I'm at..

Apple Crisp

Well, I've lost my edge. Apple crisp is a deceptively easy recipe, that I have now botched for a second time. I used to make this all the time with ease, but I guess not baking often means I forgot some techniques/definitions, etc. BUT at least I think I know the problem... While mixing together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and butter, I didn't let the butter get soft enough to really coat all the dry bits before throwing it in the oven. Instead I used cold hard butter (what you would use to make a nice flaky quiche crust), but not a lovely crumble. The apple crisp turned out very dry on the crumble top part leaving it a crispy, less flavorful crunchy "crust." Bummer.
I will try again this fall though, because it's just too shameful for me to make a so-so dessert. Anyway check out the neat pictures!

Before

After

LBC urban day hike

Chicken pizzaiola with fresh basil and roasted cauliflower

by the way, what the heck is this sticking/curling out of the interior of the bell pepper?

Making salsa with peppers from the Nicolle's garden

Barbecued smoked brisket

End of summer

Apparently August was the month to cook old standbys, eat out, travel and take random pictures on my phone. Translation: I haven't much to report. Although I love summer, and do feel the need to squeeze in a few more beach days, iced coffees, and wear plumerias in my hair daily, I am looking forward to fall. Cooler weather, pumpkins, halloween, sweaters, scarves, soup(!) and even football.
Though I haven't been trying new recipes lately, I have started flipping through cookbooks again, and am daydreaming about hosting a dinner party, wine night, or international night. It's been so darn hot, the idea of standing in the kitchen (where the AC doesn't reach) keeps me in daydreaming mode. So for now, I collect inspiration, dog-ear recipes and await next season and its culinary inspirations and challenges.
And for the heck of it, here's some random pictures..

Grapefruity summer cocktail

(see full image)

Sent from my iPhone

Birthday moose

Balsamic-y green beans

To accompany hot dogs for dinner