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Since, we are already on the Lavosh bread kick… I wanted to share another simple and DELICIOUS recipe for lunch. It’s the perfect cool lunch wrap to a hot afternoon. If you are making this for one person you may want to simply cut the piece of lavosh bread in half, but if you want to share lunch with a friend, just simply cut the wrap in half after its made… it makes a pretty large wrap for each person.

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This trip happened several weeks ago, but now that the weather is so nice it felt like the right time to put this post up on my blog. It was a very lovely day, with some very lovely people. It was one of the most quaint, relaxing afternoons I’ve ever had… and I can’t wait to go back again! So, what am I raving about??… tell us… tell us… ok… so this place is called “The Farm at South Mountain”. It’s located off of 32nd St. in Phoenix, AZ. I’m sure many Phoenicians have already discovered this gem, but since I’ve only been living here for 2+ years… I was thrilled to discover it when I did. It is a 12-acre property located 8 minutes from downtown phoenix… it is an “organic oasis” as their website quotes… and they are telling the truth. It boasts, lines and lines of pecan trees, 3 different restaurants (an outdoor patio for breakfast, an outdoor cafe for lunch, and an indoor/outdoor gourmet restaurant for dinner). Menus are seasonal and organic…. they grow a lot of their own produce right on the property in their large gardens. Flowers are in bloom everywhere and there is GRASS.. yes you heard me Phoenicians… G-R-A-S-S… and its green, not brown! It’s a beautiful place of relaxation and, not to mention the most important part for me… their food is delicious! Organic breads, greens, soups.. you name it. I couldn’t believe my turkey sandwich had REAL slices of turkey on it… I believe the very words i described it as was that there was “thanksgiving turkey” on my sandwich! All in all it is a very special place… a place to go and relax and forget that you are in the middle of a dirty, fast-paced city; and just enjoy the simple things in life for a few hours. The sunshine hitting your face, the green grass, the peaceful breeze through the pecan trees.. and a delicious bite of one of those lemon bars that are to die for! You must try one.. you will not regret it. So go…. go to the farm some afternoon and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Here are some photos for you all to enjoy… and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

What we had for lunch…

(pictured above: chicken salad with glazed pecans, goat cheese, and house vinaigrette, fresh lemonade, pecan pie, and a lemon bar)

(pictured above: roast turkey sandwich with cranberry relish, and a chicken Tuscan soup)

the art gallery…

…and the gift shop.

Hi Everyone,

Summer is such an exciting time of year for fresh ingredients and ideas.  Check out my recipes for some good ideas to use this summer for your picnic, get-together, or backyard Barbecue.

mmmm… things I can’t wait for this summer….

• My first piece of corn on the cob
• grilling
• watermelon
• lemonade by the pool
• fresh smoothies
• picnics

Speaking of picnics… I wanted to share a really cool recipe from Real Simple magazine (June 2009 issue) featured in their “pack a little” picnic for a hike page.

Prosciutto and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches

1 whole baguette (or you can get small individual sized baguettes)
2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
4 oz. thinly slice prosciutto or salami
4 oz. Asiago, Parmesan, or some other hard cheese, sliced
1 – 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, halved

Slice baguette in half horizontally, then spread dijon mustard on both ends. Layer with prosciutto, cheese, and red peppers on bottom half of baguette. Cover with the top half of the baguette and cut into four sandwiches.

Now that you have a tasty sandwich to take along for a picnic… grab some fruit, drinks, and a snack to go along and you’ve got yourself a fantastic picnic meal. The question is… where to picnic? Here are some great local areas to picnic with friends or family for free. All you have to do is bring your food and supplies.

Family Friendly Picnic: Grab a spot at the pavilion at Rio Vista Park in Peoria, AZ. Pavilion is equipped with tables and charcoal grills under a covered common area. There is a water park for toddlers and also a play park right beside the pavilion leaving plenty for the kids to be entertained.   Location:  8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ

Looking for a more adventurous Picnic: Pack a backpack picnic lunch and hike through Thunderbird Park to find a shady spot under one of the rest area covered picnic tables. Stop for a tasty bite on your way back or halfway through your hike. Remember to bring plenty of water.  Location:  59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads

Maybe a more romantic picnic: Try Avondale Friendship Park. It has a Japanese garden, ramadas, and plenty of sports courts. Try a night out playing tennis and a picnic afterwards… or a picnic with a leisurely walk through the Japanese garden and by the water.   Location:  12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale, AZ