(Not) Cooling Off

While the heat pales in comparison to the Texas sun, the lack of air conditioning in this cement-laden city is appalling! No, we don't have A/C in our home, something I never thought I would ever even think of saying!

But the excessive heat here hasn't stopped me from testing a few new sizzling soup recipes, this time from Williams-Sonoma Soup. This delightful book has dozens of fresh soup ideas for all four seasons and a slew of different occasions.

So far, we've enjoyed Broccoli-Leek and Garlic Stracciatella (couldn't find the official W-S recipe online).

From this to this:

And enjoyed with these homemade garlic croutons (to-die-for!)

Still not ones to let the heat defeat us, we forged into battle for another night as we enjoyed a garlic heavy meal:

A Wiseman Once Said . . . Bring on the heat!

Monday's Menu

Every Saturday I browse through our (limited) library of cookbooks for new recipes to try throughout the week. Without the correct proper planning we could both head towards dangerous territory. Yes . . . toast could be a dinner option without the menu preparation.

I had a request from the second-in-command for Spaghetti Carbonara from Williams-Sonoma's "The Weeknight Cook." How did it turn out?

Having everything - even salt - in bowls makes you feel like you've got your own Food Network TV crew following you around waiting for your next segment. Fun!

Stir everything together - but not before taking a photo of all the pretty colors. 

After stirring in a few eggs (I don't recommend more than 1 1/2) and whipping the pasta together, serve with bread - ahem, toast - and enjoy. 

A Wiseman Once Said . . . Who knew all this planning and cooking could be so much fun?!

Summer Sandwich

The evenings have been breezy and cool here. But we aren't immune to the Texas heat during the days even in this part of the country! We needed something light and refreshing for our Sunday evening meal and Ina Garten's Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Panini didn't disappoint.

This is an easy-to-make, affordable sandwich perfect for any summer day (or evening). The guest of honor even requested it be made at least once more this week. 

Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Panini (Plus Basil!)

Prep the work station! No distractions allowed!

Peek on the sandwiches and make sure they can handle the heat!

Serve with a beverage in hand and some nice classical musical in the background for optimal enjoyment!

Ingredients: 

2 large beefsteak tomatoes (or other large tomatoes) 
1 (16 ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese 
12 slices bakery white bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick 
1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or storebought) 
1 to taste kosher salt 
1 to taste butter, unsalted, room temperature 
**I added a few leaves of fresh basil to each sandwich as well

Directions: 

Preheat a panini grill machine or a heavy skillet. ** I used a cookie sheet and broiled these sandwiches in the oven for 10 minutes.
Core the tomatoes and slice tomatoes and mozzarella 1/4" thick.
Place the bread slices on a cutting board(or work surface). Spread each slice evenly with pesto. Place a layer of mozzarella(about 2 slices) on half of the bread and cover with a layer of tomato. Sprinkle the tomato with a little kosher salt.
Place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top. Spread the top and bottom of each sandwich with sotened butter. 
Grill the sandwiches in batches on the panini grill for 2-3 minutes, until the mozzarella starts to ooze out. If using a skillet, place a weight on top
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!

A Wiseman Once Said . . . Another approved meal around these parts. 

Retail Therapy

This last week of college has made my stress levels at absolutely colossal levels. So much, that I've decided to get some therapy . . . retail therapy, that is. I may not be able to enjoy a homework/research paper/group project/final exam-free night, but I can at least buy a few cute things to look forward to wearing--next week! Next week I'll be able to enjoy some of my "therapy" items because well, once college is through my agenda is free--other than the usual job search. 

J. Crew Havona Top

Kate Spade Cinnamon Bay Ava Clutch 

Arturo Chiang Lisa Sandal

NARS lip gloss

A Wiseman Once Said . . . Therapy--especially retail therapy--is good for the soul. 

Summer Steal

The sagging economy and no immediate job options have forced me to stay focused on expanding my wardrobe in a fiscally responsible manner. Almost everything I buy I get on sale. There's really no reason to pay a sometimes 300% markup on slinky dresses that will only appear once every few weeks in your rotating wardrobe. Here are some steals I found on Chick Downtown, all under $75. 

A Wiseman Once Said . . . Whoever said cute clothes cannot be found on sale obviously did not bother to look in the right places--or know how to balance a checkbook.