Blue Diamond Smoked Almonds with Vanilla Ice Cream and Fudge...

There is only one thing to say about this one, try it now and thank me later.
It's good!

Simply Delicious!

Blue Diamond "Smoked Almonds" with Vanilla Ice Cream with Fudge
1-2 Scoops Real Vanilla Ice Cream
1 Handful Blue Diamond "Smoked" Almonds
1 1/2 Tablespoons of Real Fudge Warmed (no Hershey's on this one)

The Sweet, Salty, Warm, Cold and Crunchy. Can't ask for anything more. 

Black Olive Tapenade

The garlic steals the show in this one. My brother, who lives in France introduced this recipe to me while visiting a few years ago. I have made this so many times for parties and everyone loves it! I also like to keep a jar of this in the fridge just to snack on. Super yummy, very easy to make. Your friends will want the recipe!

Simple and Yummy Black Olive Tapenade

Black Olive Tapenade
1 can Chopped Olives
6 fresh garlic cloves, chopped super fine
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 dash of salt
4 tablespoons Olive Oil

Chopped fresh garlic super fine (never use jar garlic) In a bowl combine, chopped olives, garlic salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix, cover and allow to marinate for an hour or two. Serve on fresh sliced sour dough baguette.

Can be made a day or two before serving, just keep refrigerated. Allow to sit out 2 hours before serving.

Black Olive Tapenade looks fancier than it is, and taste so good!

Grape Tomato, Garlic & Basil Pasta...

A few weeks ago I jumped in my car and caught the end of an interview with a chief on NPR. I don't recall the name of the chief, however I do remember her saying that the only thing you need for a great pasta is grape tomatoes, garlic and basil. It got me thinking about making a fresh pasta sauce. A few days later I came up with this recipe. This recipe is loaded with garlic and has a very strong basil taste as well. It is toned down with just a touch of sweetness and heat. It is a wonderful easy to make husband pleaser. Add a few slices of garlic bread using my handy garlic butter recipe and it makes for a great meal. 


-Enjoy

Grape Tomato, Garlic and Basil Pasta

1-pack sugar plum tomatoes

1-pack grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

6 Garlic large cloves, chopped (only use fresh garlic)

1 tablespoon Parsley (it’s ok to use dried parsley)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 dashes of sea salt

2 cups freshly shaved Parmesan, Romano and Asiago Cheese (Trader Joe’s)

1 cup fresh chopped Basil

Wash Tomatoes, dry excess water. In skillet add olive oil, once heated add all tomatoes. Cook tomatoes on medium heat with cover. As they heat, they will begin to pop. Keep cooking until they are all popped. You may have to use a spatula to help with the popping. Turn heat to summer and add garlic, sugar, crushed red pepper, black pepper and sea salt. Mix well. Continue to let cook for 10-15 minutes. Add cheese and mix well. Cover to allow cheese to melt into sauce. Add chopped basil. Continue to cook for 10 minutes.

Serve over Capellini pasta. Sprinkle grated parmesan to taste. 

Fresh Grape and Sugar Plum Tomatoes from Trader Joe's

Adding seasonings to the boiling tomatoes.

Next, the cheeses.

Finally, lots of fresh basil. The smell is fantastic!

Simmer for 10 minutes and done.