Simple (But Spectacular) Side

Image from kettlechips.eu
(They have balsamic sea salt chips!
Why is this the first I've heard of this?!)

Although I made some tasty fish in foil packets and brown rice for dinner tonight, the star (in my book) was the veg. We had green and yellow beans from the farmer's market (grown in Mohawk, woot!) so I threw them in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until they weren't crisp anymore. I then drained them, threw in some salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

And, then I got inspired. As I've said before, I'm a huge balsamic vinegar fan. So, I threw some in a small frying pan, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a teaspoon or so of raw sugar. While that reduced, I turned to realize I had clipped some rosemary from our garden. Moments later, a tablespoon+ was chopped finely and popping in the frying pan. Another minute, and it was ready to drizzle over the beans.

There's something about rosemary and balsamic together! It's the simple things, I tell ya. :-)

Oh, and speaking of simple things that make us very happy -- dessert was homemade old-fashioned strawberry shortcake. The shortcake was just that -- buttery, slightly sweet, and the polar opposite of the sponge cups you buy in the store -- and the hand-whipped cream had a shot of amaretto. I'm enjoying this whole cooking thing.