Blame it on the Heat

Yes, I've been procrastinating with this month's post. With temperatures reaching the triple digits, I find it difficult to summon the energy or enthusiasm for anything that requires being outdoors. Honestly, this time of year I would rather be anywhere but Austin.

It boggles my mind when I see runners streaking by in the middle of the afternoon. I wonder how they can tolerate the heat, or if it has affected their brains. Simply keeping my plants and lawn alive with morning and evening watering while fighting mosquitos leaves me wilted.

As if things are not toasty enough,there is the annual Hot Sauce Festival (held outdoors, of course), and the Hatch Chile Festival, not to mention the various chile cook-offs held around Austin. One can only imagine how unbearable it must be, standing over an open grill stirring an enormous pot of chili. I don't care if it IS under a tent - hot is hot!  

I think the only way to survive summer here is to hibernate as much as possible.

Welcome to the dog days of summer.

Domestic Bliss

After passing by this South Congress shop many times, I finally stopped in today. Mockingbird Domestics is a great source for unique gifts and home goods that will indulge your sense of style.

The owners of the store definitely have an eye for the artistic and inventive when it comes to domestic details. The family-owned shop is filled with handmade furniture from local artisans, and an eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary decor.  It's obvious that each item was personally chosen, from the diminutive wine glasses to the handcrafted wooden lighting-it's a fun browse.

Loved this antique wine corker

Handcrafted wooden rolling pins and one-of-a-kind
lighting fixtures are displayed throughout the store

                                           Get creative and sign up for one of Mockingbird's classes

APIE

Last year I signed up with Austin Partners In Education (APIE), to volunteer as a mentor in the public schools.  It has turned out to be an enriching experience, and I would recommend it to anyone with a little time and the desire to make a difference in a child's life.

The West Side Art Tour has been held the past two weekends here in town, and it got me thinking about the children's art on display at Mathews Elementary. I think these photos capture the fun and creative spirit of these kids.

I think my favorite part of volunteering here is having lunch with the kids. The noise level in the cafeteria rises with the sounds of chatter and laughter as they open lunch boxes, compare food, juggle milk cartons and anticipate their upcoming playground time. 

I'm never bored with this crowd-priceless.

If you are interested in learning about this volunteer opportunity, you can contact Austin Partners in Education at 512.637.0900.

Cheesealicious

There are those times when I am craving comfort food, and lately I've been obsessing about grilled cheese sandwiches. I remember my mother's white bread and processed cheese sandwiches, but I decided to, as Emeril would say, "kick it up a notch."

I made four different kinds and was curious to see which ones my appreciative guests would like best.  Pictured above on the left  is my Tuscan grilled cheese with provolone, mozzarella, pesto, crispy prosciutto and tomato on parmesan ciabatta bread.
Molto delizioso.

On the right is my French version of grilled cheese with gruyere, caramelized onions and mushrooms on a rustic bread-very tasty.

Below is a southwestern take with pepper jack, cheddar, tomato, avocado and smoked poblano on sourdough bread.

Last, but not pictured, was the favorite.  A brie with thinly sliced apples and strawberry jam on grilled walnut and cranberry bread. Fig jam would have been a good alternative. Just goes to show you that simple is sometimes best.

The possibilities are endless and it was so much fun making and sharing these with friends. What's your favorite grilled cheese?