Baked Lasagna

And here's the "after" photo of the amazing baked lasagna. And it was amazing! The key ingredient is layer upon layer of ever so thin pasta sheets piled high with a spicy and flavorful sauce. And some very fresh mozzarella to boot.

Lasagna, Unbaked

Lasagna, Unbaked
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Another "before" picture! Today it's lasagna before baking, as I prepare for my upcoming trip to Italy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, aka Mon Petite Choux

And here's the after shot. So, in addition to these looking all roasty and warm and browned and gorgeous, they TASTE incredibly flavorful and delicious! I think it's the lemon zest that puts these humble veggies over the top. Yum!

Brussels Sprouts Ready for Roasting

 

It's brussels sprouts season in California. The time of the year when you can drive out to the coast and see the tall, funny looking stalks populating the fields of the local farms.

I've never roasted them before, but am preparing to use Nigella Lawson's recipe which is essentially:

425 oven

Garlic infused olive oil

a little rosemary

salt 

lemon zest

pecorino cheese

Simple.

Mix the brussels sprouts together with the olive oil, rosemary and lemon zest. I'm adding a little salt here, but Nigella prefers to add after roasting.

Roast for 20-25 minutes or so.  

Remove from the oven, add salt, pepper, and the pecorino cheese.

Results soon!!!

Oyster Mushrooms at the Farmer's Market

Oyster Mushrooms at the Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Testing out the new camera today on this phenomenal bunch of grey oyster mushrooms. Liking it!

Mustard Magic

Last spring when I was out running around eastern France, I was surprised to come across softly rolling hills covered with fields and fields of zappity bright yellow mustard farms. It was astounding and enchanting to see cultivated mustard, as I had only really seen mustard grow wild over here in California. I suspect we don't value the humble mustard seed as much as the French, but we should. A good mustard is the core of everything that is right with the world. Ok, well, maybe not that, but it really can be the best part of a sandwich, or a salad dressing or a meal. Viva flavor! Viva mustard!