Caponata Panini

Here's another recipe I picked up from Giada at Home on the Food Network. Although, I was inspired by Martha Stewart's Sandwich Show that aired a few weeks ago. This recipe was very easy, tasty and made quite a bit. Giada made the sandwiches on French rolls, but I wanted to use the focaccia that I already made the day before.

Caponata Panini

1/4 cup olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 med. eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 can diced tomatoes with juices, (14 1/2 oz.)
3 tablespoons raisins
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
4 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon drained capers
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the celery and eggplant and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 min. Add the red bell pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 mins. Add the tomatoes, raisins, and oregano to the pan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 20 mins. Stir in the vinegar, sugar, capers, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Season, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if needed.



I know not the most attractive photo, but very good when made into a sandwich. I used focaccia, split, with provolone cheese. I grilled on my stovetop grill with an iron skillet pressed on top. Mmm, the perfect lunch.



I 'm tempted to buy that Cuisinart Griddler Express that was on Martha's show, but I realize that it's not a priority at this point in time. It would be a nice Mother's Day gift, though.

Enjoy the recipe!

~Billie

Is it summer already?

No, sewing yesterday. It got up to 93F degrees and I really needed to clean the backyard and just get it ready for summer. It looks a little better, but some more weeding to do and new plants to plant. Yes, and something with color, our backyard is in need of color. And a new fence! That will probably get taken care of very soon! (crossing my fingers) While we're at it, lets chop down that palm tree! It was suppose to be low growing, but it's not! I'm thinking about new outdoor furniture, our current furniture is getting pretty tired. I know the pool looks inviting, but still too cold, 71F is just not for me.

Looks like we're going to have another scorcher today, maybe I can dangle my feet in the water for a bit.

Hope your day is a little cooler than ours.

~Billie

Gadget shopping and more

Last weekend (or was it the weekend before?) my daughter and I went shopping at the Forum in Carlsbad. We wanted to go to the Apple store, she wanted to look into a cover for her laptop. I was thrilled to go to the Fourm because that's where Sur la table is, love that store. We bought a few fun things for the kitchen, and the staff was very pleasant. We bought these fun napkins and kitchen gloves. How stylish, don't you think?

(image from Sur la table)

Also an "A" (for Angela) cookie cutter and I just had to have this shopping bag. The sales associate was describing to me how convenient and well constructed it is, didn't take much sales talk for me to snatch it out of her hands!


We also went to Borders bookstore and I was so excited that they had the latest issue of Marie Claire Idees. Well, the latest for me, I haven't bought an issue for quite some time, it's very hard to find. Anyway, I can't stop looking at this issue, some great inspirations for spring.

I love this ruffled-tiered apron -- just beautiful. I can't believe it's an apron. (pardon the poor quaility of photos, I used my cell phone.)

Hope you enjoyed the photos. I have more, but I'll save for another post.

~Billie

Banana Nut Muffins

I know it's been a while since I've posted. I do have a little bit to write about, but I just can't get myself to sit down and write. I have alot of things going on and it just boggles my mind at the moment, I've been taking pictures left and right so that I can write about it, but I tend to get side tracked.



Anyway I made these delicious muffins about a week or so ago and I wanted to post the recipe. For some reason I think it was because I mixed it in the food processor that they tasted so good. The food processor is something new for me, I mean I've had it for a few years, but I really don't use it that much. I know I can chop up veggies and hard cheeses, but that's about it. I did make pizza dough one time, it worked out well. So here's the recipe for banana nut muffins that I worked out for the food processor.

Banana Nut Muffins

3 large bananas
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Mash bananas in food processor; add the slightly beaten egg and sugar.
Add melted butter.
Add in the dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and/or nuts.
Spoon the mixture into paper muffin cups in a medium-sized muffin pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes.

Servings: 12

Enjoy!

~Billie

Spring break over

Well, I still had to work the last two weeks for the parents who needed childcare, but at least the children are back in school and on a their school schedule. They needed to go back to school, just like they needed the break.

Just a quick post about my cupcake quilt, because I want to get off my laptop and sew before I go to work.



I should have progressed a little further than I have but I can not lie, I'm just a procrastinator sometimes.

Happy Easter!

Simple little flowers from Trader Joe's that promise to brighten your day . . . . and they did!

Have a beautiful day!
~Billie