WIAW: The Big “O” Edition

Happy “What I Ate Wednesday” everybody. I can’t believe we’re here again with yet another WIAW post; it’s almost like it’s been seven days. Hmm, well then.

First a big thank you to the lovely Jenn over at Peas and Crayons for being an absolutely fabulous host, as always. Hit her up with some love for sponsoring this mighty fine event.

Today’s edition is aptly named the Big “O”, and for anyone unclear about what exactly this means, I suggest you google it, but not on your office computer because that would be bad.

Today’s title was chosen only after careful consideration and maybe because I’m knee-deep in Fifty Shades Freed, the third book in the trilogy. Or maybe because I got lucky this weekend (Dad, it’s not what you think – you should skip to the next paragraph though). Everybody else, it is what you think…twice.

Or maybe it’s because our Saturday eats were just that good, and by that good, I’m talking drool worthy, picture worthy and yes even scream worthy. Moaning and heavy panting was involved.

It all started on Friday night when the stars came out and the planets aligned for the Hubby and I. For the first time in months, our Saturday schedules synced up. Needless to say, we got our Cook On, among other things (wink, wink).

While the day started unassuming enough, it was pretty hot and humid here in Cleveland, so I decided it would be much more cost-effective to leave the AC off and just skip wearing any pants. Before you think I’m totally nuts (oh, it’s too late huh?), I was wearing a t-shirt and some drawers, and it was in the comfort of my own home. Hanging out in your underwear can be incredibly freeing; you should try it (at least before you pass judgement).

This is a recycled photo, but the rest were inappropriate.

So the day began sans pants, but with some toast: Tuscan Herb bread with a touch (or two or three) of butter. This bread is as good as it sounds, and it’s ridiculously fragrant; it’s full of olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and majoram. You know what’s not in the bread? Preservatives, additives, and a bunch of weird chemicals. I also had a cup of coffee because no morning (at least not mine) should begin without one. I took my cup of joe and my iPad out to our three seasons room and relaxed while reading blogs. Alright, I know I said I kept my pantslessness (I’m sure this is a word) inside the house, but this room is an extension of the house, so it still counts.

Since breakfast was so light, the Hubby and I opted for a more substantial lunch before really getting it on (I’m referring to dinner prep, of course…or maybe not). I took a page out of the Peas and Crayons’ book and finally got around to making a savory stuffed sweet potato. Let me tell you, it was phenomenal.

The sweet creamy potato was offset by the sharp yet supple cheddar cheese, and the pliable black beans yielded beneath your tongue. The firm ripe tomatoes played well with the luscious avocado, all while the whole thing lay powerless beneath a bed of chives. It was savory. It was sweet. It was hot.

After lunch and some other kitchen antics (nudge, nudge), the Hubby and I went to watch his softball game together since he’s currently on the Injured Reserved list (broken finger). I did manage to put on appropriate attire for the outing.

We hung out, cheered the team to victory, and had a few hard ciders while catching some rays (the rays and the cider might have been just me). It was a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Fueled by the sweet potato, we could and did go all day long.

We got home just in time for our taste buds to be aroused again. If you thought the sweet potato was good, well then dinner was pure bliss.

We started off with a summer salad of grilled peaches paired with lovingly formed, herb encrusted, goat cheese balls, which we lightly sautéed in olive oil. The sweet succulent peaches coupled with the smooth, creamy goat cheese was out of this world. We gasped, we moaned, and we may have even cried out, “Oh God, You’re Good.”

Not to be outdone, we followed up our summer salad with some Ratatouille atop a bed of whole wheat penne pasta. Lots of our CSA produce was put to good use in this dish. We incorporated onions, the last of our patty pan squash, our zucchini, lots of peppers and some tomatoes.

It was quite simply divine. The heavens opened, and the angels rejoiced. Truly, the hearty pasta served as a nice backdrop for the veggies, whose flavors shone through. And while the veggies were sweet and tender, they still maintained just the right amount of crispness (we wouldn’t want them go all soft now). It was a completely satisfying and gratifying meal in every possible way.

After such a delicious day of pleasure eating, the Hubby and I finally retired to our bedroom for a good night’s rest, or something like that.

What are some of your favorite summertime meals? Are any of them an aphrodisiac?