Watermelon

At a very late date I decided to plant watermelons. I had nothing to lose!
Four melons grew, but this one was by far the largest.

The others were sweet and small. I will definitely plant them again next year... but earlier!

Bacon, Bleu Cheese & Apple Galette

Putting a little twist on weekend brunch, I whipped up these little free-form tarts using corn bread mix and granny smith apples. They were delicious! Ryan suggested adding a raspberry or apricot jam between the corn bread and the filling -- and I agree, this would be an excellent addition. We ending up eating this with a dollup of raspberry jam.

Bacon, Bleu Cheese & Apple Galette
Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

6 slices bacon
1 8.5 oz. pkg. corn muffin mix
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp chili powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 milk
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
1/3 cup bleu cheese crumbles
Raspberry or Apricot Jam (optional)
Fresh Thyme (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a skillet cook bacon until crisp. Drain; reserve 1 tbsp drippings. Chop bacon.
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine muffin mix, flour, chili powder, egg, and milk. Divide dough into four portions. Place two portrions each on a greased baking sheet and press to 6- to 7-inch circles. (Try to get it as thin as you can manage.)
3. Top each circle with thin layer of jam, followed by sliced apples, leaving 1-inch border. Fold edges around apple slices. Brush apples with reserved bacon drippings. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
4. Bake 10 minutes. Top with bleu cheese and bacon; bake 5 to 7 minues more until edges are golden and bottom of crust is set.

del Potro Wins!

Last night I was glued to the television. I had a million things to do, but I just couldn't tear myself away from the riveting championship tennis match between Federer and del Potro! Finally, I gave up on all of the tasks for the evening and moved the party upstairs.

Ryan hoped to get to sleep a little earlier but sitting up in bed, he was just as enthralled in the match as I was.

Finally, after biting our nails, and ignoring our yawns, the match came to an end.

Juan Martin del Potro defeated Roger Federer in the 2009 U.S. Open.

Ryan: THIS IS THE 2009 U.S. OPEN?? I lost sleep over the 2009 U.S. Open?!?!?


Oops.

Arugula Pesto

Eggplant

Leftover Peaches & Mango Puree

I picked up a few too many peaches at the farmer's market last week. Perfectly ripe from the beginning, a week later I stashed them in the refrigerator and swore I wouldn't waste them.

And I didn't. I whipped up the most refreshing summer afternoon daiquiri.

Peach Mango Daquairi

1 large very ripe peach, pitted
3 tablespoons mango puree (easily found in international food stores with Indian ingredients)
1 shot light rum
1 cup ice

Combine in blender and serve. (All ingredients may be adjusted to your liking!)