Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille and Some Life Lessons

I have learned a thing or two about being on my own.  With a husband in the military and family far, far away, this has a tendency to happen.  Before I was married, I lived alone too.  I had an apartment in downtown Baltimore while I was in grad school, and while I was close enough to see my parents regularly, I had to learn to be self-sufficient, a skill I have found to be invaluable many times in the years since.

Here are a few life lessons I have learned so far, the 'you' obviously refers to me, these were all learned from experience...

Life lessons for Ladies Living Alone:

You can make a meal out of watermelon and popcorn.

Not all of the boring envelopes that come in the mail are solicitous, some are bills, and you should probably open them all just to check.

Frozen naan bread makes a very good pizza crust for one.

There are a few upsides to the solitude:  you can spend as many hours on Pinterest, Glitter Guide, reading magazines and at the gym as you please.  You can watch My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding and nobody is going to say a peep about it.

Your car will most likely have some sort of major maintenance issue that you should probably are going to have to deal with asap.

Along those same lines, in all likelihood you will have to weather a tropical storm or hurricane, or some other natural disaster.  And you will make it through it just fine, even though you never thought you could.

You're going to have to put on some sneakers, grab an umbrella and take the dog out even in the rain.  The little guy (or gal) is depending on you.  Also, if you don't you're the one who'll be cleaning up the mess later.  Now there's some motivation.

You should have a ready supply of chocolate chips just in case the urge to bake cookies happens to strike.  And it will.

Replace the TP roll when you use the last piece in order to avoid being stranded on your next bathroom visit.

Be vigilant when you're out walking at night.  This should be common sense but it's worth saying anyway.  Also, mace is good to have handy, you know, for peace of mind.

It's probably you, not him, that makes the big mess in the kitchen.  This fact will be proven when you have the house to yourself.

It's usually a better idea to buy a pint of Ben & Jerry's than it is to buy a quart of something cheaper.  Portion control, people, portion control.  You're the only one around to eat it.

Friends are super important.  Don't forget that.  And get to know your neighbors too, they'll keep an eye on things for ya and you can return the favor.

Target sells wine in single-serving juice boxes.  No, it's not going to win any awards but the Cabernet/Shiraz blend isn't half bad and it'll do the trick when you just need a glass of red to go with your pizza for one.

When watermelon and popcorn aren't enough, you can and should cook for yourself.  Make something amazing.  Make exactly what you are craving.  Preferably try to include all major food groups since you've been living on bowls of cereal, peanut butter and banana toast, and salads for the last 2 days.

Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille is one of those dinners that I found myself craving when I had the house to myself.  I liked it so much that I'm sure I'll make it over and over again when Brian is home, as he enjoys vegetables as much as I do.  Of course, for him it will probably need to accompany some sort of meat but for me, a simple fried or poached egg on top did the trick.

This recipe comes from the book A Homemade Life that I read for my book club.  It's written by Molly  Wizenberg of Orangette, a blog which I have loved for some time now and which is one of those rare finds that combines really lovely photography, delicious recipes and beautifully written stories.  I love Molly's cooking (and eating style), it's a lot like mine in that she enjoys simple, classic foods, prepared at home with the best quality ingredients you can find.  She spent a lot of time in Paris and so the French style is often reflected in the dishes she makes.

I took Molly's advice when she recommended serving this ratatouille with a piece of crusty bread to dunk into the liquid at the bottom of the bowl.  And I have to agree that this would definitely be the way to go.  Also, she's right when she said that it gets better the next day after the flavors have a chance to marry in the refrigerator overnight.  So, even if you're the only one eating this, I recommend you make the full recipe so you can have leftovers for the next couple of days.  It's so delicious, you won't mind having to eat it a couple of days in a row, in fact you'll look forward to it.

I changed the recipe around a little, adding summer squash, as I had some on hand.  A Homemade Life is full of wonderful recipes and memories, worded so perfectly that you really get to know Molly.  It's an easy read and one that will have you heading straight for your kitchen, inspired by her simple and beautiful cuisine.

Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille
serves 4
adapted from A Homemade Life

1 pound eggplant, sliced crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds (this is approximately 1 medium-large eggplant)
olive oil
1 pound zucchini + summer squash (or any combination of the two) trimmed, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2 inch thick half-moons (this is approximately two large squash)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
5 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 sprigs fresh thyme - the leaves only, stripped from the stems (stems discarded)
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F with a rack in the middle.

Lay the sliced eggplant on an oiled baking sheet and drizzle on about 2 tablespoons olive oil, rubbing the oil onto the eggplant slices, making sure both sides are coated.  Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the slices after 15 minutes, until they are lightly browned on both sides.  Remove from the oven and cool slightly, then chop into 1-inch pieces.  Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ratatouille.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the zucchini and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until just beginning to soften and turn golden.  Remove from the pan and set aside with the cooked eggplant.

Add a little more oil to the pan, just enough so the bottom is lightly coated, then add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.  Add the red bell pepper and garlic and cook just until tender for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, thyme leaves and bay leaf.  Stir, reduce heat to low and cover the pan with the lid.  Cook 5 minutes, then add the eggplant and zucchini back to the pan, stir and re-cover with the lid.  Cook 15-20 minutes or until everything is tender.  Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, as necessary to taste.  Stir in the basil and remove from heat.

Serve ratatouille hot or warm in a bowl with crusty bread for dipping and with a poached or fried egg on top, if desired.

Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille and Some Life Lessons

I have learned a thing or two about being on my own.  With a husband in the military and family far, far away, this has a tendency to happen.  Before I was married, I lived alone too.  I had an apartment in downtown Baltimore while I was in grad school, and while I was close enough to see my parents regularly, I had to learn to be self-sufficient, a skill I have found to be invaluable many times in the years since.

Here are a few life lessons I have learned so far, the 'you' obviously refers to me, these were all learned from experience...

Life lessons for Ladies Living Alone:

You can make a meal out of watermelon and popcorn.

Not all of the boring envelopes that come in the mail are solicitous, some are bills, and you should probably open them all just to check.

Frozen naan bread makes a very good pizza crust for one.

There are a few upsides to the solitude:  you can spend as many hours on Pinterest, Glitter Guide, reading magazines and at the gym as you please.  You can watch My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding and nobody is going to say a peep about it.

Your car will most likely have some sort of major maintenance issue that you should probably are going to have to deal with asap.

Along those same lines, in all likelihood you will have to weather a tropical storm or hurricane, or some other natural disaster.  And you will make it through it just fine, even though you never thought you could.

You're going to have to put on some sneakers, grab an umbrella and take the dog out even in the rain.  The little guy (or gal) is depending on you.  Also, if you don't you're the one who'll be cleaning up the mess later.  Now there's some motivation.

You should have a ready supply of chocolate chips just in case the urge to bake cookies happens to strike.  And it will.

Replace the TP roll when you use the last piece in order to avoid being stranded on your next bathroom visit.

Be vigilant when you're out walking at night.  This should be common sense but it's worth saying anyway.  Also, mace is good to have handy, you know, for peace of mind.

It's probably you, not him, that makes the big mess in the kitchen.  This fact will be proven when you have the house to yourself.

It's usually a better idea to buy a pint of Ben & Jerry's than it is to buy a quart of something cheaper.  Portion control, people, portion control.  You're the only one around to eat it.

Friends are super important.  Don't forget that.  And get to know your neighbors too, they'll keep an eye on things for ya and you can return the favor.

Target sells wine in single-serving juice boxes.  No, it's not going to win any awards but the Cabernet/Shiraz blend isn't half bad and it'll do the trick when you just need a glass of red to go with your pizza for one.

