Relishing a night in

Or rather, olive oil-ing. As this is Italy.

Last night, I decided to stay at the apartment and throw together something for dinner from what I bought at the market. I really wanted to make a pizza but I couldn't find a pre-made dough that could go straight into the oven and still haven't learned the Italian word for 'yeast.' So, salad it was. Which was actually great because it was, and is, really hot out. Pizza will be better when it cools down.

spinaci e pomodori rossi

il mio migliore amico, olio di oliva, and (I'll switch to English now) the 2 euro red I used for the croutons and, of course, drinking

crouton, crouton! sautéed in olive oil, red wine, garlic, and a pinch of salt

the completed salad: spinach, tomatoes, croutons, grated mozzarella, and bits of prosciutto tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar

the sweet beginnings of dessert

diced apple and peach tossed with brie cheese and drizzled in honey

proud member of the clean plate club!

I'm sure I will grow tired of all this Italian food, but today is not that day. While I certainly love prowling the streets for back alley pizzerie, gelato, and my afternoon pick me up espresso, there is something to be said for holing up in the kitchen and putting your own skills to the taste test. I can't wait to peruse the open air food markets on the weekends when the weather breaks and going outside seems more bearable. This was definitely a meal in my comfort zone, as I was taught to cook by the reigning salad queen (thank you mama), but it felt like a solid dinner without weighing me down too much - both in weight and wallet. Simple ingredients always come together in the best ways.

Buon appetito...