For regular visitors, you’ll probably notice I’ve done some work on my web site. Although I keep my links and posts up to date, I haven’t done much work to the basic site template since I started. In the blogging community, there’s been a lot of discussion lately on everyone’s site design, so I decided it was high time to start defining my “look” past the basic template we all started with. That said, I still have minor tweaking to go, so bear with me. In the meantime, hope you like the new look.
Had company tonight and menu went as planned. I made a Tomato, Mozzarella and Bread Salad to start. Real simple to make. Using fresh ingredients, you really don’t need a lot to mask the good flavors. Fresh tomatoes and basil need little dressing up. I just added cubed French bread and mozzarella, Spanish olive oil (I love the color of it), balsamic vinegar, sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Main course was Lemon Spaghetti. It’s a Giada DeLaurentiis recipe that I’ve made a few times before. It’s perfect for weeknight company, simple, flavorful and quick to table.
Dessert was Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue. A big Nutella fan, I never knew that melting Nutella provides the perfect fondue (thanks for the tip, Julie!). I put the Nutella in the fondue pot when I started cooking dinner, to give it time to slowly melt on its own. By the time we were ready for dessert, it was the perfect consistency. I served it with cubed poundcake and strawberries. A perfect, no-stress meal.
Had the Crustless Cheddar-Spinach Quiche today as part of our office lunch. I’d make it again, but next time, would nix the low-fat cheese and use the full-fat stuff instead. Low fat cheese just doesn’t melt as well, and as it’s forming the crust, something less rubbery would be better, Weight Watchers points be darned.
Supper Club is tomorrow, and the theme is Summer’s Bounty, with one dish from everyone having to be along those lines. I’m bringing Lemon Drop Liqueur, which has been steeping for the past 6 weeks, the Italian Dip I tried the other day and lastly, Strawberry Tiramisu (my theme dish). I decided not to overdo it and am only bringing 3 offerings tomorrow, as opposed to my usual 5+. Just a part of my new “relax and don’t take on too much” approach. So far so good.
All for tonight. Tune in tomorrow to find out the Supper Club roundup. Until then…
A tired dinner guest
Its really coming along! The pictures at the top look great ~ not sure if you want unsolicited advice, but I would suggest playing with the colour of your title to see if you can get something taht stands out more. I know, you didn’t ask, but I thought I would mention it. I had to try a few different colours myself.
I spent ages working on Standing Here Solidly on My Own Two Hands, my ‘everyday’ blog. I knew what I wanted; getting it just took time!
Cute puppy!
Oh, and we’re actually having fondue for dinner tomorrow (tonight?)…using one of THREE fondue pots. Don’t ask. Long story.
And we’re doing three dessert fondues for a dinner party next (not this holiday) weekend…chocolate, butterscotch, and dulce de leche!
Hi, I love the new banner, very cute. And the dog! The lemon spaghetti recipe sounds delicious. Sounds like a great dinner overall :)
Job well done! Can you point me in the direction of the where and how you did that awsome banner? I’m still sporting my boring template…..
Melissa
Glad you liked the fondue idea. If nothing else, it qualifies as easy. See you tonight!
Julie
Love the new look. I played with the Food Blog School homework assignment but haven’t been able to get a look I like.
What a beautiful dog!! Your dinner sounded so good…especially that bread, tomato and mozz salad. I’m very impressed with the three things you’re bringing to work, and am even more wowed by the fact that you call that relaxing and taking it easy! :)
Ooops, meant to say the three things you’re bringing to supper club…not work. I’m sure you figured that out! :)
Linda – your advice is definitely NOT unsolicited. You were a big help in getting some of this stuff done, and I really appreciate it!
Alice — yup, believe it or not, 3 items for SC is taking it easy. Check out some of the other Supper Club entries to see what great dishes we’ve come up with (read the entries towards the end of each month). Dog’s name is Beau – very much a couch potato, but always a welcome visitor!
Stephanie – wow, dulce de leche fondue sounds scrumptious!
Michele – the lemon spaghetti IS delicious. Do give it a try!
Sylvie – thanks!
Melissa – I sent you a message. Mostly trial-and-error for me, but happy to share my notes. :)