Beating the Weather Blahs with Cheese

I'm so glad fall has finally arrived. I even hear there is rain/snow mix up near the Iowa/Minnesota border- I'm slightly jealous !! Around the lake the garden has truly died for the year. Oh sure, we have a few pea plants that are still alive and vibrant green, but it's been far too cold and they are just stalled at their young stage, never to bloom or produce any peas. Darnit.

I think the marigolds and basil were the first things to go.

And our little (well, not really LITTLE) cherry tomato snack plant that sat right next to the table on the deck, and yes, we sat out there on gorgeous evenings and ate tomatoes right off the plant, has also given up the ghost. Next year a new cherry tomato plant with take its place.

All around the lake, autumn has taken a firm hold. Leaves blown away, bare branches rustle against eachother in the brisk wind. Most of the summer birds are gone now, but the deer are everywhere !!  Every once in a while we still see a stray fisherman or two braving the cold wind out on the fishing piers across the street.

It may be cold outside, but it's warm and toasty inside, and The Chef has been busy in the kitchen again today working his magic on a couple of boneless chicken breasts, crafting his magnificent Chicken Parmesan.

No need for a detailed recipe here, this one is easy. He made his usual red sauce, pounded out a couple chicken breasts, coated them with a mix of breadcrumbs, herbs and parmesan cheese. Sauteed in a little butter and olive oil until nicely browned, he loaded them with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese and popped em in the oven til melty, browned and cooked through.

Served alongside a little spaghetti with red sauce, it was absolutely perfect and soooo delicious !!!

And even though today isn't Thanksgiving, and we didn't even have turkey for dinner, I still think about how much I have to be thankful for........