A no-cook pasta dish for this sweltering heat and a hidden gem in Oregon that's a perfect summertime destination.
Plus, a bit of This & That.
Spaghetti alla Checca
Our edible garden is in full bloom, and the tomatoes it's producing right now are some of the best we've ever eaten. There's something so special about picking a tomato in your backyard, still warm from the sun, and turning around to make it into a delicious dish. With zero desire to turn on the stove these past few weeks because of the sweltering heat, I've been turning to no-cook recipes that celebrate summer produce in minutes.
After collecting last week's bounty from our garden, filled with beautiful heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, I immediately knew I wanted to make Spaghetti alla Checca, a raw tomato sauce traditionally made with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and fresh mozzarella. With the right ingredients, this simple pasta will burst with bright flavor and is incredibly satisfying on a hot summer day.
SPAGHETTI ALLA CHECCA
Serves 2
3/4 lb tomatoes of choice (I used 2 medium heirloom tomatoes and a handful of cherry tomatoes)
Extra virgin olive oil
A handful of basil leaves
6 oz dried spaghetti
1 ball of fresh mozzarella
Sea salt
Black pepper
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil for the pasta. While the water is heating up, prepare the sauce.
Cut the larger tomatoes in half, remove the core and seeds, and chop them. Slice cherry tomatoes in half. Place the tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add a few glugs of olive oil and a handful of fresh basil leaves - season with sea salt to taste. Set the bowl aside.
Once the pasta water is boiling, season it generously with sea salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Once the spaghetti is ready, scoop it out of the pasta water and place it directly into the bowl with the tomato sauce. Stir to coat the strands with sauce.
Divide the spaghetti between two individual pasta bowls or plates. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and place it on the pasta. Top with another drizzle of olive oil and some freshly cracked black pepper.
Suttle Lodge
Someone on Instagram sent me a bunch of food recs while I was in Oregon, including a fish sandwich at The Boathouse at Suttle Lodge, located about an hour from Bend just outside Sisters, Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest. I was surprised I'd never heard of the hotel, considering my brother and mom have lived in Bend for years. I checked out the website, which had a cool vibe, and decided to take the kids out for an afternoon of burgers and swimming in the lake.
Upon arrival, I was immediately hit with how magical the place is. Tucked in the woods, on the edge of a beautiful, expansive lake, it feels like you've suddenly walked onto a movie set about a summer camp, bringing back childhood memories of adventure and independence. Old cabins surround the main lodge, and a path leads you to the water's edge, where a big boathouse sits. Guests of the hotel and people who have just come in for the day sit in booths or on the dock, sipping draft beer and enjoying bites like crispy calamari, shrimp rolls, and juicy burgers. They even have soft serve, which always is a win in my book, and everything we ate while we were there was yummy and the kind of things you want to eat on vacation.
Families and kids were running around, renting kayaks and canoes to explore the lake, and hotel guests sat leisurely watching the water and reading. While peaceful, it still had energy and a feeling of summertime fun, a place where memories are made that will last a lifetime. I'm looking forward to one day going there with Andre and the kids and staying at the lodge for a few days next time we visit my mama.
This & That
Bringing this Sweet Summer Corn Risotto recipe back to everyone’s attention! It is a perfect way to celebrate corn this season.
Dr. Kyler Brown is a sports rehab specialist with an awesome instagram account for people struggling with body ailments and injuries. Practical and easily executable exercises and solutions to help your body heal.
If you're in LA and need a great chiropractor, check out Dr. William Park. I was recently referred to him last month by my friend Elaina when I couldn't get rid of a horrible pinched nerve feeling in my back. With a gentle and thorough approach, he had me back to normal in no time.