Havarti on Ciabatta with Mushrooms

Real cooking is out the window this week with the temperatures in the high 90's. I wanted something quick, delicious and easy enough to make that I didn't have to dirty up half the kitchen or turn on a bunch of burners.

This was super easy and fast. I took a pound of mushrooms (use what you like) and sliced them up and sauteed them in a hot pan with a little butter and olive oil until done. Set them aside until cooled. I then took a store bought Ciabatta bread and sliced it open to make two slabs of bread. I place the bread in the oven (on a cookie sheet) on broil with the cut side up and toasted it. Pull the bread out of the oven. Then take a couple of peeled cloves of garlic and rub all over the top of the toasted bread. Next is my favorite part. Pile about a 1/2 -1 cup of shredded cheese onto each slice of bread ( I used Havarti) then pile on the mushrooms. Slide both sections back into the oven and broil until nice and melty (should be a word by now). I served this all up with a nice green salad and some ice cold water.

Warmer Weather

It is official spring is finally here and hopefully the nice weather will stay around for the remainder of the week. I have got gardening to do (what little of it you can force me into) bicycling that needs doing if I am going to continue to shed weight at a snails pace (lol...I can live with that), and lighter recipes to try and tell you about.

A couple weeks back I was desperately looking for some sort of side that was easy, spicy and good for you. I had spied this easy recipe from Eating Well and I decided to give it a try. Chipotle Cheddar Broiled Avocado Halves INGREDIENTS 2 ripe but firm avocados, halved and pitted, skin left on 1/4 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 1 small chipotle chile in adobo (see Tip), minced (about 1 teaspoon), or to taste 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus 4 wedges for serving Pinch of salt. DIRECTIONS Preheat broiler to High. Place avocado halves on a baking sheet. Thoroughly combine cheese, chipotle, lime juice and salt in a small bowl. Evenly divide the cheese mixture among the avocado halves. Broil 3 to 4 inches from the heat source until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm with lime wedges.

Cheese and Chipotle mixture in bowl.

Honestly I could eat them just like this with a little salt.

Simply broil in the oven until lightly browned and bubbly. Super good, seriously easy and simply tasty.

So with Spring means lovely outdoor evenings, entertaining and delicious food. One of my go to pick up nibbles that you litteraly can put together with just a little time is fresh strawberries with goat cheese filling. Take some very soft goat cheese and sweeten it slightly with a little honey or sugar ( I prefer honey ) by mixing it with a mixer. Core a bunch of strawberries and pipe into each one some of the goat cheese filling. Put on a pretty tray and refrigerate until needed. Wonderfully refreshing, tasty treat.

Real crowd pleaser.

Yum!

With Easter around the corner I have a menu to plan. I don't think we will have any guests for Easter dinner but you never know. The only thing I know for sure is the main course this year will be leg of lamb.