Taste Test: Roasted Asparagus

With a basket of home-grown asparagus and a little inspiration from The New York Times Magazine, my mom and I whipped up an extremely simple, seasonal side dish for dinner last night.

All you need are a handful of asparagus stems, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, one lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper.

1.) Bend the asparagus stalks until they snap near the ends. 

2.) Place asparagus in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.

3.) Season liberally with salt and pepper.

3.) Roast in a 450 degree oven until slightly crisped.

4.) Garnish with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.

Bon Appetit!  
What are your favorite summer recipes?

Holiday Taste Test: Buche de Noel

Over my winter break, I was determined to make a traditional holiday treat, the buche de noel, also known as a yule log. As the name implies, this cream-filled cake roll is supposed to resemble a log in the snow. I used this recipe and coated the cake with a simple chocolate ganache and sprinkle of powdered sugar. I definitely recommend this recipe, but only if you have some serious time on your hands! It took close to 3 hours to complete the dish, but it was totally worth it.

 

 

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Readers, what food traditions did you take part in over the holiday?

Happy Birthday America!

Happy 4th of July readers! Today our great nation turns 234. Celebrate by baking a cake like this one from The Pioneer Woman!

 P.S. Last night I got take out from Pei-Wei and my fortune read: "You are a lover of words. Someday you should write a book." Hmmm maybe I will!

(Photo Credit: The Pioneer Woman)