Fresh Tomato Tart with Basil-Garlic Crust

      Well, we're quickly moving through spring, with summer just around the corner.  I love all of the season's fruits and vegetables showing up in the market now!  Something that we seem to wait for, all year, are those wonderful summer tomatoes.  Red, ripe, and juicy "spheres of deliciousness" !  Beefsteak, heirloom, cherry, plum, pear......so many varieties and so many ways to eat them!!   (All delicious, in my opinion)

A Special Surprise and Mulberry Scones

    Well, I had a nice surprise recently.  The kind of surprise that, well, really surprises you!  You know, the kind that makes you wonder....."Where have I been?"......"How did I not see this coming?" 

    Now that I have your attention......

    It was a surprise that probably wouldn't get most of you all that excited, but it was such a blessing to me!  I've shared some about my Italian grandparents' garden here and how I love fresh figs, etc., but I'm not sure I told you about the mulberry tree that grew right near the back corner of their garage.  As we'd run along the side of the building to a back garden area, there it was, right behind the back left corner....The tree with the beautiful, long-ish berries, in shades of mauve and purple.  They were mild and delicious and something special that gramma and grandpa had in their yard that we didn't.  I've always thought it would be so wonderful to have one in my own yard........just another thing to remind me of my grandparents.

   

Italian Sausage, Broccoli, and Provolone Quiche

     Quiche may not be in vogue anymore and I know it's not an "Italian thing", but I still think it's a great option  for a mid-week supper or a brunch on the weekend.  This has an Italian twist (are you surprised?) with the addition of sharp provolone (an aged Italian cheese), roasted red peppers, and Italian sausage.  I've also added a toasted breadcrumb topping for a little crunch.  A Little warning ....this is not light on the calories but quite yummy.