When watermelon and popcorn aren't enough, you can and should cook for yourself.  Make something amazing.  Make exactly what you are craving.  Preferably try to include all major food groups since you've been living on bowls of cereal, peanut butter and banana toast, and salads for the last 2 days.

Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille is one of those dinners that I found myself craving when I had the house to myself.  I liked it so much that I'm sure I'll make it over and over again when Brian is home, as he enjoys vegetables as much as I do.  Of course, for him it will probably need to accompany some sort of meat but for me, a simple fried or poached egg on top did the trick.

This recipe comes from the book A Homemade Life that I read for my book club.  It's written by Molly  Wizenberg of Orangette, a blog which I have loved for some time now and which is one of those rare finds that combines really lovely photography, delicious recipes and beautifully written stories.  I love Molly's cooking (and eating style), it's a lot like mine in that she enjoys simple, classic foods, prepared at home with the best quality ingredients you can find.  She spent a lot of time in Paris and so the French style is often reflected in the dishes she makes.

I took Molly's advice when she recommended serving this ratatouille with a piece of crusty bread to dunk into the liquid at the bottom of the bowl.  And I have to agree that this would definitely be the way to go.  Also, she's right when she said that it gets better the next day after the flavors have a chance to marry in the refrigerator overnight.  So, even if you're the only one eating this, I recommend you make the full recipe so you can have leftovers for the next couple of days.  It's so delicious, you won't mind having to eat it a couple of days in a row, in fact you'll look forward to it.

I changed the recipe around a little, adding summer squash, as I had some on hand.  A Homemade Life is full of wonderful recipes and memories, worded so perfectly that you really get to know Molly.  It's an easy read and one that will have you heading straight for your kitchen, inspired by her simple and beautiful cuisine.

Roasted Eggplant Ratatouille
serves 4
adapted from A Homemade Life

1 pound eggplant, sliced crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds (this is approximately 1 medium-large eggplant)
olive oil
1 pound zucchini + summer squash (or any combination of the two) trimmed, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2 inch thick half-moons (this is approximately two large squash)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
5 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 sprigs fresh thyme - the leaves only, stripped from the stems (stems discarded)
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F with a rack in the middle.

Lay the sliced eggplant on an oiled baking sheet and drizzle on about 2 tablespoons olive oil, rubbing the oil onto the eggplant slices, making sure both sides are coated.  Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the slices after 15 minutes, until they are lightly browned on both sides.  Remove from the oven and cool slightly, then chop into 1-inch pieces.  Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ratatouille.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the zucchini and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until just beginning to soften and turn golden.  Remove from the pan and set aside with the cooked eggplant.

Add a little more oil to the pan, just enough so the bottom is lightly coated, then add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.  Add the red bell pepper and garlic and cook just until tender for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, thyme leaves and bay leaf.  Stir, reduce heat to low and cover the pan with the lid.  Cook 5 minutes, then add the eggplant and zucchini back to the pan, stir and re-cover with the lid.  Cook 15-20 minutes or until everything is tender.  Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, as necessary to taste.  Stir in the basil and remove from heat.

Serve ratatouille hot or warm in a bowl with crusty bread for dipping and with a poached or fried egg on top, if desired.

Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula

After last week's Bruschetta Pizza you would think my pizza craving would have been satisfied.

Well, if that's what you thought, you clearly don't know me so well.

Pizza Every Day would probably be my platform if I were running for president.  I am a pro at justifying pizza as a healthy meal (it hits 3 food important food groups!)  It's one of the great comfort foods of our time.  Yeah, I pretty much love the stuff.

This version is similar to a flatbread (obviously just another, fancier, name for pizza) we had at Cru Cellars, our local wine bar just down the street (within stumbling distance, I like to say).  Theirs had bleu cheese where this one uses mozzarella and parmesan.  Theirs was a rectangle, this a circle.  To-may-to, to-mah-to.  And this is a Pioneer Woman recipe, so you know it's going to be good.

