When Mother's Cupboard is bare..

Earlier this year, when the weather turned warm and the flowers began to bloom, I had gotten the itch to start working on our yard. It's pretty barren. Years of neglect from the previous owners, a major renovation and two busy parents has only added to the problem. My husband and I are trying our best, well we were, to chip away in a very DIY style, at making it look like the oasis we know it can be.

How far did we get? Not far. In fact, despite my motivation most of our plants in the front of the house have dried to a crisp with our scorching summer. We will have to try again.

BUT, I did have some success with 4 little plants in the back yard (lavender, rosemary, basil and some daisies), and since then, I have a liking to the survivors and forgotten about my hydrangeas. I hope both of my kids end up to be strong, would hate to have to cultivate one and not the other.. Just kidding. :)

 

So, with my itty-bitty plants, I water and pluck and taste my bounty as often as I can.

 

Now that it's high season for tomatoes and such, I turn to my "garden" and find a quick and tasty lunch option that can be thrown together on the way out the door and whipped up at work. Not only is its fresh easy and tasty, it's cheap and my co-workers think I am a culinary genius.

I present...

Work Friendly-Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Paninis on french baguette.
 Needed work equipment: Toaster Oven
 Ingredients

• 2-4 slices of crusty bread
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves (6-10 leaves)
• 1 Roma or plum tomatoes ( any tomato will do, but plum/Roma are less messy and juicy)
• 3-4 slices of fresh mozzarella
• Optional: cooking spray (can be added to bread before you leave the house)

1. Set toaster to 350 degrees
2. Layer all ingredients on one side of bread with cheese on top- so it melts nicely and anchors the other fixings.
3. Toast for 5 mins or until cheese is melted and toast is golden brown.

Enjoy!