Dark Grapes on the Vine

Dark Grapes on the Vine
Originally uploaded by pixelish
Today it's all about wine grapes, not food per se. I was out in my happy place, running around in vineyards this afternoon. The temperature hit about 100 degrees and the winds were blowing like crazy. Because of the wind, I was really having a problem with blur. So I started messing with my shutter speed and got, what I think, is a lovely series of dark and moody vineyard photos. Really kind of love this one in particular.

Panko Encrusted Ahi Tuna

Panko Encrusted Ahi Tuna
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Lightly seared, panko encrusted Ahi is, hands down, the most gorgeous appetizer! From the Pineapple Grill, Maui. Can you say Aloha?

Portrait of Pineapple

Portrait of Pineapple
Originally uploaded by pixelish

I'm here in Hawaii this week for my nephew's wedding. Really loving the fresh Maui pineapple. Taste SO good when it's fresh and warm and has never been refrigerated.

Baby Pinot Noir

Baby Pinot Noir
Originally uploaded by pixelish

Yesterday was spent in Napa/Sonoma, camera in hand, exploring the vineyards as the grapes approach harvest.

I was so excited to find a beautiful Pinot Noir vineyard! My favorite grape to photograph. There is something about this grape that actually has a little glow to it. It is easiest to capture the glow in the early morning light, but evening can produce a nice look as well.

This bunch is just ripening and is going through véraison (displaying grapes of different colors and stages of ripening). I just thought these grapes were amazingly beautiful. Sigh : )

Baked Tomatoes

Baked Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by pixelish

And voila! The final result. Very very very very good.

Tomatoes Prepared

Tomatoes Prepared
Originally uploaded by pixelish

And now the tomatoes are dressed and prepped for the oven. A little salt, a little pepper, a lot of sliced parmesan. Pop into a preheated 425 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until brown and bubbly and heavenly. I'll post the end result tomorrow. Nom!

Cut Tomatoes

Cut Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by pixelish

So, my friends Mary Ellen and Phil are the best urban gardeners I know. Mary Ellen put out the call today to come get some tomatoes, they were quite literally overflowing! So I've decided to make a favorite dish, baked tomatoes...