Lobster Ravioli & Fig Salad

Menu:
Lobster Ravioli from Trader Joe's with Pinenuts and Butter Sauce
Fig, Prosciutto and Arugula Salad

Notes:
Our friends Chris & Penny were in Italy this summer, and brought back this lovely balsamic vinegar straight from the source -- Modena, that is. It was absolutely delicious drizzled over this salad.

By the way, holy hiatus! To say I have been uninspired in the kitchen is quite the understatement. I don't think we ate one meal before 8:30 pm during the Spring thanks to a busy soccer and baseball schedule. Quick and easy was the name of the game. And this Summer has been incredible! Our house has been filled with guests, fun and of course food. Not enough time to think about documenting it, clearly, but too much food! After losing 15 pounds over the winter, I've gained 10 back over the past couple months -- I need to get back on track. Such a bummer. Honestly, I don't really worry about the numbers, but there comes a point when enough is enough. Bottom line though, it's not easy. This meal certainly didn't help the issue, but it sure was delicious.

Linguine with Turkey Sausage and Peppers

Menu: 
Linguine with Turkey Sausage and Peppers || Martha Stewart Everyday Food, March 2004

Ingredients
1 pound linguine
1 pound turkey sausage, casings removed
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 yellow (or red) bell peppers, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons arugula, torn
Coarse salt and ground pepper, for seasoning

Directions
Cook linguine. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups pasta water; return pasta to pot. Meanwhile, cook sausage and 2 tablespoons water in a large covered nonstick skillet over medium until fat renders, 5 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to medium-high. Brown sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, 7 minutes.

Add garlic, bell peppers, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; cook until peppers soften, 6 minutes. Add 3/4 cup pasta water and butter; swirl to combine. Transfer to pot. Add arugula; season with salt and pepper. Toss; add more pasta water as desired. Serve.

Smoked Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Sandwich

Menu:
Smoked Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper & Arugula Sandwich
Peach Granita || Martha Stewart

NOTE: We first had this sandwich at the Borough Market in London and have been hooked on it ever since. Simple, and absolutely delicious.

Chicken with Grilled Peaches and Arugula

Menu:
Chicken with Grilled Peaches and Arugula || ">Real Simple