Once again, necessity is the mother of invention: It's hot so no one really feels like cooking, or eating; I have tons of leftovers in my fridge, but no full meal; we're eating on the run this week, we go from baseball games to Yankee Homecoming concerts at Waterfront Park. So, today I made Roasted fingerling and asparagus salad to take with us.

The fingerling potatoes had been roasted with a whole head of garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and asparagus. I put them together on a tray with the garlic cloves to squeeze onto the potatoes, added some roasted chicken breast, put a sprig of rosemary on top and sprinkled a little more olive oil. That's summertime, and the living is easy.

Great food/family recipe!

Who among us doesn't link family & food, food & family? I know the Dunican clan sure does!

A friend of mine from Fordham wrote this great essay about her Grandfather and the sauce he lovingly prepared. Now she lovingly prepares this same sauce. I have been voting for her everyday, but can't do it through my phone for some reason, so as we hit the road, I thought I'd share the link with all of you. If you have time to click through, read a great essay and vote for her, that would be great. You can vote once a day. Enjoy!

http://bourdainmediumraw.com/essays/view/101

Garlic Grilled Tomatoes

I made these last night for George's birthday. We all loved them! The kids could have easily eaten more, next time I will make more than 1 tomato/person! So simple, yet such great flavor.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/garlic-grilled-tomatoes-recipe/index.html

Summer Pasta Salad Twists

I think I may have to try these 2 recipes this summer.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/BUFFALO-CHICKEN-PASTA-SALAD-1231059

Antipasto Pasta Salad
http://www.bullz-eye.com/grub_for_guys/2010/pasta_salad_trio.htm

Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes

I made these for my son Brendan's 1st communion and they were a huge hit. I think they were the only cupcake (I made 3 different kinds) that were wiped out at the party -- and people were looking for more.

Now, I'm going to re-make them for Cara's birthday tomorrow, but I will be dying the cream in pinks and purples to go with her princess theme.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cream-filled-chocolate-cupcakes