Upgrade your pasta and tomato sauce

Image by Aelle via Flickr

I’ll admit it.  I’ve never been a big fan of tomato sauce.  I think it’s, well, boring.

Yet, sometimes, it definitely has a place in the kitchen.  In a lasagna for example.  Or, most recently, on pizzas cooked on the grill.  But, generally, I end up in the same situation I’m in now: with a jar of tomato sauce in the fridge and no inspiring plans on how to finish it.

This is where just a tiny bit of vision can elevate a blah dinner into something noteworthy.  

Spring Menu: Fresh Food for Dining Outdoors

This tasty muffin-sized tart is one in a great collection of Healthy Vegetarian Recipes from Women

It’s patio season in Houston.  Well, actually, with the muggy weather that has returned to the city this week, it feels a little like patio season may soon be coming to a close.  But, for me, that’s inspiration to serve at least one more beautiful dinner on the deck.

I love setting a beautiful outdoor table, gathering my loved ones, and soaking in the sound of birds chirping away in the live oak canopy shading the yard.  Pablo and Diego (my silly team of canines) will run wild in the yard, greeting anyone who happens by the fence, while K and I enjoy a seasonal, brightly flavored meal.

Cook the Sale: Hawaiian Albacore Tuna Tacos

Spicy Shrimp Tacos. Image via Wikipedia

The hubbie and I have had a couple of wonderful, lavish weekends lately and now it’s time to tighten our belts to stay in budget for the month.  No biggie, but it does inspire me to cook the sale.  That is, plan my meals around the grocery store specials.  I was reviewing the Central Market flyer and realized that they have all the makings for excellent fish tacos on sales this week.  To snatch fresh tortillas from the bakery (2 for $3) or Hawaiian Albacore Tuna for $11 per pound, get their before the sale ends today.  (I know.  Short notice, but at least I’m writing.)

Inspired Brunch – Gourmet at Home

Lately, my weekends have been filled with wonderful brunch dates.  My dear husband and I recently made the trek to Washington County for a three course extravaganza brunch at the Inn at Dos Brisas.  (Great food, even if each course was suspiciously similar to the one before.)  Last weekend, a dear friend and I ventured just around the corner to Cafe Bello for a less than stellar brunch before wandering downtown for one of my favorite weekend daytime cocktails – the clear spicy bloody mary served at The Grove. And, after all that dining out, I realized that I was really overdue for a nice brunch at home.