Saturday / Our routine of stopping by the Little Italy Mercato every Saturday morning is something that I look forward to all week. And knowing that there has been a bounty of gorgeous zucchini at J.R. Organics lately, I was already planning to scoop some up and bake one of our favorite Summer cakes – – a Zucchini and Olive Oil Cake with a Crunchy Lemon Glaze – – discovered on David Lebovitz’s website, recipe courtesy of Gina DePalma. There is absolutely nothing about this cake that tastes like zucchini, but absolutely everything about this cake is insanely delicious and almost impossible to resist. (Almost.)
Sunday / Does anyone else still get excited about the “back to school” displays that pop up in various stores? The moment that I see those mounds of Crayola products, I can barely contain myself. In fact, in the past I have often fallen victim to buying markers that barely get used. But nowadays we limit ourselves to one fresh box of crayons each Fall. And honestly, our excitement to use them is probably on par with a six year old.
Monday / Normally I don’t run on Mondays, but I decided to change things up this week. And to my great delight, Ryan joined me this morning. So we headed over to Coronado Island bright and early, with the reward of coffee and donut holes from Clayton’s.
Tuesday / Ryan surprised me by announcing that he would be making us dinner tonight, and that is always such a treat for me. He made a few suggestions, but he also offered that he would be happy to make me anything – – and so I politely requested my absolute favorite gnocchi from Osteria Santo Spirito in Florence – – fluffy little gnocchi coated in the most rich and creamy Gorgonzola sauce, crisped under the broiler, and then drizzled with truffle oil. Truly heaven in a bowl.
Wednesday / Just about a week ago I finished working through my Ciao! Italian language textbook for probably the fifth time. And since I unfortunately don’t have a whole lot of other options for studying, I have decided to restart it once again. But in an exciting twist of fate, we discovered that our local library has an Italian children’s book section, and so I was able to pick up a few new reads to spice things up.
Thursday / When I am looking for an opportunity to stretch my legs and get out of the house, Coronado Island is often the first place that I head. It feels like a true taste of Americana passing by all of the colorful homes wrapped with their white picket fences, decorated with endless rose bushes, American flags blowing in the breeze, and soccer balls scattered across the front yards. It is always the perfect backdrop for a bit of daydreaming.
Friday / Probably not a week passes by that we don’t have homemade pizza for dinner. And lately we’ve really been on a topping kick. But instead of shopping at the store for tonight’s toppings, we decided to shop our fridge and make a garbage pizza – – basically just a pizza made with whatever leftover ingredients you have lying around. Tonight’s toppings were sliced figs, cherry tomatoes, sausage, onions, jalapeño and fresh basil.
Yes, I love crayon art! I’m not terribly good, but there’s something oddly satisfying about freehand drawing stuff!
I’m actually pretty horrible at crayon art – – it’s really my husband who has a knack for it…but also the patience. But there really is something so fun about dumping out a box of crayons and tapping into your creative energy!!