap over it and put it in the fridge, out of respect for all uneaten cobblers and pies because it is a shame to waste!

Thanks for cooking...

=)