Savoury Bacon & Corn Muffins with Aged Canadian Cheddar

I remember way back to a time when I was just a kid. I was young and small and the pencil marks that adorned the wall had a new line that indicated I was taller than a few weeks previous. I had probably grown but a finger or so but I was adamant it was time for another measurement. And I remember boldly exclaiming, "I'm a big boy now, mom!" Little did I know.

I cherish those memories and remember them as vividly as new ones created recently. I remember thinking how big I was yet still needed a boost when I dragged one of the kitchen chairs over by the counter to watch my mom work. Rinsing and prepping and cooking all under my watchful eyes. She would reach down and pick me up under my arms and fling me on the chair. And I would sit there and watch and watch until my attention span took me somewhere else, doing something else.

Off I went.

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Homemade Gnocchi with Blush Sauce

Sunday night settles in on us slowly. It`s a day that feels like a visit from family, relaxed and comfortable and unassuming. It's the one day of the week that has its own identity and mood. The stress of the week slowly trickles off our shoulders with each passing hour as we breathe in and breathe out. Exhale and escape. I'm reminded of the freedom that awaits me whenever I greet the light of the day. 

We wake up a bit later than the other days and I fight back the morning as the covers hold on tighter. I can see my wife dreaming, the beautiful sunshine splashing on her face. It`s really the perfect way to start the morning. Late, relaxed and without plans pulling at us. I need just a shot of coffee to help get the day started.

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Fresh Tomato Pasta

You can call it whatever you like. Comfort food, soul food or anything else you wish. The name doesn't matter as much as the food you're making does. I hit the kitchen and drum up something that suits my wife and I and then I put it on a plate. It doesn't need a label or tag or title. I just call it dinner.

Sometimes the best meals you make are the easiest. A few ingredients that play well off each other and invade each other and make an ordinary meal something special and something to remember. I know you can't hit the ball out of the park every single time you get to work in your kitchen, but you can go down swinging. That's what I try to do every single time I lay foot near my fridge and stove. I have my triangle to guide me. My prep station, my fridge and my stove. A few small steps and all within my reach. 

Tonight I wanted to use up the super fresh yellow tomatoes we picked up at the market on the weekend. I wanted a quick and easy meal that was sure to elicit a smile and a comment from my wife. I wanted pasta with a merely a few outstanding ingredients that I know marry well together in a bowl.  I'm talking about Market Fresh Tomato Pasta. You'll never think of pasta the same way again.

The flavours are classic and the result is the same every single time you make it. Tomatoes with garlic, oil and basil always deliver a fresh, great taste that has immediate impact on the food you're making and a greater impact on your palette. I turn to these simple ingredients whenever I want food packed with flavour and whenever I want a dinner that will never disappoint.

Make this recipe and you'll be telling the same story I am and you'll have your family smiling from ear to ear! 

Market Fresh Tomato Pasta

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

8  vine-ripened tomatoes (I prefer yellow when I can get my hands on them)

1 good pinch of sea salt & cracked pepper

1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 lemon, juice and zest

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

Handful of basil leaves, torn

2 tbsp. chopped parsley

Spaghetti

Parmigiano Reggiano (to serve)

Preparation:

1. Slit a cross in the base of each tomato and place them in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over top and drain after 10 seconds. Peel away the skin and halve the tomatoes. Press each half by hand and squeeze out the excess juice and remaining seeds. Chop tomato roughly and place in a sieve over a bowl and sprinkle with the sea salt. Leave to drain for 20 minutes. (if you don't have a sieve, place the chopped tomatoes in a strainer and season with salt and rest for 20 mins.)

2. Place the drained tomatoes in a bowl and add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and zest, garlic, cayenne and pepper. Stir ingredients and leave to sit for 15 minutes while the pasta comes to a boil and cooks.

3. Cook the spaghetti to your liking in rapidly boiling salted water and drain well. Toss the tomatoes and sauce, minus the crushed garlic, and add basil and the pasta. Mix well.

4. Serve with freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

Everything you need!

Tomatoes marinating and waiting for the pasta!

Fresh Tomato Pasta aka Dinner!