Basil-Parsley Pesto

When we visit Charleston we find ourselves at Coda del Pesce  at least once if not twice per trip. The menu changes daily but it’s always delicious. The one constant (non)menu item is the ciabatta bread they serve with this amazing pesto. It’s super light but really addicting & we’ve definitely asked for seconds (& wanted thirds) because it’s that good. The wait staff is super knowledgeable & more than happy to share how the dishes are prepared so of course we asked, “what’s in the pesto?” The answer was not much. Literally there are a handful of ingredients that make the pesto so delicious. Naturally,  I made some mental notes & then made it at home.

The one main element that separates this pesto from your usual pesto is also what makes it so light - it doesn’t have any cheese or nuts but it does have anchovies. I know that may sound a little unapproachable but really the anchovies just serve as a salt factor. It doesn't taste fishy what-so-ever. I promise. (Note: If you're preparing this for picky eaters who are put off by fish just don't mention the anchovies & all they'll know is that it tastes delicious.) It’s really fresh & great on everything (I mean everything: bread, fish, pizza, potatoes, veggies).

Make this & then let me know what you put it on. Tag me in your photos on instagram (@mrshoh or #HeatherOMade) if you do I'd love to see your concoctions!

Farro with Tomatoes, Cannellini Beans & Pesto

How was our vacation already more than a month ago? Is it me or does life always seem a bit easier, a bit lighter when it’s spent at the beach? Maybe it’s because I don’t live at the beach so every time I am there life really is, just that, a vacation :)

I’ll come back from my tangent now. So last month Chris & I ate at a cute little spot in the Isle of Palms it also had my maiden name (Pesce) in the name so we had to try it. We walked into Coda del Pesce (which if you’re practicing your Italian means 'tail of the fish') on a Sunday night. When we asked to see the menu the server said they didn’t have one for Sunday nights. Yep, that’s right, Sunday nights were reserved to family styled meals of whatever the chef felt like cooking.  We thought it over for about 3 minutes & knew right then we needed to roll the dice on the 5 course meal we were promised. Isn’t one of the best parts of eating with your family just eating what’s there & not having to make any decisions? Well it is for me.

The smiley server said 5 courses but we definitely had more dishes than that on our table & each one was just as delicious as the last.  One of the first dishes we had was an antipasta dish that was a simple combination of fresh pesto & beans. I’m sure there was something else in there - maybe a potato but the beans & the pesto are what really stood out to us. Chris loved it. I loved it. Weeks after we’ve returned I’m still thinking & talking about it, maybe even drooling a little bit. Taking a nod from this great antipasta dish I made a simple supper with the same kind of cannellini beans & pesto but I added some tomatoes & farro. It’s a great weeknight meal or just a great one if you feel like going meatless.

PS: Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, Eileen! I love you!

Charleston Charms Us Again

Lowndes Grove Plantation Charleston, SC

About two weeks ago we headed to Charleston, SC (again!) to celebrate Lex & Matt’s wedding.  I’ve worked with Lex for the past 5 (almost 6!) years & I’ve known her for about 7.  Being able to celebrate her wedding with her in my favorite city was a huge treat for me - it almost felt like a dream & the wedding was every bit ethereal as you would imagine a wedding on a southern plantation to be (ex: the photo above was taken during sunset at the reception - ahhhhmazing). Be sure to click through for more photos of Lex & Matt's big day.

Chris & I not only celebrated with the newlyweds but also indulged in some local fare that was definitely picture worthy. Plus we got to spend some much needed time at the beach with our (Pesce side of the) family!

It was a great trip & I can’t wait to go back.

PS: Happy (early) Mother's Day to all of the very special women in my life & yours! 

One for the Memory Books

This photo is from my very first vacation with Chris to Charleston, SC (such an amazing place). It's pretty much become tradition to both visit Charleston and to snap a photo like this.

I'm that girl with the camera on vacay - I take photos of everything. Most of the time it's the food because I love how food photographs.  All the while I'm thinking graphically.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  

While I'm snapping photos I'm thinking of where they will be positioned in the layout of my photo album that I have already created in my brain (which may or may not come to fruition after said vacay). One thing the photo album always needs is a cover page (obi).  Most of my vacations have been to warm places (no complaints here) so I usually write the title of my album in the sand.