I'm back! I spent the weekend here...

at the Jersey Shore with my husband's family. It was 3 glorious days, spent in the sun, on the beach, with lots of kids, books and food. The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed my weekend. I totally unplugged this weekend from not only the computer but my cell phone too. I forgot my charger in NY by accident, so it wasn't totally on purpose that I had no cell phone, but I have to say it was awesome. 

Saturday night we had a big barbeque with lots of amazing food. One of my co-workers at school gave me a Rachael Ray magazine that was all about grilling. After flipping through it I knew what I wanted to make for Saturday night...skewers! My mother in law will basically let me cook anything. She just lets me do whatever I want...she's very trusting. 

Yum. They were so good.  I have a couple of recipes to share from this weekend, but I wanted to start with what I thought was the most amazing thing....artichoke pesto stuffed tomatoes. 

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have normally because I was trying to cook and get everything ready. So I don't have a ton, but trust me these are an amazing appetizer or side dish. 

I only used one skewer, but you should add another so the tomatoes 

do not flip over when removing from the grill.

Artichoke Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes
6 plum tomatoes (cut in half lengthwise)
1 can artichoke hearts (cut into small pieces)
2 cups basil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 glove garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste


In a small bowl combine the basil, parmesan cheese, garlic and salt and pepper. Take an immersion blender and mix all of the ingredients. After mixed, stream in the olive oil. (You can also use a blender.) After the pesto is combined, mix in the chopped artichoke. 


Take the tomatoes and spoon out the seeds. Put the tomatoes on 2 skewers and then spoon the pesto into the tomatoes. Grill for about 10 minutes. 

This was my favorite thing I ate all weekend. What was yours??