It is obscenely hot here today in Boston. We’re talking 90 degree weather. I feel like I’m in a sauna. Which sounds nice until you consider the fact that I’m in my room and not a day spa. Oh well, I guess it’s preparing me for the Bahamas. I can’t believe I’m leaving for that in three days, not to mention the fact that the half marathon is in TWO DAYS. That’s right. Two. As in one plus one. As in two minus zero. I will be sitting on my butt all day tomorrow eating pasta in preparation.

In contrast, I spent the entirety of today so far NOT sitting on my butt. My roommate and I started out our morning by going to this bakery called Flour. It was on a Throwdown with Bobby Flay episode that my roommate saw and so we knew we needed to go before we graduate. She got a sticky bun and I got a berry vanilla muffin. The sticky bun was good but VERY rich and I don’t think I could have eaten more than the bite that she gave me. My muffin was much more palatable. It was a shot but wide muffin, which I liked because it was mostly muffin top and we all know those are the best part anyway (except the fat-women-in-too-tight-jeans kind – those I could live without).

Afterwards, Tiffany went off to work and I went to the gym for a quick workout, had lunch, and headed back out again to take care of some pre-Bahama girly issues at a salon in Boston. Of course, I also stopped in Borders and picked up two cookbooks that were on sale – a Thai cookbook for $8 (it reminded me of Pam and her love for Thai) and Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld for $10, which has tons of recipes that sneak veggies into unlikely places (like brownies). In short, Borders is a dangerous place and I really shouldn’t be allowed in without first having my debit card confiscated. The same with Urban Outfitters, which I went into also. I bought a dress and a shirt that were on sale. I figured, it’s one of the few places where clothes actually fit me, and so I should take advantage of the sale prices when I can.

Anyway, now I’m back home and am EXHAUSTED. It was so hot out and the walk was SO long (about 2 miles). Luckily, my brother was willing to chat with me on the phone the whole way (ain’t he great).

All this hot weather has had me craving lighter foods and fresher flavors. It really is just too warm for me to be standing in front of a hot stove for an hour. What is a better source for fresh flavors than Bon Appetit’s Fast/Easy/Fresh of course! Zucchini was still on sale and so I decided to make this zucchini salad with chili-garlic dressing. I liked it because it called for roasted instead of raw zucchini and also because it added honey into the dressing, which gave everything a nice zest. Really, the dressing was the best part of this and I would definitely use it for other salads. Next time I make this, I think I will use cherry tomatoes though instead of large heirlooms, they’re just so much fun to pop in your mouth and they’re sweeter.

I am submitting this to this week’s Weekend Herb Blogging, which is being hosted by Cinzia of Cindystar.

Zucchini and Tomato Salad with Garlic-Chili Dressing
Serves 2, adapted from Bon Appetit’s Fast/Easy/Fresh

2 medium zucchini
2 large tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
2/3 tsp chili powder
1/3 tsp cumin
1 tsp honey

Preheat the oven to 400. Arrange the zucchini on a baking sheet, spraying with cooking spray and sprinkling with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic (minced), chili powder, cumin, honey, and cilantro together. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut the tomato into chunks. Toss the tomato, zucchini, and dressing together.

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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8 Responses to I Walked a Mile in My Shoes

  1. Natashya says:

    A great salad for the suddenly warm weather. We went from 0-30 in two days, just crazy.

  2. burpandslurp says:

    you just had to mention chili and garlic, and you got me hooked. yummy!
    and I agree: muffin tops are the best part! I always nibble at it first and get sad when it’s gone.
    I love bobby flay’s throwdown! what is your opinion on him?

  3. Kristin says:

    That looks great- another great summer dish!!

  4. Reeni? says:

    The dressing for this sounds so good! You have a lot of exciting things coming up! Lots of luck with the marathon!!

  5. Pam says:

    Off to find this in our favorite book! Can’t wait to see what you make out of the Thai book!

  6. Donna-FFW says:

    This dressing sounds amazing over these veggies!! Have a blast in the bahamas.. Ive been there x2 and loved it more the second time. Its beautiful there. And the drinks, the food, the beach, oh you’ll have fun!

  7. Joanne says:

    Natashya – Haha I know. It’s cooled down a bit here today to more a tolerable level. I like it.

    burpandslurp – Bobby is a good guy. I like his food, although some of it is a bit too complicated for me to recreate with my limited budget/time. I think its funny how he NEVER wins the showdowns. People are just super loyal to their mom and pop restaurants.

    Kristin – Thanks, I really loved how light it was!

    Reeni – Thanks so much, I know it’s all going by so fast!

    Pam – I opened up the Thai book and realized how much I love Thai flavors. Can’t wait to make stuff from it!

    Donna – Good to hear that you liked it, I am SOOO excited. Especially for the food – all-you-can-eat!

  8. Cindystar says:

    In Italy, too, we are having the hottest week in May since ever!… temperatures are very high, rising 30/32° and more in towns!
    I am lucky I live in the countryside.
    Yor salad is just perfect for cool summer dinners, thanks!

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