Tomato & Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
I love these cooked outside on the grill. I used Gouda but any cheese that melts easily works well.

Tomato & Basil were made for each other. I am using them together with Gouda. Melted Gouda in a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Cool and crunchy. This cucumber salad with red onions will tame the heat and keep that oven turned off this summer.

By popular demand! The recipe for Sips! Ginger Lemongrass & Cilantro Crusted Snapper.

Creole-style “barbecued” shrimp are bold and spicy. And they get nowhere near a grill!

Some foods just taste better if you slow down and take your time. This eggplant dip really benefits from a long time on the grill.

This peach tart has a crunchy cornmeal shortbread crust and an intense and rich basil and mascarpone filling.

Stuffed Bell Peppers don’t have to be heavy. Try this simple version. There are fewer than 100 calories per person!

These heirloom tomatoes were simply sliced and drizzled with the best olive oil. It’s the simplest summer salad.

Do ever dream about tomatoes? Maybe sitting down and tasting 85 different varieties. Well it does not have to be a dream.

Squash blossoms are here. I stuffed mine with a bit of ricotta, mozzarella and basil then gently fried them in a cornmeal crust.

The big bold flavors of summer pair nicely in this Italian style casserole: Basil Green and Bean Gratinate.

Grilled prawns. Brushed with olive oil and basil, they are perfection.

Do you see pesto? Or pistou? Is there really a difference? Pistou is the French version and I have the classic recipe.

Basil Lillet Kamikaze Cocktail. Sips like summer!

Grapefruit is quite a surprising ingredient. It pairs effortlessly with many fresh flavors. Which is why it makes a great addition to salad.

At first bite this smooth tomato soup seems to be reminiscent of gazpacho. But it takes an Asian twist when you discover the melon garnish.

Perfect Scallops on the grill take a hot fire and a watchful eye. These are paired with fennel and a fresh herb pasta.

Figs pair so wonderfully with so many flavors – sweet, salty, sour or spicy. Like good wine, figs are transformed by their taste companions.

Coleslaws are great with summer dining, They can stand up to the heat. This creamy slaw has chipotle and corn.

Sometimes the best recipe for fresh summer tomatoes is no more complicated than “salt or no salt”. Let’s taste to be sure!