Bruschetta & Strawberry Melonade
Lately I’ve been receiving a lot of requests for quick & easy weeknight dinner ideas: “I loved the tofu scramble and sweet potato post,” wrote one reader named Nikki, “but even though the recipes were easy, I don’t want to wait for a potato to bake! Do you have anything faster? Please tell me it’s possible to have good food without spending much time in the kitchen.” Thank you for taking the time to send your thoughts my way Nikki, and your wish is my command. Not only am I featuring one of my go-to busy weeknight meals in this post, which I hope you’ll love, but I’ve added a “Quick & Easy” category to this site so that I can share more time-saving recipes in the future. 
The yummy meal pictured above takes about 30 minutes to make, start to finish. 25 minutes once you’ve done it a few times and have it down pat. Recipe #1: Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Sage and Thyme requires nothing more than toasting slices of artisan bread and doing some minor prep-work while the slices are turning golden brown. Mince a few cloves of garlic, throw some minced thyme & sage into the mix, then add it all to fresh goat cheese and begin assembling. A couple tips? Much as I love homemade bread I’m all for buying a good quality loaf at Whole Foods or a local bakery for weeknight meals. I also recommend using a couple hours one weekend to create a small herb garden for your home, if possible. If you look at the upper right hand corner of the first photo on this page, you can see my oregano plant peeking in. (That oregano plant is such a camera diva, I tell ya!) The plants are in a window box that lives on my porch during the summer months and will be moved beneath a sunny window indoors once winter arrives. Having a few staple plants growing at home – oregano, sage, thyme, basil and mint are my picks – will save you both time and money in the future, especially since most recipes only call for a few teaspoons of each herb.
Recipe #2 is for a refreshing Strawberry Melonade, which in my humble opinion, really pulls this summer meal together. Made with honeydew melon, strawberries, fresh mint, and Midori it takes mere moments to put together and I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face. Simply juice two lemons, then add the liquid to a blender with your strawberries and melon, plus a handful of mint leaves and some sugar water. In order to make this recipe as quick as possible you can make the “simple syrup” (which is the technical term for the H2O + sugar mixture you’ll be making, see below) the night before, even in larger batches if you plan on making this drink more than once. I also recommend either purchasing pre-sliced melon & strawberries or carving up your melon on the weekend. It will keep in your fridge for about five days and significantly cuts down on mid-week prep-time.
I hope these recipes demonstrate the amazing possibilities of a fast weeknight meal, while also piquing your interest in my new “Quick & Easy” category. Also, Nikki’s question made me wonder: are there other kinds of recipes, types of posts, etc, you’d like to see on Baking and Books? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Finally, before you go, take a moment to look around the site as there are new features (and quite a few back-end modifications, which you can’t see, but I’m very happy about them!). They include: a “Related Posts” section at the end of every entry, a “highlight author” feature that will mark my responses to your comments in blue, a “Share This” option for sending posts you like to social networks or emailing/IMing them to friends, and info about a monthly giveaway, which is particularly relevant to this entry. Check it out in the right-hand sidebar or by clicking here.
Have a great week!
Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes, Sage and Thyme
Adapted from Fresh Food Fast by Peter Berley
Ingredients: Serves 2-3
- 9 ounces fresh goat cheese
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- 3 large, fresh sage leaves, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- Coarse river or sea salt (kosher salt works too), black pepper
- 6 large slices of good quality artisan bread (I prefer whole wheat ciabatta), about 1-inch thick
- 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and sliced
- About 4 large handfuls of baby spinach
- About 4 tablespoons pine nuts
- Balsamic vinegar to taste (Use the best quality vinegar you can find. I prefer one that has been aged at least 6 years – available at Whole Foods)
Toast your bread slices until golden, set aside. Combine the minced thyme and sage in a small bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, goat cheese and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add half of your thyme-sage mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange the toasted slices of bread on a rimmed baking sheet. I prefer to arrange them side by side, so that they’re touching and the goat cheese mixture is less likely to fall onto the baking sheet. Spread the goat cheese mixture onto each slice, using a tablespoon and your fingers to gently pat it onto each piece.