The original recipe makes one large pizza but I roughly halved it to use the remainder of the Trader Joe's pizza dough I had in the refrigerator and made two small pizzas out of it.  The recipe can be doubled for a full 1 pound ball of pizza dough if serving more than 4.

sauced...

cheesed...

baked...

topped....

Served.

I also think this would make a nice appetizer if you formed it in the shape of a long, thin rectangle and sliced it crosswise into strips, squares or triangles.

Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula
serves 3-4
adapted from The Pioneer Woman

1/2 of a 1 lb ball of prepared pizza dough
2-3 Tablespoons fig butter (I used Trader Joe's, or fig jam, or fig spread)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 lb shaved or thinly sliced Prosciutto
2 large handfulls arugula, washed and dried
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese


Preheat oven to 450 degrees for at least 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, let refrigerated pizza dough sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Then, roll the dough out into a thin circle about 1/4-1/3" thick on a floured surface, or alternately make two "personal size" pizzas.  Transfer the pizza dough onto a lightly oiled, rimless baking sheet.

Spread the fig butter across the pizza dough in a thin, even layer.  Then, evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the fig butter and sprinkle on a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.  Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake 10-15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes, depending on thickness of your pizza crust) until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top the hot pizza with the slices of Prosciutto.  Before serving, top the pizza with the arugula and the shredded parmesan cheese.  Cut into wedges, slices or squares and serve warm.

For 1/2 pound of pizza dough, this should make 1 medium pizza or two "personal" pizzas.  This will serve 2 very hungry individuals or 3-4 normal people.

What are your favorite pizza toppings?  What was the best pizza pie you ever had?  


I generally go for the veggie pizza - loaded up with onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms but I wouldn't turn down a slice with some italian sausage thrown on there too.

The best pizza I ever had was on my honeymoon in Napa at a place called Azzurro.  I had the Salciccia  which was a thin, crisp, ever-so-slightly-charred crust with fennel sausage, onion, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.  Perfecto!

Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula

After last week's Bruschetta Pizza you would think my pizza craving would have been satisfied.

Well, if that's what you thought, you clearly don't know me so well.

Pizza Every Day would probably be my platform if I were running for president.  I am a pro at justifying pizza as a healthy meal (it hits 3 food important food groups!)  It's one of the great comfort foods of our time.  Yeah, I pretty much love the stuff.

This version is similar to a flatbread (obviously just another, fancier, name for pizza) we had at Cru Cellars, our local wine bar just down the street (within stumbling distance, I like to say).  Theirs had bleu cheese where this one uses mozzarella and parmesan.  Theirs was a rectangle, this a circle.  To-may-to, to-mah-to.  And this is a Pioneer Woman recipe, so you know it's going to be good.

The original recipe makes one large pizza but I roughly halved it to use the remainder of the Trader Joe's pizza dough I had in the refrigerator and made two small pizzas out of it.  The recipe can be doubled for a full 1 pound ball of pizza dough if serving more than 4.

sauced...

cheesed...

baked...

topped....

Served.

I also think this would make a nice appetizer if you formed it in the shape of a long, thin rectangle and sliced it crosswise into strips, squares or triangles.

Fig and Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula
serves 3-4
adapted from The Pioneer Woman

1/2 of a 1 lb ball of prepared pizza dough
2-3 Tablespoons fig butter (I used Trader Joe's, or fig jam, or fig spread)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 lb shaved or thinly sliced Prosciutto
2 large handfulls arugula, washed and dried
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese


Preheat oven to 450 degrees for at least 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, let refrigerated pizza dough sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Then, roll the dough out into a thin circle about 1/4-1/3" thick on a floured surface, or alternately make two "personal size" pizzas.  Transfer the pizza dough onto a lightly oiled, rimless baking sheet.

Spread the fig butter across the pizza dough in a thin, even layer.  Then, evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the fig butter and sprinkle on a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.  Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake 10-15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes, depending on thickness of your pizza crust) until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top the hot pizza with the slices of Prosciutto.  Before serving, top the pizza with the arugula and the shredded parmesan cheese.  Cut into wedges, slices or squares and serve warm.

