Baking with Basil

I feel like it’s been forever since I posted and even longer since I’ve been in the kitchen.  I apologize for not posting since we were in Bordeaux.  Once we got to Lyon, we realized that the hotel was charging a ridiculous amount for WiFi in the room so we decided against it.  And since Brent has all the pictures on his laptop and my camera I don’t have any pictures for you.  Less than a week and all will be back to normal.   YAY!!

Last week I spent getting my life, house, and yard back in order.  Anyone else hate that feeling when you have been gone and everything seems out of sorts? My fridge was mostly condiments and a few vegetables my mom sent from her garden (yum!!).  So lunches and dinners were kind of “what can I throw together/kitchen sink” kind of thing.  The cucumber and zucchini that I got from her garden were amazing…..Thanks Momma!!  There is nothing like in-season fruits and vegetables – especially when they come from your garden.  After a low key weekend around the house, I finally feel like things are organized and I’m caught up.

I spent most of Sunday grocery shopping and just browsing the isles.  I LOVE grocery shopping!  I’m not sure why, but I find it somewhat therapeutic and relaxing.  Unless I hit Trader Joe’s at “rush hour”, then it’s total chaos.  Since it was just  me today, I took my time and stocked the fridge with all sort of fruits and veggies.  One of the stops I made was at the North Market.  I was hoping to find these amazing rosemary focassia olives at Omega Bakery but I guess they only have then on Saturday.  Boo!!  So instead, I picked up a fresh loaf of Ciabatta.  I immediately started thinking of what I wanted to make for dinner.  Avocado, Tomato, Smoked Gouda with Pesto Panini…….DONE!  This sandwich was soo good!  The creaminess from the smoked gouda and avocado paired with the pesto was perfect!  Hope you all have a great week!  Although I don’t have the camera back yet, I’ll still be posting recipes.  Stop back soon!

Avocado, Tomato, Smoked Gouda with Pesto Panini

Ingredients

• 2 slices ciabatta
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 slice smoked gouda
• 1 roma tomato

Pesto

• 3/4 – 1 cup basil leaves
• 5-7 cashews
• fresh lemon juice, about 1/2 a lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

1.  Heat panini pan to Medium heat.

2.  In a small food processor, blend together ingredients for pesto.  Spread pesto on each side of ciabatta bread.  Assemble panini and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.  Simple and easy!!