Top with the sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of the thyme-sage mixture. Place under the broiler until the tomatoes have softened a bit, about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on your bruschetta when it’s in the oven – your broiler may be hotter than mine.
Top each bruschetta with baby spinach. I generally grab a handful and roughly tear the leaves with my fingers before placing it on top. Sprinkle with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of pine nuts per slice. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar to taste.
Strawberry Melonade
Ingredients: Makes 4 servings
Based on this Food & Wine recipe
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups peeled honeydew melon, cut into a 1-inch dice
- 1 1/4 cups strawberries, stems chopped off
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons + 1 lemon for garnish
- 1/4 cup tightly packed mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Seltzer water
- Midori Melon Liqueur, about 1-2 tablespoons per glass
In a small saucepan, combine the water with the sugar and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely.
In a blender, puree the melon and strawberries with the lemon juice, mint and sugar syrup. Fill 4 large glasses with ice and pour in the melon puree. Top with seltzer, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Midori to the glass. Garnish with mint and lemon slices and serve.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:- Strawberry Bread for the Masses
- Watermelon Strawberry Sorbet
- Strawberry Filled Coconut Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting
- Tomato & Goat Cheese Strata
- How To Grow Culinary Herbs and Plants (Without a Yard)
- A Taste of Yellow
- Fettuccine with Mascarpone and Sage-Walnut Butter
- Romantic Homemade Pasta Sauce
68 Responses to “Bruschetta & Strawberry Melonade”
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That bruschetta looks so good! My mom has decided that she really likes it, so I should sent this to her, though I don’t think she’d make it on her own!
Claire’s last blog post -> New York City!!!! Day 1
Again, another yummy recipe! We make a white bean bruschetta for our weeknight “quick and easy” dinners and it’s wonderful also.
We’re supposed to get melons in our farm share soon… do you think I’d be able to substitute the honeydew for whatever we happen to get?
And a note on the container garden: we don’t have a window that is conducive to growing a container garden so we bought an AeroGarden, for precisely the same reasons you cited. We love it! Right now, we have basil growing like weeds, along with chives, mint, and parsley. We got it on Amazon for 150 bucks, less a 20 dollar rebate.
Nancy Cavillones’s last blog post -> photo.jpg
Beautiful photos! And that drink looks awesome.
Melonade?? Bruschetta?? Yes, please!! :0)
VeggieGirl’s last blog post -> It’s Simply Unnecessary!
I’ve just discovered your blog! Delicious much!
Yup, the bruschetta looks yum, but WOW am I taken with the Strawberry Melonade. Yummo! As soon as spring pokes it’s head around the corner, that looks like a nice ’sitting on the veranda’ drink.
Tala’s last blog post -> Cryptic Cross Stitch…
I really like the way your melonade looks, so refreshing.
Can’t wait to try it out and also the Bruschetta.
Your site looks great, clean and neat!
I’d love to have a sip of that lemonade and to bite in that scrumptious looking bruschetta!
Cheers and have a great week,
Rosa
Rosa’s last blog post -> WEEKEND CAT BLOGGING #165
Mmmm… bruchetta…. Luckily Tuesday’s forecast is for 96 degrees. Sounds like a perfect match.
sprite’s last blog post -> kudos!
oh my goodness they look fantastic!! so colourful and fresh. there are so many recipes of yours i want to try i don’t know where to start…
mi’s last blog post -> pick n’ mix luncheon
That beverage looks great! Like summer in a glass. And I like the contrast that you see from top to bottom. Mmmm!
Chavi’s last blog post -> Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bread
the bruschetta and beverage sound so quick and easy! perfect for summer!
kat’s last blog post -> food…nature…blast of heat…repeat
Oh, I’d love a tall glass of that melonade. Perfect antidote for these long, hot days!
Kitt’s last blog post -> The payoff
This looks so good and so easy – thanks!!!
I am running out of ideas for delicious and healthy summertime dinner options – I going to add these items to my grocery list now.
wow! Sounds toooo yummy! And quick to boot! Being a mother of one and another on the way quick is def. one of my high qualities
Kristen’s last blog post -> Our Family is Growing!!!!!
that melonade sounds really good.
