Panzanella

Spending time in the Hamptons this summer, around all of the local farm stands and colorful fresh produce, motivated me to look out side the box for salad recipes.  I first saw this recipe once used for a chicken dish but upon further searching, I found the salad version, which is suppose to really bring out all the flavors in the vegetables.  I am off to the farmer’s market now to pick up the ingredients needed to make this yummy feast!
image Hamptons.com
image and recipe chow.com


Ingredients:

For the vinaigrette:
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 to 2 med. lemons)
6 anchovies finely chopped
3 medium garlic cloves finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (the best you can find!!)

For the salad:
8 ozs of day old italian bread (about 1/2 loaf), torn into pieces
2 lbs ripe tomatoes, large, dice
1/2 cup thinly sliced Tropea (red torpedo) onions or a sweet onion such as Maui or Vadalia
1 pound English cucumbers halved lengthwise and cut into large dice
1 packed cup basil leaves torn into large pieces
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

For the lemon-garlic vinaigrette:

Place all of the ingredients, except for the oil in a medium non reactive bowl stir to combine and let sit for 15 minutes.  Then, while whisking continuously, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, until it is fully incorporated.

For the salad:

Place the bread in a large bowl and add half of the vinaigrette.  Toss to coat well, then set aside at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes, onions, and cucumber in a separate large bowl and add the remaining vinaigrette.  Toss to coat well, then set aside at room temp for about 10 minutes.

Add the vegetables and the basil to the bread mix until evenly combined.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.  Let sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve at room temperature.







Wish List Wednesday

I recently discovered the brand Nami flip flops.  They have the comfort and versatility of a rubber flip flop but come in stylish prints that can take you from the beach, to town, to a night out.  All of the styles are so gorgeous its hard to choose just one.  But, since the price tag is less than $30, you really don’t have to.  To order these amazing shoes, click HERE

Summer in the City

Who’s ready for Summer in the City?  Chase and Radio City are offering an amazing sweepstakes.  You can win 10 tickets to a live screening to America’s Got Talent.  10 tickets to the Radio City Side Door Tour, 10 tickets to a Classic Harbor Cruise, 10 tickets to Madame Tussaud’s Museum and 10 tickets for a Grey Line Bus Tour!  To Enter click HERE.  PS If you win, will you take me with you?

Book Club Monday

If you liked Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, then you will love Luckiest Girl Alive.  Reece Witherspoon loved it so much she is going to produce the movie!! That’s enough for me but if you are still skeptical, here is the summary.
” PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE.



As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.


But Ani has a secret.


There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.”  Summary Amazon


You can order the book HERE
image Amazon

Weekend Real Estate Stalking

If you are dreaming of spending time in Nantucket, look no more…I have a fabulous remodeled home for you.  Historic, close to town but cozy and completely modern inside.  I am especially partial to this home because this is the latest project of my incredibly talented friend Clare Butler, of Clare Butler Interiors., who I have showcased on this blog and on my radio show.  If you would like more information on this outstanding property, please click HERE

Fashionable Friend Friday

You never know who you are going to meet!!!  One lunchtime I was in a local salad place called chopt.  Next to me in line was the coolest lady, dressed to the nines, wearing the most spectacular wooden buddha necklace.  Of course I had to get all the deets on it!!!!  She told me that she made it!!  SCORE!!  The next thing I knew I was meeting her at the end of the week at Starbucks, cash in hand!!!  Andrea Rosenberg, founder of HipChik Couture became a fast friend.  She is so talented and has a heart of gold.  Her jewelry designs are now available at Neiman Marcus, Jennifer Miller, Calypso and many more locations.  They are a favorite of celebrities and fashionistas alike.  I am sooo addicted to her style that every time she posts a photo of her wearing her designs I freak out!!!!  About a year ago Andrea expanded her business and opened at shop in Armonk, NY called HipChik home.  It is a must visit.  To learn more about Andrea and HipChik, click HERE and HERE