It’s amazing when interesting things happen in the most unexpected places. A few months ago, Sara Moulton made a stop at a local kitchen store in Pittsburgh to conduct a cooking demo and promote her new book. The weather wasn’t the most cooperative as rain poured intensely for much of the morning. I nearly decided to stay home until I told myself to suck it up and make the most of my day off. Looking back, I’m definitely glad I went.

Sara’s demo was amazing as she effortlessly engaged with the audience that surrounded the U-shape cooking space. Her new book called Everyday Family Dinners is jam packed with over 200 recipes that everyone in your household are sure to enjoy. I was so impressed with the demo and the cookbook, I quickly became a fan of her Facebook page and subscribed to receive updates from her website.

Recently, I ran across a recipe in her book that featured a unique spin on a traditional caprese salad. Anyone who reads this site regularly would know I am no stranger to the delicious combination of tomato, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. But, I never considered adding fresh avocado to the mix. Sure it’s a simple addition to an already easy dish, but that’s what makes it so interesting. The additional ingredient added texture and completely elevated the flavor profile.

I was so thrilled with the outcome of the pictures I took of the completed dish; I decided to share them with Sara directly via her website. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much more of a response than a courtesy thank you from someone who is as busy traveling the country and making TV appearances as her. Saying I was surprised to see a response the next morning exclaiming she loved the pictures and wanted to post them on her site is a dramatic understatement. I was over-the-moon giddy.

Sara not only used my photo (and gave me credit), she also gave me a full shout out in the first paragraph. The post totally made my week. I can’t think of a better way to conclude this story than through a virtual “high-five” with my fellow readers. **SLAP!

A Summer Salad from Paris
Recipe, Photo & shout out posted on: SaraMoulton.com

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I currently work for a marketing company that focuses on helping independent retailers use email and social media marketing to drive more traffic to their stores. (Wow…I think that was the most corporate sounding sentence I have written on CulinaryCory.com in a long time.) This week I traveled Atlanta to promote the company and its products at a large tradeshow for the gift and home industry called AmericasMart Atlanta.

This was an intense show for me with back-to-back meetings, events and functions that went into the late evening hours. While exhilarating at times, like when I conducted a retailer focus group and presented a seminar about Facebook basics, I’m thrilled to be able to sleep in my own bed again. (Follow CC on Facebook here)

My friend and colleague, Majda, pulled me aside at one point during the show to let me know Tyler Florence was scheduled to conduct a cooking demo in another part of the expo center. With enthusiasm, she encouraged me to find a quiet moment and try to attend the demo. I knew I just had to attend when she said it would be a great way for me to reenergize the foodie side of my life.

Tyler featured several southern classics like flaky buttermilk biscuits and chicken fried steak. I watched in awe as he effortlessly navigated the expansive demonstration kitchen while sharing tips along the way. The audience was quite large, but his engaging presentation style felt like he was right in your own home. I was most impressed with his interest in answering as many audience questions as possible.

While I wasn’t able to stay to the end and meet Tyler in person, the demonstration was a welcomed break from the daily grind. It’s amazing how inspiration can come from the most unexpected moments. No matter how crazy life can be at the time, make sure to seize the moment and savor your passions. It’s a great way to reenergize the spirit.

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I had grand visions of planting a lush garden in my backyard this past spring. It would have been bountiful and ripe with gleaming red tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, string beans and even a few of zucchini plants. Sadly, life got in the way and the activities of summer began to take priority. Those daydreams were quickly scaled down to 1 large basil, 2 tomato and 2 tomatillo plants that I impulsively purchased at a big box home improvement store.

Planted in large pots with bamboo rods plunged deep into the rich soil, my plants have grown into a lush jungle bursting with happiness. They happen to be located on my front porch which makes for a welcoming aroma every time I return home from work. It’s as if their perky leaves are thanking me for rescuing them from the harsh florescent store lighting. Now they can live free to bask in the Pennsylvania sun.

I still have a few weeks before I am able to harvest enough fruit for future meals. However, I recently discovered a tiny cherry tomato that was ripe and ready for picking. I giggled at the thought of this single tomato being a renegade bloomer focused on reaching the finish line ahead of the others.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes in honor of my first tomato of the summer.

• BLT with Pesto Goat Cheese
• Fried Green Tomato BLT
• Tomato Feta Salad with Basil Parsley Vinaigrette
• Tomato and Mozzarella Rolls
• Pesto Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
• Grilled Caprese Pizza with Balsamic Reduction

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