Sam (my hubby) always tries to convince me to have picnics here, but I’m not that into it…. because it brings memories that only make me cry. I had 3 beautiful years with him in Sydney (where we met) where picnic was an everyday event. Actually that’s how he got me. A week or two after we met he invited me for dinner and he cooked the most delicious pasta with seafood, fixed a blanket in this beautiful park, with candles, flowers, wine and little chocolates, after that there was no doubt, he was the one. Hey! A man that can cook, and think of all the details like that is priceless.
A couple of months later we moved in together just a few blocks from the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, and on the same street with the Prime minister’s house. So we would cook dinner and get our picnic blanket and have dinner looking over the Opera house. I absolutely love Australia; it’s my favorite country. I only had good experiences there; the people are sweet and friendly. Almost everywhere you go there is a park for you to enjoy. And the weather is fabulous. (Well, I could go on and on here telling you all my thoughts about Australia, but I have to “keep the cool”). Screw the cool!! I miss Austraaaaaalia…..BUAAAAAAA……isnf…isnf BUUUUUAAAAAA….
OK! That’s enough! Back to NY, *Sigh* not that I don’t like New York, but it’s a totally different kind of love. In NY you can be alone and go out anytime and you will find a party, places full of people (different people) from all over the world. And every neighborhood has a different vibe. Without say it’s a paradise for a shopaholics like me. And for food lovers it’s heaven, the variety of restaurants is overwhelming, you can find any type of food you can possibly think of. Also I’m very lucky that I live in a condominium with beautiful parks and all sorts of conveniences. But….. No Harbor Bridge or Opera House view. Am I being spoiled? Maybe….. So at the beginning of summer Sam got very exited with the idea of a picnic. So I tried my best, Orzo Greek Salad, and Nutella with crashed hazelnuts sandwiches, it was nice, romantic, (apart from the kids screaming) over all “Nice” am I sulking? Totally….
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
- 1/4 cup minced fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large serving bowl; add the corn,black beans, red pepper, tomatoes, olives, onion, mint and parsley. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Yield: 8 servings
