what's been going on...

...in the kitchen lately:

english muffins with cream cheese, tomato and pepper...it's delicious. and is there any better comfort food than the grilled cheese, accompanied by tomato soup? ryan says, "NO WAY JOSE."

artichokes are a big treat in our house...I like to admire their natural beauty before stuffing them in a pot of boiling water.

relishing in the last of Casa de Awesome's tomatoes...with mozzarella and balsamic!


i made pesto on saturday and told ryan that i was storing up for the long winter. he laughed and said, "ok, Laura." as in Laura Ingalls Wilder. he always sees right through me. and yes, i am aware that california winters are nothing compared to those on the prairie.


last weekend's rain signaled that summer was officially over and that it is most certainly time for all things PUMPKIN, especially muffins! esther was thrilled to be back in commission after a little hiatus. and this is her game face. doesn't she look poised and ready?

(where is waldo lauren?)

a special trip to the sierra nevada factory was made by ryan last week for some special brew...and special it is. careful!

spuds always bring a contented smile to my mister's face.

and salads, still with casa de awesome tomatoes and avocados - such an intoxicating pairing.

what's been going on in your kitchen on these fine fall days?

P.S. i completed this post and realized that i look like a raging vegetarian. i most certainly am not...perhaps you can share some carnivore friendly meals. i am clearly in a rut and i would hate for my strapping irish lover to wither away from lack of protein.