Family BBQ

It was such a beautiful day here in Portland. The sky was blue and the temp was only 80 degrees. That put me into BBQ mode. So here are the recipes I came up with for our family BBQ. Guacamole Burger: 4 servings 1-1 1/4 lb. lean ground beef salt and pepper to taste 4 T. BBQ sauce 4 slices colby jack cheese Evenly divide the beef into 4 patties. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the grill and once you flip the burger, add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to each burger and then the cheese on top . Finish cooking a couple more minutes till desired doneness. Pull off the grill and assemble the guacamole burger! Guacamole: 3-4 avocados 1/4 diced red onion 1 tomato, seeded and diced Juice of a lime salt and pepper 8 dashes of hot sauce 1-2 T. chopped cilantro We had this with fresh fruit, and chips and salsa. I made fresh pico de gallo that was so delish! Here's the recipe for the pico. Pico de gallo: 3 tomatos(on the vine), diced 1/4 red diced onion 2 T. chopped cilantro salt and pepper to taste juice of a lime 1/4 tsp. lime zest Mix all together and let sit for 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Plum Tart

It's been a while since I have last posted a recipe. With a new baby, husband graduating with his MBA and a move with a 11 hour drive, I have been a wee bit busy. But after having a wonderful conversation, part of which included recipes, with my Aunt Laurie I had to post this plum tart recipe. It was fun to chat with her about how my grandma Rosie (her mother) loved Ina Garten's recipes. I think had they ever met they would be good friends. Haha. She was known for her special touches she put into things. Much like what I think Ina Garten tries to do as well. Simple ingredients, great quality, and little touches to make a dish oh so special. After learning that Rosie was into tarts and crisps for a while, I had to post this plum tart recipe. Might I suggest this recipe be made on a summer day? We have moved to Portland, OR and with summer approaching how can you not go to the farmer's market, pick out the freshest plums and create this fun treat?!? Ina Garten's Plum Tart: Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), diced 1 egg yolk 2 pounds firm, ripe Italian prune plums, pitted and quartered lengthwise Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Combine the flour, walnuts, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the butter and the egg yolk. Mix, either by hand or with an electric mixer, until crumbly. Press 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture in an even layer into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform or tart pan. Arrange the plums in the pan, skin side down, to form a flower pattern; begin at the outside and work your way in. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture evenly over the plums. Bake the tart for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it's lightly browned and the plum juices are bubbling. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer the tart to a flat plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.