Magnificent Meatless Monday meal

El had to get packing this afternoon, and I made mujaddara for 15 before pulling some old faves from the recipe vault for a meatless Monday meal. What stars they are, and why don't I make them on a more frequent basis! Now I will. Roasted, curried cauliflower! Zucchini-feta fritters! Absolutely scrumptious, simple, bright, veggie-heavy, and both make great leftovers.

The red wine vinegar in the cauliflower is absolutely the perfect, critical addition!

For a carb'ier dish, I also made a creamed mushroom crostini: mushrooms sauteed with some butter and olive oil, fresh marjoram, thyme, splashes of Cognac and cream near the end. And then, a sprinkle of young chevre before spooning over toasted baguette. Another simple yet super-tasty and satisfying dish. Presently, I'm getting creamed in Scrabble; this is not my style.

Lovely morning, compost salad, dinner for the grands

El, Michele and Mom treated me to a wonderful anniversary dinner last night - shrimp risotto, seared turkey breast with sage, asparagus, lots of wine and champagne - which we capped off with that scrumptious pie. There were only 2 slivers left because I promised the boys I'd save them some. We sat outside, enjoying each other's company and laughter, and T made it home just as we were wrapping up. This morning, Mom, El and I went to Pilates and then to one of my dearest pals (a woman I met in this very Pilates class) house (with our Pilates teacher, also a great pal) for tea, treats and more fun. It is just the best to sit around laughing with a cool and beloved group of women, you know? Awesome. Then to the market and then home as I needed to get dinner ready for my sweet nonagenarians. Tonight they'll enjoy a zucchini, yogurt and beef casserole, roasted asparagus and a sweet pumpkin cheesecake for two. Doesn't this look yummy?

While it cooked, I made a good old compost salad. They never get old and I love that it enables me to clean out my crisper drawers. Oh dear, I'm about to be late to get Ol. More later.

OMG- I think I made a casserole

Casserole is not one of my favorite words. However, I think it aptly describes our dinner tonight, a summery, yes summery, creation that T said to please make again very soon. My mom used to make a dressing of rice and beef, cooked with onions and garlic, stuff it in green bell peppers, top with homemade buttery croutons and bake. They were a comfort food that I remember being a consistent presence on our dinner table. Tom just can't love green peppers; it's taken 8 years of work to get him to tolerate red, yellow and orange ones if cooked and well mixed into something else. So using them as the serving bowl just would not suffice.

Summer squash is everywhere right now if you haven't noticed. As if it is a healthy, vegetal tsunami, you almost can't get away from its ongoing harvest. But it is at its peak, so crisp and good, just begging to be used in myriad ways. So, OK. I bought a large one, sliced into slim lengthwise strips and used them like lasagna noodles. Interspersed among three layers of them, I put my mixture of brown rice, ground beef, onions, garlic, lemon zest and a blend of Greek yogurt, mint and ground pistachios. I drizzled the whole thing with olive oil, baked and served with the remaining yogurt sauce. Yum and quite light. I'll post the recipe for you!