I did something just now that I haven’t done in a long time. I scrolled through six months’ worth of my posts and read what I wrote.
“Holy cow! I’m all over the map!” I declared in my pre-dawn stupor.
Then I laughed. :)
Have you read what you’ve written lately? (You should.)
And while you’re at it, pat yourself on the back.
The heart of the matter is: You’re expressing yourself to the world!
That’s something to be proud of. (I am.)
Life is a tasty hodgepodge, just like this salad…
Roasted Artichoke Heart, Red Bell Pepper, & Caper Salad
(adapted from Ina Garten’s recipe on Food Network)
1 can of artichoke hearts, drained
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
1/2 jar of roasted red bell peppers, drained & diced
2 Tbsp. capers, drained
Basil Vinaigrette (recipe to follow)
Preheat oven to 425° F.
Pat artichoke hearts dry; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Toss gently; transfer to a baking sheet.
Roast until browned, 25 to 30 minutes, turning once. (I added the drained peppers at the 20 minute mark to heat them.)
Meanwhile, make vinaigrette.
Basil Vinaigrette
1 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion
1 Tbsp. dried basil (I’m sure fresh would be stellar)
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. tarragon vinegar
Dijon mustard, to taste
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Combine dressing ingredients in a measuring cup. Whisk until incorporated; set aside.
Remove artichoke hearts and peppers from oven. Drizzle with Basil Vinaigrette to allow them to soak up the flavor as they cool.
Transfer roasted veggies to a bowl. Add capers and additional vinaigrette to taste; toss gently.
Serve warm with crusty bread and a glass of Chardonnay.
No matter how “un-related” your posts (or mine) may (or may not) be, the important thing is: you’re expressing your heart!
The world’s a better place for it and I thank you for blessing my life with your presence.
Enjoying random thoughts and recipes,
~ Kimby
Actually… I’m quite scared of re-reading. One, my English is worse (I think I got a little better after blogging for 2 years. lol), and I sometimes rarely talked about the food that I’m sharing… I guess we learned and keep learning. :) I love capers (really love these), bell pepper, and artichoke heart. Sounds like it’s meant for me! But I’ve never tried cooking artichoke hearts at home… time to change!
Nami, the fact that you made the brave leap into blog world is a blessing. Everyone has a story to tell and that’s the main reason I read blogs. “Food” is a happy diversion, but “people” come first!
I’m all over the map too. I’m ok with it. You’re right, we should be proud. This recipe looks and sounds fantastic! yum!
Thanks, Kate! Being all over the map ain’t a bad thing — TMOFW relied on me to be his navigator during the trucking years. :) By the way, I just put your “Getting Better Soup” on my must-make list — another fantastic recipe! :)
Thank you for expressing your heart and also sharing fabulous recipes like this. I’ve got the capers, but I need to go buy everything else. And I think I will b/c this sounds so good.
Veronica, I’m never disappointed with Ina’s recipes and I know you’ll feel the same way. Don’t forget to put French bread on your list! :)
This is my kind of salad. I can feel the warmth of the Tuscan sun on my face (well I can dream)
Mike, even if the closest we get to Tuscany is a warm, wonderful salad, our dreams have been fulfilled — for now! Thanks for coming by the lake to dream. :)
Guess I’m a slow poke, never get to learn to appreciate artichoke. Another acquired taste perhaps? Maybe I will, if u cook for me. How’s that??
Shirley, that sounds great! I can’t remember when I acquired my taste for artichokes, but I love them as much as you love abalone! :)
Right up my alley! It looks delicious :)
Also, I occasionally look back over older posts. Some of mine from when I first started the current blog give me a giggle. Life was different when I was single and still in college.
You’ve been blogging a lot longer than I have, Elizabeth, and I bet those “early years single girl” posts are entertaining. I’ll have to look some of those up. :)
Thank you, Elizabeth! I figured it was best to start the New Year with a salad after all the goodies I ate during the holidays. ;)
That’s very brave of you to re-read old posts – I’m not sure I’m brave enough! Lovely looking salad – I’m a big fan of artichokes xx
Charlie, I don’t know if it was brave or not, but it was good for a laugh! I see artichokes are making the rounds this week :) — I love ’em, too. Thanks for coming by!
Haha I love reading old posts – sometimes I’m all ‘I’m so brilliant’ then other times I think ‘wait what?’ :P
But moving on, your salad looks lick the plate delicious!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, Uru! Truthfully, the salad never made it to a plate — I ate it right out of the pan! :)
LOVE your randomness…love this dish…the pictures are stunning…I can just taste the flavors, and I wanna pull off a big hunk of crusty bread and sop up some of the goodness, Kim, then sip some chilled chard…you’ve made me very happy this morning, angel!! xoxo
Random is an apt description for my blog, Ally, ;) and you make me happy, too. xo!
First off, AMAZING recipe! Both Mr Man and I love everything that you have in there! YUMMY! Also…yes…I admit it, I will sometime go back and re-read what I wrote. Some I think: wow, brilliant and funny (my life’s biggest goal: to be funny!) some I think: I shouldn’t drink and blog ;) Oh well…life goes on and I keep on writing! Luv ya!
Isabelle, I’m laughing so hard right now, I almost can’t see to type! Your goal has been fulfilled as far as I’m concerned — you’re a hoot! Also, don’t be too hard on yourself for drinking while blogging (lol) — many Pulitzer Prize winners were known to “imbibe” now and then. :) Thanks for your comments and YES PLEASE, keep on writing!