Basil Infused Olive Oil

Summer is full of surprises. Someone I know is actually attempting to use the potty...YES, that is happening around here. It can also be full of an abundance. Tons of fruits and veggies have been filling up our home, so I am attempting at trying to use them up. It always pains me to throw away spoiled food. Having extra basil on hand, I was inspired by Tracy to infuse some basil into olive oil. Let's just say you could put this just about anything. I promise, I will not tell if you decide you need an basil olive oil facial. 

 Lets get this going. Olive oil, basil, and garlic ready for some chopping. 

I chopped the basil and smashed the garlic cloves to attempt to keep the garlic flavor more on the mild side.

All into a saucepan to cook for a bit and then steep for a while. The longer it sets the stronger the basil flavor.

Brown Butter Peach Banana Bread

Having kids who love summer fruits always makes me buy lots of them at the Sunday framer's market...Hi Kent! Yes, that much fruit that we are now on a first name basis with the farmer. One family can only eat so many stone fruits before we turn into one, so naturally what to do with the over ripe fruit that you don't want to waste. Banana bread of course! Who says banana bread just has to have a lonely old banana or two. Brown some butter, add a peach, mix it up. Dreams really can come true!

Peaches, brown sugar, bananas....perfection.

Mom's "helper" mashing up the bananas. I use a potato masher and tend to like to have some clumps and bits of the banana in the bread for some texture. 

Peaches chopped for the bread and then sliced for the top. Try not to eat them all while you are prepping. 

Citrus Marinated Olives

For some reason, lately I have been thinking about being a kid. Maybe it is due to daily reminders that pop up when I see my own children. Watching them read books that I used to love or seeing the joy on their face when Mom blows a "BIG BIG BUBBLE." So naturally when I saw this recipe for marinated olives I was reminded of my childhood and putting jumbo black olives on my fingers during  lunches at my Noni's house. There are many of pictures of my sister and I sitting in our Sunday dresses with big giant black olives on the tips of our fingers like giant black balls. We would sit and wave like we were the queen holding court, while I am pretty sure our whole family laughed and thought we were all in crazy town.

Well these olives are much more sophisticated and adult.

 Crushed coriander seeds, orange, bay leaves and chili

Olives (pitted or not) marinated with the citrus for about an hour. 

Olive oil, crushed coriander seeds, garlic cloves, bay leaves and chili just hang out for a while.

The result is a great mix of spicy, sweet and salty all in one little fancy adult bite. If you wanted to put these on your fingers heck even your nose, I am sure no one would care. They taste that good.

Mexican Corn Custard Bites

Living near the beach is a great thing. We have waves and sand about a block away. Plus there are cute surfer boys park right out side our front window. I am NOT complaining. However, we also have fog. Not all the time, but enough that it is really hard to grow veggies. As a kid living in the hot hot sun, we always had a big veggie garden. We grew (what seemed like) lots of corn. One year we also grew jalapeño peppers. When I saw this recipe it reminded me of the time that I dared my little sister to eat a raw jalapeño. I know what you are thinking...ouch! So, when I was making these corn bites I thought of her, and our summers as kids picking corn and double dog dares of jalapeño snacking!  

Simple ingredients. I spy two jalapeños.

Tons of chopped onions caramelized to sweet sweet perfection.

I decided to bake the whole thing in the skillet used to brown the onions. Keep it simple.

Topped of with a dollop (I love that word) of sour cream and some fresh (store bought) Pico de Gallo.

You could add more heat with some red pepper flakes or add some smokey bacon. The sky is the limit. Just don't make your sister eat the jalapeño. From experience that ends poorly. 

Black Bean Salad with Mango, Citrus and Jicama

I have a sweet spot in my heart for Mexican food. Anything in the form of a taco or with salsa will always make me happy. This salad is more of merge of all things black bean and jicama with a lovely citrus dressing, smokey and salty along with some fresh basil. It was perfect paired with some grilled chicken or fish kabobs. A nice family meal with a good friend. Perfect weather for something spicy. 

Ingredients all ready to go. I did not have canned chipole chilies, but used dried smoked paprika and some red pepper flakes. Not as perfect, but got the job done. 

Mangos be slicing!

Citrus, chilies, limes I could put this on anything and be happy.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Potato Chip Cookies

Having two small kids can make you see the world from their eyes. Bubbles all of a sudden become amazing, play dough is super awesome, and a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich can make ya smile. Well, these cookies embrace childhood in just one bite.  Peanut butter and jelly thumb print cookies rolled in potato chips. Just like when you were little and you totally put them in your sandwich. Don't worry Mom's not looking. 

Gathering all the ingredients. I used regular old fashion potato chips and just mashed them up in a bag. Very therapeutic. 

Rolled the peanut butter cookie balls in the crushed chips. 

These cookies are really a treat. I pinkie swear that it is hard not to eat more than one! 

Inspiration

Yesterday was a good day. I was able to take a food styling workshop and I totally jumped out of my comfort zone. I also met some new friends. It was one of those days that you will smile about after weeks or years go by. Inspiration to get back into doing something for me and just embracing the fun, sun and smiles of life. Thank you Joy and Tracy!

       Setting up a shot of Tracy's Raw cashew maple oat bars.

Waiting outside prior to the class. Totally nervous. I am surprised I still have nails.

Working on my food styling. Such fun.

 Joy, making some amazing Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes. Thank you Matt for literally pushing me through the door. It was so much fun and I love you for helping me take on the challenge.