MOJITO!




Such a cool refreshing drink. The Cubano julep. The reason everyone should grow mint, even if it's just in a pot.

For each drink:

Muddle 10-15 fresh mint leaves with about 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (and a microscopic pinch of salt). I use my mortar and pestle.

Fill a glass with crushed ice, the crushed mint, a shot of good rum, juice of 1/2 a lime, 1 tbsp simple syrup if you're Jennifer, 2 tbsp simple syrup if you're Anthony, then top off with sparkling water.

Sip and chill out.

I honestly had no idea what to make for dinner tonight. With the way food prices are soaring, I found inspiration in turkey breast medallions, "reduced for quick sale."


Aha, kebabs! I thought. Grilling = less cleanup. I marinated the meat with garlic, lime juice, olive oil, S&P. I skewered it with select vegetables, depending on the tastes of my different family members. Colin saw me assembling and insisted that his have a dried cranberry on the skewer. He really threaded a craisin onto the skewer. Here he is checking out the results.



He ate it all.

I called my friend Romina in Milan today, and she couldn't believe we already had enough basil growing to make pesto for Mother's Day dinner. Not just enough - I made a double batch.

You know how to make this, right?

Fresh basil leaves, at least a cuisinart bowl full
3 cloves garlic
Handful of nuts (pine, walnut, even almonds in a pinch)
Sale e pepe, to taste

Hit the food processor button, and add enough lube (EVOO) until you have a nice verde paste. Fold in freshly grated parmegiano reggiano. Toss with fine pasta, drizzle on pizza, spread on sandwiches. Swoon.

I have been cooking while Anthony's out of town (breakfast bars, grilled tuna, etc) but tonight I just presented. He's not a big fan of smoked salmon but the kids and I LOVE it. The chopped scallions are from the garden, and Anna and I love capers. This plus some fresh bread and a salad, and we'll call it a meal!