Things are a little too interesting right now at Blue Kitchen—in a good way. So rather than cook something this week, I’m taking a look at what’s cooking on some of my favorite food blogs.
1. Balsamic Roasted Cherry, Dark Chocolate and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A common thread these days is working with bountiful fresh fruit. I don’t think anyone does it more decadently than Kevin at Closet Cooking does with this sandwich. A grilled cheese sandwich. Made with brie. And dark chocolate. And cherries roasted in balsamic vinegar. Or brandy. Or port. If you’re already salivating like I am, you’ll find the recipe here.
2. Plum Salsa
Speaking of summer fruits, plums take a starring role in this sweet/savory/spicy salsa from John at Kitchen Riffs. It can be served as a dip for chips and veggies, but it’s also perfectly at home topping grilled chicken or fish. You’ll find the recipe here.
3. Strawberry Peach Cobbler with Almond Biscuit Topping
Nicole over at Pinch My Salt takes full advantage of two fresh summer fruits with this delicious, homey looking dessert. It’s a mashup of her two favorite desserts, peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake. You’ll find the recipe—and great tips on using and storing strawberries—here.
4. President Obama’s Chili
Okay, maybe not strictly summery, but it’s been pleasantly, unseasonably cool here in Chicago. Lydia at The Perfect Pantry inspires pantry envy in me on a regular basis. Her legendarily well-stocked pantry produces countless treasures. Including this one, her take on the Commander-in-Chef’s turkey chili recipe. Amusingly, she takes the President to task for not spicing things up enough. The recipe is here.
5. Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Most grilling recipes (including mine) advise letting whatever meat you’re grilling come to room temperature before cooking. Elise at Simply Recipes takes the opposite tack with these grilled chicken breasts. Putting them on the grill cold produces nice grill marks without overcooking the chicken. Here’s the recipe.
Terry, thanks so much for including my take on President Obama’s chili in this post! For the last two nights, it’s been cool enough here in Rhode Island to send me back into the kitchen to make something warming, and this chili would be perfect.
Thanks so much for including my Plum Salsa! It’s been really pleasant here in St. Louis the last few days. We even got down to 57 one night! Highly unusual. Great selection of recipes for me to browse — thanks.
All of them are nice picks!!
I haven’t seen my fellow Ontarian’s closet cooking site in quite a while.
Kitchen Riffs: I made your high heat roast chicken(s) on the weekend. I planned on leftovers but the platter was annihilated. 🙂 Delish!
Thank you, Lydia and Kitchenriffs, for letting me raid your kitchens. And I’m glad everyone is enjoying a respite from summer heat.
Randi, now I have to go find his roast chicken recipe. Thanks for the heads up!
Oh lord, that sandwich is a masterpiece.
Wish I’d posted this earlier… To me summer isn’t complete without fresh Blackberries. Just made my batch of Blackberry Jam from berries I grew in my backyard.