Asparagus Treats

Yesterday was Farmer's Market time again and I really made out this time. Picked up some yummy asparagus for one of our favorite treats. Asparagus is a hard texture for toddlers and it has a very distinct taste. I could never get my son to try it until I prepared it this way. Start by doing your usual wash and snap routine. Then dice them into about 1/4" pieces. They should be about the size of a skittle. I toss them in a cast iron skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper just until they get a little browned. Then put the whole pan in the oven at 375 degrees for about 7-10 minutes.

Dump them immediately into your serving dish and squeeze the juice from one medium lemon and throw in a handful of freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan. Toss it together and this is the easiest, most wonderful way to eat asparagus. My son LOVED it. The small pieces made it much easier to chew and the lemon brings a real freshness to the dish. It's also great on top of some crusty garlic bread. This dish is so great because it's tasty hot or room temperature. Perfect for picnics or outdoor dining. Read more!

Farmer's Market Time!

One of the best things about living in Chicago is the abundance of Farmer's Markets. There is so much variety and each neighborhood has its own little atmosphere. When you can get fresh peas, greens and berries for like $7.00 total and it's local...seriously. How can you not be excited by that? Today we picked up three bunches of onion bulbs because I'm seriously an onionaholic. I could probably eat one raw like an apple. My favorite easy meal is a crap load of sauteed onions, garlic, some red pepper flakes and good olive oil. Dump over angel hair, shave some Pecorino Romano over it and go to town. Lick plate like a dog when done.

Anyway I also saw some gorgeous sour cherries that I really wanted but I couldn't figure out what I would do with them. My son wouldn't even touch them so eating them as is seems out. Anyone have some ideas? I would welcome them. Tell me about your favorite homemade cherry dish. Read more!