Last of the Summer Food
Internet access is still sporadic, so forgive me if I haven't been by your blog as often as usual or haven't been online as much!
Well, as often happens in Ireland, the weather picks up in September. We've been blessed with some beautiful sunny days of late and I've made the most of it by cooking some lighter Summery foods.
On Tuesday my Grandma, her sister and brother-in-law and my parents stopped by for lunch. I had it on good authority that Nana loved coleslaw. I planned on picking some up at the store, but when I saw all the chemicals that €3.99 would buy me along with the cabbage I said forget it - I can probably make my own for about a Euro. So I did - and it was incredible. Now, ordinarily I am not a fan of coleslaw at all, but I have to admit - this was good. I for one, will never buy the stuff again.
Ingredients:
1 head Savoy Cabbage*
3 carrots, shredded
3-4 scallions, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar / white balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
salt and pepper to season
* You can use regular white cabbage too, I just think Savoy has more flavour and texture
Core and slice the cabbage into thin strips. Mix in shredded carrot and scallions. In separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar and sugar. Season to your taste and mix into the vegetable mixture.
Allow to sit chill for a few hours or overnight. Easy right?
Next up is classic "oh crap I have nothing for dinner food!"
Chicken, Tomato, and Mozzarella Penne
1 ball mozzarella, cubed
3-4 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8oz penne
3-4 basil leaves
1 tbsp butter
salt and pepper to season
Bring a large pot of water to the boil and add some salt and the penne.
Cube your mozzarella and pop it into the freezer. This prevents it from getting gooey when added to the pasta.
Make a chiffonade from the basil leaves.
When the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving a few tablespoons of the water.
Add the butter, water and other ingredients back into the pasta pot and toss. Serve immediately.
How easy is that? The butter and pasta water make a light sauce and the flavours are simple, but tasty. Enjoy! I'll be submitting this idea to Ruth for Presto Pasta Night.
I am off for a Scrapbooking weekend again! Do I have the best husband ever or what? See you Monday! My brother is also gone to American with our Samsonite luggage in tow - hopefully it will be filled with good stuff like Kool-Aid, Ziplocs and Halloween Costumes on his return!
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