I know...I know....I have gone disappearing from the blogosphere....not that I was not eating or cooking anything interesting, but let us say...I was simply pursuing my other passion, close to my heart!! I was singing away, was blessed with the opportunity to perform in some great venues and sometimes, simply rehearsing in the comforts of my own studio....my cozy little shower stall! On the whole, enjoying the experience!! A slight lull at the moment, so thought should devote some attention to my long forgotten blog...(Lol! been only a short 6-8 weeks since my last post)!!!
Memorial day weekend, gateway to the summer season filled with sunny days, endless jugs of lemonade, trips to the beaches, water park, grilling and BBQs and more....but sadly does not look that way! Rainy, windy, wet and grey is more like the picture in my neighborhood. How does it look at your neck of the woods?! Seriously.... hoping for the day to brighten up and get cheerful! this kinda weather does put us all in a lazy mood, don't you think??
All I want to do is cuddle up by the window, listen to some quaint Indian music from my grandmother's era, sip ginger laced tea, maybe a book, with absolutely none to bother but the pitter patter of the rain beating against my window sill!! Ohhhh! I so want to do that!!! But, who let's me?????!!!!! I can hear hubby asking my tots, "what do you think mom is making for lunch"?! " maybe you guys should go and ask her"! Aaaahhhh!!! I love them, but, too lazy to get up and make something!! Oh! why did I insist on pampering them by cooking and feeding them everyday?! Should have listened to wise minds when they asked me to have them be more self sufficient!!! Oh why did I not?! Too late now!!
Orrrrr....maybe as soon as I get this done and have it out of my way, I can go be my lazy self again!! Come cook with me and be out of the kitchen in exactly 15 minutes!!!! Can't believe it?! Will try and whip a yummy lunch, and be back in exactly 15 minutes to tell you all how and what I did!!
I am backkkkkkkk.......
I am backkkkkkkk.......
Was sooo yum and the scene is absolutely quiet as they are slurping and munching, and I was able to sneak away to tell you all about it! Hopefully some of you girls...sorry guys too....who want to whip up something speedy get inspired to do this or come up with something of your own on the same lines....but be sure to share it with us!
Ok....read on then.......
Went to my neighborhood Panera to enjoy a cup of coffee with hubby last morning, and picked up a loaf of Asiago Focaccia! Yummmmm! Not much of sandwich ingredients either...but thought these might do great....
A tub of Cream Cheese
Some Mixed shredded Cheese
A jar of Fire Roasted Red Pepper
A small jar of Marinated Artichoke hearts
Some generous drizzles of good quality olive oil!
Heat a grill pan! Brush it slightly with olive oil. Cut the bread in half. Grill one half of the bread, cut side down, until nice and toasted flip and toast the other half also until you see grill marks.
Spread the other half of the bread with the cream cheese (I used about a couple tablespoons). Layer with artichokes, roasted red bell pepper strips and shredded cheese (I used 3/4 cup of Mexican cheese for the tang in it!!); Top it with the grilled half of the focaccia loaf.
Gently lift the sandwich, transfer it to the grill pan! I advice you to work alongside your grill pan! Life lesson tip to avoid messes and clean up!!!! hahaha!
Ok...watch carefully if you don't know this already....create your own Panini grill at home without a panini maker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Place a clean saute pan on top of the sandwich and place 2 canned items on top of the saute pan! The weight of the can will press your sandwich and create this magical panini sandwich without shredding your wallet!! this way....one less gadget in your kitchen!!!! yayyyyyyy!!!
How to Slice a Panino and Present it! Like so........Use a serrated knife, use your palm to gently press the face of the panino, and slice it in half and quarter it! All this was being assembled while a store bought soup, was gently simmering away in a pot on the next stove!
Lovely Meal.....A panini with hot, steaming cup of soup, dotted with pepper, a book, a blanket and a cozy nook!!
back to being a lazy meeeee until the next meal time comes calling.....
Ensoyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
