{nibble} drunk manchego spread

Something easy and yummy for company!

I LOVE cheese. All kinds, all textures, love it. Lately I have been taken with Manchego. I just love saying it. I feel like I should be in spain walking on a cobble stone street. I might stop in the local dive and order some wine, manchego and chorizo. Doesn't that sound fun?

here is a fun fact: Did you know that Manchego is named for the Spanish region of La Mancha, which is also the home of Don Quixote!

drunk manchego spread by ann west

1-2 wedges of an aged manchego. Ask for one with a nice bite to it!

olive oil

roasted garlic

salt

pepper

red pepper flakes

italian seasonings, basil, oregano etc...

paprika

a squeeze of lemon

chunk your cheese and cover with olive oil. Add your spices as you like and let sit for at least 8 hours. A day would even be better. Serve with a sturdy cracker or some nice bread. enjoy!

ps. i could also see adding a little more lemon and drizzling this over grilled asparagus - yum!

{crave} the ultimate theta burger

All I can say is Johnnies, in OKC. If you haven't been there it is a must. A childhood staple for me. The caesar burger, the old fashioned, and the famous THETA were among my favorites from their extensive menu. The Theta though, she is a beauty!

Of course I took a little liberty on my "mock" theta burger. These are bison!

I used colby - jack .... Johnnies had good ole american (shredded for extra melt effect)! Pickles, mayo and a sweet and smokey BBQ sauce. Nothn' better!

So here it is ... be prepared ... it is not for the light at heart and fair warning it will soon become a {crave} for you as well!

The "mock" Theta by ann west

A bun - soft and friendly

your burger grilled just for you with the cheese of your choice (cheddar or colby jack)

thin sliced onion

hickory smoked thick BBQ sauce of your choice

pickles (here for my recipe) or bubbies a great brand pickle!

mayo - on the top side of the bun

There you have it friends... pure bliss!

{grabbing greens} panzanella salad

This is one of the freshest best summer salads there is. Panzanella is a simple salad of tomatoes and stale bread. It is soooo easy and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now. So when your friends call you over for that summer pot luck... now you have something to bring.

As with most italian dishes basil is key. I happen to have some growing in my garden... yea! Mind you the basil is about all that is growing in my garden these days - those darn tomatoes didn't take!

Nothing that a quick trip to the farmers market or good grocer can't fix. Enjoy this simple and delicious salad!

panzanella by ann west

4-5 fresh ripe tomatoes - cut into chunks

2-3 thin slices of red onion

1 tbls capers

2-3 cloves fresh garlic - crushed and rough chopped

a handful of fresh basil chopped

olive oil (1/2 - 3/4 cup)

red wine vinegar (1/4 cup or more)

salt pepper

croutons (homemade or store bought) - large rough cut

red pepper flakes (optional)

(I believe traditionally this salad is served with a good mozzarella - so feel free to add that or some parm if you like!)

mix everything together. I probably use about 1/2 cup olive oil and 3 - 4 tbls red wine vinegar but this mix is a personal preference. Toss and let sit for 1 - 3 hours. Depending on how juicy your tomatoes are you may need to add more olive oil and vinegar as you go. If possible toss once or twice. I like to add a few more croutons before serving so you have a variety of textures!