Monday, April 21, 2008

Dinner last night and a walk through my backyard.


Yesterday was one of those really great days that you could spend a lifetime trying to recreate. We just hung out and relaxed during the morning and then T. decided that we would go on a river cruise. So off we went with the girls so excited. We live in one of the best boating areas in the country and very rarely do we ever take advantage of it so it was really nice to be able to do this.

We went on the Peace River which is a little north of us. The weather was incredible. Hot, sunny, nice breeze blowing. Couldn't ask for anything better!

After the boat we went to one of the river side restaurants and enjoyed a drink while the girls ate and appetizer. Good time had by all.

Back to reality and dinner. We were running reallyshort on food so this was really just using up some odds and ends. I think I will call it...Dinner!

Ingredients:

1/2 shallot
1 whole head of garlic (we like a like a lot of garlic)-thin sliced
1 C. chopped zucchini
1/3 C. chopped basil
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 ounces of goat cheese
1/4 C of cream
salt and pepper
about 20 grape tomatoes
Spinach and Asagio cheese ravioli (Costco or you can use any pasta with this)

Directions:
  • Heat olive oil in pan. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until the garlic is nicely browned or toasted.
  • add the zucchini and cook through.
  • Add the grape tomatoes and stir until they are heated through.
  • add the goat cheese and then the basil.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the cream at the very end to just bring it all together nicely!
  • Serve over cooked pasta.
This was one of the easiest and quickest meals I have made in a while also one of my new favorites. Nice and fresh tasting but elegant looking as well!

I thought I would share with you what spring looks like in SW Florida...at least in my backyard!

My future guacamole source...my very own avocado tree!


This is my mango tree!


Mama dove and her rapidly growing baby. I swear she has not left her nest in months!

As Always...

Happy Entertaining!!!

Judy
www.nofearentertaining.com

6 comments:

Peter M said...

I have a mama dove nesting in the front of the home too!

That pasta would make a nice cold salad too with some minor adjustments.

Frantic Home Cook said...

Judy, I think this is one of the most delicious looking dishes you've posted! A must try.

Hope you had a great bday.

Francie

Danni said...

Oh my, this picture literally made my mouth water...yum...this will be a 'must make' one, except I'll need to substitute the goat cheese for something else. The verdict was out, but now it's in and I'm very disappointed to say that I absolutely ABHOR goat cheese and goat milk. To me, they taste just like my old goat, Rodney, used to smell! I'm so disappointed, too - I only just tried goat milk for the first time last week. :-(

I'm so jealous of your avocado tree...one of my favorite fruits in the world! :-D

Nina Timm said...

I love the looks of that plate of ravioli and I love the look of your garden. I also have an avo tree - lucky us....

Anonymous said...

The recipe looks great. The river ride sounds wonderful, but I just love the doves. That is a great picture, Judy.

Judy@nofearentertaining said...

Hi Peter-How cool for you with the doves too! I hadn't thought of that dish being cold but it would work perfect!

Hey Francie-I did have a great birthday and thanks for the comp on the picture!

Hey Danni-Send me some eggs and I'll send you avocados! Just omit the goat cheese and it will be fine!

Hi Nina-we are so lucky here to have so much property right in the city. I have a huge garden, pool and still plenty left for a playground for the girls and trees everywhere! That ravioli was delicious!

Thanks Pam. Aren't they beautiful? Even there cooing is so unobtrusive.