For 1/2 pound of pizza dough, this should make 1 medium pizza or two "personal" pizzas.  This will serve 2 very hungry individuals or 3-4 normal people.

What are your favorite pizza toppings?  What was the best pizza pie you ever had?  


I generally go for the veggie pizza - loaded up with onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms but I wouldn't turn down a slice with some italian sausage thrown on there too.

The best pizza I ever had was on my honeymoon in Napa at a place called Azzurro.  I had the Salciccia  which was a thin, crisp, ever-so-slightly-charred crust with fennel sausage, onion, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.  Perfecto!

Grilled Corn, Barley and White Bean Salad

Grain salads are some of my very favorite foods year round but especially when summer's bounty brings sweet corn, ripe tomatoes and abundant basil to the farmer's markets.  

Photo from this June's monthly Hyde Park Village Fresh Market

I find these salads so satisfying, filling and fresh, and the possibilities for variation are endless.  You can use different grains - quinoa, rice, barley, couscous, farro or wheat berries.  Use whatever fresh veggies are in season - summer squash, zucchini, cucumber, corn, tomato, asparagus...  Pick herbs from your own pots.  For dressing, a simple homemade vinaigrette is perfect, or if you're in a hurry try your favorite bottle of store-bought vinaigrette.  See what I mean, endless possibilities.

Here are a few of the other grain salads I have made and shared:

• Superfood Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Mediterranean Red Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
• Chipotle Quinoa with Corn and Black Beans
• Mixed Greens with Herbed Lentils, Roasted Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese (not really a grain but similar in style)

This particular salad was filled with some of my favorite summer flavors - sweet corn, tomatoes and basil.  I used cooked pearled barley because I like the size of the grains and the satisfying chew but you could always  try some wild rice or cooked quinoa in its place - really, whatever you have on hand.

My favorite way to eat this salad is on top of a bed of baby mixed greens, arugula or spinach for lunch.  The addition of the white beans makes this a bit sturdier than most pasta or grain salads, and with the filling fiber and protein in the beans, it is perfect for a light lunch.    Or alternatively, omit the leafy greens and serve it as a side-dish with grilled or roasted chicken, barbecue pulled pork, or a piece of pan-sauteed flaky white fish for dinner.  I like to think of grain salads as a healthier version of cold pasta salads, so they are perfect at tailgates, barbecues, potlucks or just a good old summer cookout.

Grilled Corn, Barley and White Bean Salad
serves 2-3, generously (this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled)

2 ears corn
juice from 1/2 a lemon (or up to 1 lemon, juiced)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or up to 3 tablespoons)

salt and pepper, to taste (I used a scant 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and scant 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper)

1 cup cooked barley
2/3 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
3 green onions, the white and green parts, thinly sliced
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped into small bite-size pieces
2 tomatoes, partially de-seeded and diced
generous handful arugula leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
1/4 cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh basil


On an outdoor grill over medium heat, grill the shucked and rinsed corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the corn has light char-grill marks on all sides.  Once cooked, strip the kernels off the cobs using a knife and allow to cool to room temperature.

While the corn cools, make the vinaigrette:  in a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, add the cooked, cooled corn kernels, cooked barley, beans, green onions, cheese, tomatoes, arugula and basil.  Pour the prepared vinaigrette over and toss gently using 2 large spoons.  Taste and add additional lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper if necessary.  Add the chopped basil and toss once more, gently.  Serve at room temperature or better yet, chilled in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or prepare up to 2-3 days ahead of time.  (If preparing the salad more than 2-3 hours ahead of time, hold off on adding the chopped basil and the arugula until ready to serve, as these are prone to wilt if stored for more than a few hours time).

