Today I have a symbolic logic exam looming over my head–which, come to think of it, is probably why I had the drive to start a blog today. This dinner is another product of my procrastination. It’s a spicy take on grilled cheese and tomato soup (it’s actually sauce, but go with me) and is inspired by the fact that I’m going to be awake all night–I wanted something hearty to go on. To make this dinner for two, just add some extra potatoes and make two slices of bread. Do not double the sauce, for the love of god. I have so much left over: tomorrow, I’ll be eating some banging spaghetti.

Before you embark on this wonderfully simple meal, I’d like to remind you to please taste your food as you go and to add spices gradually. This is packed with a lot of flavors I love, and since I’m terrible at measurements and I’m new at this, go with your instincts. I promise, it’s delicious.

tomato sauce with cannellini and garbanzo beans

5 cloves of garlic

1 small onion

1 can whole peeled tomatoes

1 can garbanzo beans

1 can canelli beans

1.5 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp crushed red pepper

1/4 c red wine

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp oregano

1 tsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame seeds

sweat garlic and onions in extra virgin olive oil for 3 minutes, then add beans and tomatoes. Stir with spoon, breaking tomatoes for about 1 or 2 minutes. Then season to taste with spices, salt and pepper. simmer for 45 min to 1 hr. Add sesame seeds when there is about ten minutes to go. Stir occasionally.Meanwhile get those oven fries going.

red bliss oven fries

3 medium sized red potatoes, washed and cut into eighths

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper

mix together and cool for 30 min in 375 oven, or until they are golden brown (do not trust my timing my oven is a piece of crap)

grilled cheese with goat cheese and manchego cheese

pad of butter

1 slice bread (preferably ezekiel 4:9)

a little goat cheese (five small-average sized crumbles)

as much manchego cheese as you want, or 1/4 c

place bread in hot pan butter side down. sprinkle cheeses evenly on top. wait 3 minutes. flip bread over so cheese is on pan. wait 1 second. using a metal spatula, flip. scoop up fried cheese bits and smear cheese together with the bottom of a spatula. serve hot with oven fries and tomato sauce.

Bon Appetit,

Brittany

I took a lot of pictures. They will be up by next Friday. After I get the cord to my camera.