monday morning links

August 17, 2009

The photo below is another random one – from a batch of grilled pizza we made last week. Doesn’t it look yummy?

Ok, on with the next installment of my Monday morning links. I’m really enjoying this, to be honest. As I read through food blogs during the week, it’s fun to look at them and think “oh that one needs to be mentioned on Monday”. It adds a whole new level to my blog reading.

Homemade Sloppy Joes: I have fond childhood memories of sloppy joes for dinner, and they were a staple of my college meals made with everything from ground beef to ground turkey to tofu (yuck). I’d like to try the homemade version – maybe served on a crusty french roll instead of a soft burger bun.

Frozen Grapes: These have always been a standby summer treat for me. And, from a weight loss perspective, when you’re craving ice cream, sometimes the cold crunchiness of frozen grapes can help with that craving. No, it’s not the same as a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, but as a sweet and icy-cold treat, they’re pretty damned good!

Kudzu is edible! Who knew? Right behind my house is a field that is thick with kudzu. I’m so tempted to go back and harvest some leaves and cook them up. After reading this article I noticed today some blue flowers as well. Hmm. It’s possible a kudzu post might be in my future.

Garlic Dill Pickles I love pickled foods. When I was a kid, there was always a jar or a bowl in the back of the fridge, filled with a garlicky vinegar, and swimming with bits of red onion, cucumber, and whatever else was in season. It was part of the weekly routine to add to the brine so we always had something to be served with or as part of a sandwich or snack. But I’ve never made real pickles like these. I really want to try.

Pickled Okra: In keeping with the above, I thought about this post when I picked up a pound of okra at the farmer’s market this weekend. I want to grill some of it, but I’m thinking a couple of small jars of pickled okra would be pretty yummy later this fall and over the holidays when I’m making bloody marys.