My lack of posting in the last two weeks has to do with eight glorious days of this…
and this…
and a little of this…
That’s right, our summer is not complete without a week in San Diego. We stayed in Del Mar, renting a condo with our friends, Renee and John, we found on VRBO. We have had great luck finding vacation rentals this way and absolutely love being able to have the space and freedom of a condo or house, versus a hotel room. Especially now, having a new baby and all the gear that goes a long with that. Of course, it also allows us to take advantage of the local farmer’s markets and do some cooking!
This is a picture of Chino Farms, an organic farm where many popular San Diego restaurants get their local organic produce. Renee and I had fun coming up with some yummy meals with our loot. One evening we decided to do a casual pizza night. (surprise, surprise huh?) We love our pizza nights. Now, our pizzas are no ordinary pizzas. No, we take it up a notch from cheese and sausage. We made three this particular evening, one traditional, one with fresh arugula, tomatoes, capers, etc. But, the real star of the night was Renee’s little creation…
Make this NOW, and thank me later!
Here’s how:
Trader Joe’s original pizza dough ( or homemade or your favorite brand of refrigerated dough)
Lightly pre bake the crust for 3-5 minutes. Spread with a lot of nice creamy goat cheese. Top with fresh arugula, a few roasted red peppers, and some sliced tomato. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until dough is cooked. Take out and drizzle with balsamic syrup. A-freaking-mazing!
Of course lots of wine was consumed over the evening, a tried and true, J Lohr Seven Oaks Cab, and also a new found white that was quite good.
I used to think I didn’t like Chardonnays. What I’ve realized this summer, is that I didn’t like overly oaked, big, buttery chardonnays. I’ve fallen in love with a few Argentinian and Chilean chards that are more crisp and citrus, and this one was no exception. It was a delightful apertif, with crisp hints of green apple and a little mineral, it did not overpower like a chard sometimes does. Will be seeking this one out around home.
A great time was had by all:
The trip is not complete without mentioning the Paws and Pacifiers. Ava and Chase loved the fresh air and ocean breezes…
Cheers!
What was your favorite vacation this summer?
3 comments:
You guys cleaned the farmers market out!!!
I also enjoy a good unoaked Chard - I just can't get into the big oaky, buttery ones, although I have friends that adore them. I don't get it.
My favorite vacation this summer was the only one we took, & I'm in the process of blogging it now. We went to Paso Robles, Monterey, & Santa Cruz for a major wine trip. It was so much fun!
Love the pictures. Staying in a condo is a great idea, especially with a dog. That is something I will have to consider next time. Is it hard finding places that are dog friendly?
Love the pictures! Try Italian Chardonnay too- I do not like Oaky or Acidic wine and neither do the Italians.
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