Oh how I yearn for a little herb garden! I live in the city and an outside window garden isn’t a possibility. We only get morning light (we’re on the eastside and then surrounded by buildings) – do you think that would be enough for some plants to grow by the window?
Culinarywannabe’s last blog post -> Neelys Grilled Caesar Salad
I like your site VERY much! I would love to see more one-dish recipes that make good leftovers. Since I am also trying to eat better, I would also enjoy some healthy, easy, FILLING recipes featured. Thanks again for such a great site.
beastmomma’s last blog post -> Only the Strong Endure
Both of your recipes sound great! I’ve never had/heard of melonade before…what a wonderful idea.
Katie’s last blog post -> Indigo River Jewelry Debut [!]
I’ve seen great cakes and desserts here, so I’d like more of them!!!
Congrats anyway for all the improvements!
What a wonderful post. This looks like the perfect summer meal and I think I might just have to try out the Strawberry Melonade this weekend!
Nancy Cavillones » That’s tough to say without knowing what kind of melon you’ll be getting. I think cantaloupe might be too sweet to use without modifying the recipe, but if you cut back on the strawberries by 1/4 cup (or decrease the amount of melon) it’ll probably come out pretty good! Go with your instinct. The berries and simple syrup add just the right amount of sweetness, so taste your melon and go from there. Let me know how it turns out?
Tala » For sure! If I had a veranda I would totally make this drink and enjoy it while relaxing in a big rocking chair.
Culinarywannabe » I completely relate. The apartment we just moved from was so dark and surrounded by buildings that it was hard to find a sunny spot for plants.
That being said, you CAN grow in indoor herb garden in the city. It just depends on what kind of plants you grow. Basil can be in partial sunlight, though it does need a few hours of good sunlight every day. Oregano, sage and thyme need direct sunlight all day, so those probably wouldn’t be good bets. Check out yougrowgirl.com, they have great tips there.
Wow, your pictures are so gorgeous. And I’d love to see more quick and easy dinner recipes. As much as I love cooking, there just isn’t that much time in the evenings!
Rachel’s last blog post -> Happy Hour at Border Grill
ooooo, that melonade looks so beautiful, especially with the flecks of green! Must try it! Not sure I’ve had Midori before.
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting!
http://roundoaktablev2.blogspot.com/
kikibibi’s last blog post -> Accomplishments
I’m not a big fan of honeydew, but that bruschetta looks fantastic! I’ll have to give it a try soon, as I’m always on the lookout for great-tasting, healthy recipes that won’t take too much time on a weeknight.
And yay for monthly giveaways!
this drink sounds intoxicatingly delicious! i love both honeydew and strawberry and i think the combo would be fantastic. bravo!
This looks like the perfect summer snack combo. I’ve been craving Bruschetta lately, I’ll have to give your awesome recipe a try! Thanks!!
yumyumyummmmmm i want one now!
lily’s last blog post -> Ah fashion faux pas
I’m all about quick and easy – especially during the summer! And I agree – fresh, homegrown herbs are the way to go!
Deborah’s last blog post -> Chocolate Malted Cupcakes
two cool recipes! thanks!
paz
Paz’s last blog post -> New York Monday #134: Artists’ Gate
Oh, how I wish I this was MY lunch today! Sadly, no. (But maybe tomorrow . . .)
Just lovely!
Thanks so much for the advice! I’ll def check out the site.
Culinarywannabe’s last blog post -> Neelys Grilled Caesar Salad
Great blog and changes are always fun
I love the photos they just jump out from the page!! Fabulous work.
This drink must be terribly refreshing.
valentina’s last blog post -> Chocolate Biscuits
mmm, they look great! When we get out of winter here in Oz, I’ll have to try that.
I love your blog as it is, especially the recipe index. It makes things much easier than on some blogs where you can only sift through pages of ‘archives’ with no real order!
Hi! I just wanted to thank you for such a good blog! I never thought I’d find someone as obsessed with books and food as I am. It’s good to know there are more of us out there!
P.S. The bruschetta looks delish and I will be trying it soon!
i love bruschetta for a summer meal, it hits the spot. mmm… with that drink and a good book sitting on the patio… heaven!
evil chef mom’s last blog post -> Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Pizza!
