Diners, Drive ins and Dives

276.  Recently, we took a trip to California and I fell in love!  The landscape, temperature and weather were just perfect.  We spent a week driving through the back roads and out of the way places exploring.  One of the great finds was a fantastic restaurant featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives called Putah Creek Cafe.  It is located in Winters, California.

You can check out their website here:  Putah Creek Cafe

The town was quaint and we enjoyed driving through the local streets.   Putah Creek Cafe is in an old refurbished building and has a very homey, inviting atmosphere. We ordered a California Burger, BCO Burger and the Cold Prawn Salad.  So delicious!  The local produce was fresh. Not to mention the awesome macadamia nuts that had a flavor I had never experienced before.  So fresh!!!  The avocado dressing on the salad was memorable!

 We shared the salad and both got burgers for their 2 for 1 Burger Special of the day.

We were not disappointed.  The wait staff  had on Putah Creek Cafe t-shirts and were very friendly. 

"I could put this on a flip-flop and it would taste great!"

~Guy Fieri, Diners, Drive ins and Dives

Tuscan Grilled Chicken

275.  It's summer grilling time.  We have dear friends who live in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  They recently visited us and came bearing gifts.  Wonderful infused oil from the "Olive Twist".  This is a great store where there are multiple choices of olive oils and balsamic.  You can visit the website here:

The Olive Twist.

The flavored oil we received was the Organic Tuscan Herb EVOO.

 

We enjoyed it on toasted Italian bread, and recently I marinated chicken with this liquid gold.  I just butterflied several chicken breasts, placed them in a zip-lock and sprinkled liberally the Olive Twist oil, salt and pepper.  Then refrigerated the chicken for 1 hour.

Once the chicken has absorbed the flavors, just grill as you would till chicken is fully cooked.

 It tasted so delicious!  

 If you live near Fort Wayne, Indiana or have an Olive Twist store near you, you just have to stop!  Or, like me, use the convenience of the internet and order on line.  You can enjoy this wonderful product no matter where you live!

"Italians...seemed never to die.  They eat olive oil all day long...and that's what does it."

~William Kennedy

Cantaloupe Ice Pop

274.   This summer, take luscious, sweet fruits; cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, strawberries, melons or berries, and make Ice Pops.  Rather than eating high fat, high sugary ice cream, make a healthy, fruity summer treat.  It is simple and easy to make. 

Cantaloupe Ice Pops

1/2 large cantaloupe, seeded and peeled, cut in cubes, about 2 cups

1 6oz size personal sugar free yogurt, pineapple, lemon, lime or your choice (optional)

juice from 1/2 a lime

1/4 cup sugar or sweetener if needed

1/4 cup low sugar fruit juice, orange, pineapple, white cranberry or your choice

Place all in a blender and mix till fully blended.  Taste for sweetness.  If the mixture is too dry, add more juice till smooth.  Pour into prepared ice pop forms.  Or small paper cups and use popsicle sticks or small plastic spoons.

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for one hour. Once slightly hardened place mold covers in place.  If using small cups use popsicle sticks or small plastic spoons and place into center of each ice pop.

Freeze for up to 6 hours.  Then remove and run hot water on bottom of ice pops till they remove freely.

 They are beautiful and taste so good!!!

They are satisfying, taste fresh and fruity without all the extra additives that are in store-bought popsicles.

Use your imagination and choose any fruit.  Experiment and you will surprise yourself how delicious!

Happy Summer!!!

"One is wise to cultivate the tree that bears fruit in our soul."

~Henry David Thoreau