Can you read my mind? What am I thinking? It’s a scary place in there isn’t it? Welcome to my world.

Come on now, I’ll give you one hint. Can you SMELL what I’m thinking? Close your eyes and try really hard. I know you can if you try. I’ve been waiting an eternity on this one thing I’m thinking. This one, very specific, scent from this thing to come waffling in from the back deck all though the house. The scent that makes your neighbor’s mouths water. Any clues? Anyone willing to take a guess? Come on…you KNOW what it is! You got it! I’m thinking…It’s time to light the charcoal grill!!!

I swear they should bottle that scent and call it Ode De Meat, or even Ode De Coal. I’ll bet they would sell millions of bottles. I would BUY millions of bottles! Personally. This is going to be the next revolutionary product on the market. What woman can resist a charcoal grill and a man who smells like he was just cooking on one. WHAT?? I mean what, what?? True. Undeniable. Indisputable. LOVE.

After months and months and more months of sleet, snow, wintry precipitation, and slippery white stuff all over my yard, sweet Hass resurrected that beautiful, black baby last weekend and I could just KISS HIM! More. A lot more. After I kiss the grill. Hey, my priorities are absolutely straight.

While winter brings amazing foods like squashes, hearty stews and soups, thick breads and casseroles, there is not one thing in this universe like a piece of animal flesh on an open fire. Yep, I’m all carnivore and take my place proudly at the top of the food chain. However, I’m not ALL about the meat. The grill also provides the best side dishes known to man. I am so serious. I can pinky promise you the best sides will come from a smokin’ hot grill. Like these ricotta and spinach filled tomatoes down there. And don’t even look at that grill basket of fresh asparagus and baby potatoes with rich olive oil and sweet balsamic vinegar.

I’ve got your attention now don’t I? Umhmmm. Told you. One day you will believe me when I tell you these things. THIS is what I have been thinking for months. That smell. Those veggies. That flavor.

I’m not really thinking about licking the screen right now. I’m lying.

Ricotta Stuffed B(acon), S(pinach) T(omatoes)

Ingredients:

• 4 tomatoes
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese – Store bought or Homemade (Recipe here)
• 1 ball fresh Burrata
• 1 bag Baby Spinach
• 1 onion – diced
• 12 strips of bacon – crumbled
• Salt & Pepper to taste

    

Directions:

Slice 1/4 inch top from tomatoes and discard tops. Using a melon baller, remove center of tomatoes and reserve for another use.Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Fill each tomatoes with mixture. Grill until the cheese is melty and the tops are bubbly, golden brown.

Life is too short to eat ugly food. Bon Appetit y’all!