Sugar & Spice by Celeste

After an impromptu trip to the farmer's market last weekend, I had a bag full of gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, fresh okra, and a few additional yummy findings.  Okra and Tomatoes is one of my very favorite summer side dishes, and this recipe from Southern Living was a fresh take on a classic, plus the perfect way to utilize my farmer's market loot. The original recipe called for 1 large green tomato, but I substituted with 2 medium heirloom tomatoes instead.  I absolutely adore heirloom tomatoes...they are so hard (if not impossible) to beat! This version is packed with great flavors, which are complemented by fragrant basil and parsley.  I'm trying to use up as much of this delicious summer produce as I can...while it lasts!  Are you doing the same? Bon Appetit, my friends! Okra and Tomatoes Adapted from:  Southern Living magazine, August 2013 Ingredients: 8 ounces fresh okra ...

This is an EASY-CHICK-PEASY , light and fresh side for those last sweltering weeks of summer.  There's no heat involved with the preparation of this dish, which is always a blessing when its nearly 100 degrees outside. The flavors are bountiful and fresh - chickpeas, red bell peppers, fresh herbs and feta are the stars of this show.  They are brightened up with a spritz of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of salt.  A little minced shallot also makes an appearance. If you're looking for a healthy and easy side that's flawless for summer, look no more.   Bon Appetit, my foodie friends! Chickpea & Feta Salad Adapted from:  Southern Living magazine, August 2013 Ingredients: 1 (15.5 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 red bell peppers, diced 1 small shallot, minced 2 tablespoons f...

I don't know what it is, but I've seen recipes for "burst" tomatoes in pasta several times lately.  It's like the culinary fairies were trying to send me some sort of subliminal message.  When I came across this fabulous looking recipe in the August issue of Southern Living magazine, I thought, "That's it!  I have to try this!"   Burst tomatoes sound fancy and elaborate.  The truth is, they are simply mixed with olive oil and freshly minced garlic and placed underneath the broiler until they "burst" and become beautifully charred.  The process only takes 5-10 minutes. Other than that, all you have to do to enjoy this delicious dish is cook the pasta and mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Easy peasy. I used a gorgeous yellow heirloom tomato for the additional tomato the recipe calls for.  It added a beautiful contrast of colors that made Brad and I want to dive right in.  I adore heirloom tomatoes this time of yea...