homemade, finally

Since I moved into my new apartment, I've been getting a lot of requests for pictures. I'm sorry to say I have yet to take any. Although I'm certainly settled at this point (it's almost been a month!), I haven't finished decorating, and I'm not about to photograph bare walls :). I will share photographic evidence of my favorite new apartment perk though... homemade meals:

If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that my previous apartment didn't really have a kitchen. At first I was fine with it--most summer produce is best eaten raw anyway--but then the cold and gray set in, and I wanted to make stove-top oatmeal, and hearty soups, and roast... anything, and I couldn't. Needless to say, I've been l-o-v-ing this legitimate kitchen of mine now.

Par exemple, I've already enjoyed this sautéed zucchini, this seared salmon, and this orzo salad. The "trouble" with whipping up recipe-led meals is that I end of having left-over ingredients. So, one night last week, I finished off the rosé and threw together this Greek-inspired salad

1 large cucumber
1 cup of cherry tomatoes (bonus points if they're multi-colored--it looks prettier)
1 shallot (or 1/4 medium-sized red onion)
1 oz of feta cheese
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
black ground pepper (optional, of course)

1. Slice cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and shallot.
2. Toss with feta.
3. Drizzle with EVOO and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season to taste.
5. Be thankful for your kitchen, and enjoy.