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Cold plates for a pretty hot afternoon here in CA. Here's the plan...
Sliced tomato topped with feta, fresh basil.
Sliced cucumber with slivered green onion and lemon juice.
Smoked salmon on water crackers with dill.
Cheesy bread sticks wrapped with paper thin smoked ham.
Cold Clamato "shooter".
Mixed greens of some sort.
Olives.
Dry white wine.
Sliced pears.
Red grapes.
(on edit) Looks like there should be something a little sweet in all this... 
There had to be something sweet along the way. Enjoyed all of it, with the simple slice, prep and plate as a big plus.
I hear some chili talk. That's got me thinking about an early start tomorrow to get some simmering.
Everything on yours sounds so good. I do think you have quite a talent for putting these things together.
We missed ya' while you were gone!
Cher
Yeah, I love putting plates together. It's like a geometry meets taste and color thing. Nerd cooking. Ha! That's a good topic for a book. That will languish in the dollar bin, no doubt.
You know innately, but many people (moi, for example), don't.
The Flavor Bible is a good example. It's been selling well for quite some time.
This book tells what goes with what, taste-wise. No dollar bin for this book!
It's like a color guide for the blind.
People like you and the RG don't need this, but some people can't "taste" in their heads. So we use recipes and books like The Flavor Bible.
I wish I had this gift, but I don't. But using other methods, I can still have a good meal!
Cher
after yesterday's scorching chili, which I adore. I'm thinking a grilled chicken leg and thigh, some steamed broccoli and maybe some tomatoes in a light vinaigrette.
Yesterday's supper was a gut-buster. I did-eth gorge, so today I'm eating lighter. I even skipped breakfast and lunch (save for only a nectarine) today.
It's been in the freezer. Buttered carrots. It's 51 and raining here, so I want hot food (in the warm sense, not overly spicy).
Not nearly as good as this from a local firm.
The whole roasted chickens from delis and supermarkets here are really pretty good. For some reason I seem to live in a fried chicken no man's land. Very few choices.
This place is about five miles away, but it's the best around. Chicago also has quite a few fried chicken and waffle restaurants. Not sure that appeals to me.
I'm always looking for a new take. Mine tend to grow old, eh.
classified under "grassroots' greek meatballs."
Cher
and I had a long day, so it was nice to come home to my five-spice pork soup that I made yesterday. Nothing to do but heat it up.
Also had some blue cheese and red wine.
Dessert is flan, which the RG picked up from some bakery or restaurant in the Ironbound.
Cher
