Spring Up

I love the sound of lawn mowers buzzing in the evening.  Kids giggling on their bikes.  Fresh air running through the open doors and windows.  My hands in the cold earth outside preparing it for life again.  The world is waking up. 

Welcome spring… I've missed you.

I also love…

My grill.

I would grill over baking, sautéing, frying, or any other ing.  It's comfort food for me. My dad has mad barbecue skills.  I have fond memories of him seasoning, basting and hovering over his grill.  It was like watching a student cultivating his craft.   Perhaps that's where my love for grilling comes from.  

That and these added bonuses promote it even further….Tasty food, being outside, less clean up. 

Anj + Grill = Happiness

Yesterday I made one of my favorite grilled dishes.  (I actually salivate just thinking about it).   We ate sitting on the lawn in the back yard, the evening sun warming our backs, a light breeze in the air.  The Girls were kicking the soccer ball (which for some reason required them to be in full soccer uniform).  Momo was in heaven… he's free at last.  Perfection. 

Grilled Bread Salad
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 loaf day-old italian bread, about 1/2 pound, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices
2 pounds ripe fresh tomatoes (about 6 medium), cored seeded, and cut into  3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grond black pepper
(FYI, the photo shows a doubled recipe)


1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and garlic.  Cook until the garlic is just turning light brown, 2 to 3 minutes.  Evenly brush the garlic-butter mixture on both sides of the bread slices.  Grill the bread slices over direct medium heat (350-450 F) with the lid closed as much as possible, until well marked, 1 to 3 minutes, turning once (but check the bread often as it can burn quickly).  Transfer the bread to a cutting board and cut into 3/4 inch cubes.  Place the cubes in a large bowl.  
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.  Mix thoroughly.  Adjust the seasonings if necessary.  Serve at room temperature.
This tasty number is from Weber's Real Grilling