Love the drink! I used to drink that melon liquor in a much odder drink: half melon liquor, half pink lemonade. There was just strangely enticing about it that made it just slide right down.
Nick’s last blog post -> Peanut Butter Refried Beans
Mmm…it is amazing what heat will do for the appeal of cold drinks and chilled entrees. When I was younger, working out on my grandparents’ farm, there was nothing more delightful than having an ice cold Welch’s grape pop out of the fridge. Those cows were hard work!
Thanks for the broiler reminder. Our broiler will scorch anything almost instantaneously if we leave it on for too long before we put the food in.
You took seriously good pictures! Your food looks alluring. Thanks for sharing with us!
My Wok Life’s last blog post -> Dried Radish with Leaves and Pork Ribs Soup (èœå¹²æŽ’骨汤)
kikibibi » Well if you haven’t tried Midori that is an oversight you need to fix! It is very yummy.
Monika Korngut » Thank you!
Natasha » Thanks so much for that feedback Natasha, I wasn’t sure if folks found the recipe index helpful – glad to know you do!
Terrie » Aw, thank you for this kind comment Terrie. You are certainly not alone in your obsession with food and books! *hugs*
Nick » Huh, that sounds like a very interesting drink…. maybe I should buy some pink lemonade this weekend?
Rachel » Haha! What an awesome memory. I love that you worked hard on the farm then relaxed with a refreshing Welch’s pop. And you’re most welcome for the broiler reminder – I learned that tip the hard way when we moved to our new apartment recently.
My Wok Life » Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts and for dropping by my site!
Melonade — amazing. At first I thought I was having a bit of dyslexia, but no. What a great idea!
Kaitlin’s last blog post -> Winning Wednesday: August 6, 2008
This looks so refreshing, and the goats cheese bruschetta is right up my alley!
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve tagged you for the 10 Favorite Food Pictures meme, so please feel free to play along, if you so desire!
Mari’s last blog post -> 10 Favorite Food Pictures Meme & an Award
Melon, mint… I wish I could live closer and have a glass of this Strawberry Melonade…
Kaitlin » Hehe, yea, I can totally see how that could happen! I’m glad you like the drink.
Mari » I will check it out Mari! I have to say I don’t usually do memes (mostly because there are so many other things I want to ramble about on this site, who really cares about me anyways?) but I’ll take a look.
Polaw » Luckily you don’t need me to enjoy this refreshing drink, it’s super easy to make.
Great recipes!!!
thanks
I tried the bruschettas… were delicious
Pily’s last blog post ->
Pily » So glad you enjoyed them Pily! And thank you for coming back to let me know.
What a refreshing drink! Love it!
brilynn’s last blog post -> Lollapalooza: 3 Days of Awesome
brilynn » Thanks Brilynn! I’m making the Strawberry Melonade again tonight, it’s too yummy to pass up on a Friday evening when you just want to relaaax.
Wah … the cover of the new giveaway is so cute. Hope I’ll win one! ^^
The Strawberry Melonade sounds phantastic. I love melons, strawberrys, lemons and mint … so this really sounds delicious!
Azrael / Nadine’s last blog post -> 01.08.2008 Thema: Geniale Neuheiten!g
That drink sounds delicious. I think I’ll have to try it.
Robert’s last blog post -> Peachy Keen
Coming from an italian family bruschetta ideas are always welcome… thanks!!!
That melonade looks AMAZING!
And if we had goat cheese here at home, I’d be making that bruschetta for dinner tonight.
Merav » It IS amazing, you should try it! (And how are you doing btw? I finished my Spoken Hebrew class this summer – I’m still not so good at Hebrew, but the class is completed. Yippee!)
Your site is wonderful, I like your recipes, posts, any stories, pictures… It’s a perfect site for me. Your are a real master of ‘bloging’. I like this brunch, I’m hungry!. Bye.
I love bruschetta! Our tomatoes have been ripe for a couple weeks now and I’ve been making bruschetta like a madwoman. Thanks for the new recipe. tinawittmer(at)yahoo(dot)com
The photo of the strawberry melonade is beautiful. I want to drink one right now!
looks yummy but i would be the only one who would eat it…
draven’s last blog post -> Picture post