Gourmet Tribute: Lentil Soup with Italian Sausage and Escarole

Another dish that took me by surprise. While it is warm and filling, it is by no means heavy. The flavor profiles are distinct, yet they all work together. We enjoyed this soup out on the patio, with a bottle of Palo Alto Reserve, a very affordable Chilean wine that holds its own against the fennel in the sausage, and the bitter greens. Plus, it sports a very autumnal bottle design!
We left off the croutons and subbed Collards for the Escarole (not sold at our HEB).
Lentil Soup with Italian Sausage and Escarole is an excellent addition to your recipe file... PLUS! It only takes 20 mins... not quite quick enough to qualify for the 15under15, but hey!
Thanks, Gourmet!

Rainy Day Dinner

I love a dark, rainy day. And rainy days in the fall even more perfect- there's usually a college football game on tv...creating perfect background noise for an afternoon nap.

And the absolute best way to finish a day of being inside: a hearty, spicy bowl of pasta and a crisp salad.

The best scenario... you've already gone to the store to get all the ingredients, so you don't have to go out in the rain! 

Second best scenario... you've got the grocery store to yourself, because no one else wants to go out in the rain!

Tonight, I'll be sharing this menu with my husband and little one. 

Recipes are adapted from Tyler Florence's cookbook, "Dinner at My Place."

Menu: TF's Penne with Spicy Italian Sausage, Cream, Tomatoes, and Peas- Makes a veritable TON... so expect company... or leftovers. (Side note... this is a photo taken of leftovers... the dish has much more visual appeal directly after preparation!)

Bibb Lettuce with Tarragon Vinaigrette- Simple, tangy, sweet... delish!