Well it has been a while since I blogged last. First of all our computer went into a coma or had a stroke or something and passed away. Then we went on a vacation from hell. Seriously I would have rather eaten worms! So now we are back and all is well in our little world again in Eugene Oregon.

We or I should the husband made new raised beds this weekend for our veggie garden. However till we get them loaded with plants they are the grandest littler boxes in the neighborhood bar none!.
It has been damp and showery the last couple of days. Not the best for planting tomatoes. We just do some staples that we love as the farms are not far from our door step. It is nice to have herbs that you enjoy a squash plant or two of your choosing, cukes, scallions, chives and hot peppers as well as the tomatoes.

Tonight we are going simple as I am tired. So spaghetti it is. And it is simple to make as I cheat a bit.
Drizzle some olive oil in a heavy pot and saute some chopped onion, and garlic about three cloves, be careful not to burn the garlic. When the onions are translucent I pour in a can of four cheese pasta sauce. Yes the store bought cheap kind. Horrors!! Then add small pitted black or green olives, sliced red, yellow or green peppers or a mixture of.
A big splash of red wine a little Italian seasoning and black pepper. Put the lid on and let simmer for a hour or so till the sauce thickens.
Meantime make a green salad and your home made croutons.
Croutons are so easy to make and you will never buy rancid store bought ones again after making your own.
Take your stale or left over ends and pieces of bread. Cut them into small squares and throw into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and put whatever seasoning on them you prefer. Good choices are Parmesan cheese, garlic power, onion powder, Italian seasonings, or if you like spicy try some Tony's creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Just experiment. Then spread out on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment and bake for about fifteen minutes at 325 degrees or to the desired crunchiness you like them.
I make all my salad dressings and have my Mom's faves that she served up in her little cafe' years ago.
I will include the recipe for her blue cheese as that is what we are having tonight.
Some artisan bread heated in a hot 425 degree oven for about twelve minutes and then buttered with garlic butter or chive butter or just plain butter and you are set.
Recipes follow.

Easy cheaters Spaghetti sauce:
olive oil to coat bottom of pan
1/2 cup of chopped onion
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 26 oz can of Hunts four cheese pasta sauce
1/2 half can of small pitted olives green or black
1 cup sliced bell pepper, red, green or yellow or a mixture
you can also add some fresh mushrooms if you are fungi person
one healthy splash of red wine
Italian seasoning about a tablespoon
pepper to taste.

My Mom's cafe' Blue cheese dressing:
2 large cloves of garlic minced or crushed
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
black pepper and salt to taste.
Mix all with a whip so you still have chunks of blue cheese.

With the Italian fare I will plate on my white dishes with red and white plaid napkins. We will just serve up at the bar and eat where we are comfy. Hubby is having a long hard day today.

The gray seems to have lifted and it is a little brighter out there but believe me I have seen the forecast this week and it is quite ugly. Where is spring............please come.

Till tomorrow, whatever you are cooking tonight, enjoy the process.