Also - for those of you hoping to make homemade popsicles this summer, I spotted these star-shaped popsicle moulds at Target today in the dollar section at the front of the store for $2.50!   Hurry and get them before they're sold out!  Might I suggest you try my Mango-Yogurt popsicle recipe?

What is your favorite dish to bring to summer cook-outs and barbecues?  I always like bringing a dessert because it gives me the chance to try a new recipe!  Some past hits have been Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars and Chocolate Whoopie Pies.

Grilled Corn, Barley and White Bean Salad

Grain salads are some of my very favorite foods year round but especially when summer's bounty brings sweet corn, ripe tomatoes and abundant basil to the farmer's markets.  

Photo from this June's monthly Hyde Park Village Fresh Market

I find these salads so satisfying, filling and fresh, and the possibilities for variation are endless.  You can use different grains - quinoa, rice, barley, couscous, farro or wheat berries.  Use whatever fresh veggies are in season - summer squash, zucchini, cucumber, corn, tomato, asparagus...  Pick herbs from your own pots.  For dressing, a simple homemade vinaigrette is perfect, or if you're in a hurry try your favorite bottle of store-bought vinaigrette.  See what I mean, endless possibilities.

Here are a few of the other grain salads I have made and shared:

• Superfood Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Mediterranean Red Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
• Chipotle Quinoa with Corn and Black Beans
• Mixed Greens with Herbed Lentils, Roasted Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese (not really a grain but similar in style)

This particular salad was filled with some of my favorite summer flavors - sweet corn, tomatoes and basil.  I used cooked pearled barley because I like the size of the grains and the satisfying chew but you could always  try some wild rice or cooked quinoa in its place - really, whatever you have on hand.

My favorite way to eat this salad is on top of a bed of baby mixed greens, arugula or spinach for lunch.  The addition of the white beans makes this a bit sturdier than most pasta or grain salads, and with the filling fiber and protein in the beans, it is perfect for a light lunch.    Or alternatively, omit the leafy greens and serve it as a side-dish with grilled or roasted chicken, barbecue pulled pork, or a piece of pan-sauteed flaky white fish for dinner.  I like to think of grain salads as a healthier version of cold pasta salads, so they are perfect at tailgates, barbecues, potlucks or just a good old summer cookout.

Grilled Corn, Barley and White Bean Salad
serves 2-3, generously (this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled)

2 ears corn
juice from 1/2 a lemon (or up to 1 lemon, juiced)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or up to 3 tablespoons)

salt and pepper, to taste (I used a scant 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and scant 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper)

1 cup cooked barley
2/3 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
3 green onions, the white and green parts, thinly sliced
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped into small bite-size pieces
2 tomatoes, partially de-seeded and diced
generous handful arugula leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
1/4 cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh basil


On an outdoor grill over medium heat, grill the shucked and rinsed corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the corn has light char-grill marks on all sides.  Once cooked, strip the kernels off the cobs using a knife and allow to cool to room temperature.

While the corn cools, make the vinaigrette:  in a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, add the cooked, cooled corn kernels, cooked barley, beans, green onions, cheese, tomatoes, arugula and basil.  Pour the prepared vinaigrette over and toss gently using 2 large spoons.  Taste and add additional lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper if necessary.  Add the chopped basil and toss once more, gently.  Serve at room temperature or better yet, chilled in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or prepare up to 2-3 days ahead of time.  (If preparing the salad more than 2-3 hours ahead of time, hold off on adding the chopped basil and the arugula until ready to serve, as these are prone to wilt if stored for more than a few hours time).

Also - for those of you hoping to make homemade popsicles this summer, I spotted these star-shaped popsicle moulds at Target today in the dollar section at the front of the store for $2.50!   Hurry and get them before they're sold out!  Might I suggest you try my Mango-Yogurt popsicle recipe?

What is your favorite dish to bring to summer cook-outs and barbecues?  I always like bringing a dessert because it gives me the chance to try a new recipe!  Some past hits have been Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars and Chocolate Whoopie Pies.