What to Eat when Irene Comes Calling

By Lori Powell

While on vacation in Maine this year we had an unexpected and uninvited guest, “Irene.”

I have rented a house on the coast of Maine for many years now and just love it there for so many reasons – the food, the people, the gorgeous landscape, the lobsters and how peaceful it is…well every year but this one!

Irene arrived with bluster and some rain. But really, I can’t complain since the rain was minimal and considering what happened up at my house in the Hudson Valley (third worst flooding in the area’s history), this was just a lot of cool wet wind in my part of Maine.

The power went out but we were prepared with candles, flashlights, gas range and a fireplace. For food we had leftover grilled vegetables from our barbecue the night before, as well as chilled cooked lobster meat and wine from the meal before that. All this added up to a superb impromptu dinner by candlelight.

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Grilled Zucchini, Fresh Garden Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella Salad

We had this salad, plus some chilled wine and starter of chilled cooked lobster.
Serves 2

2 ripe garden tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 medium grilled zucchini coarsely chopped (see note)
¾ cup cubed fresh mozzarella
¼ cup torn fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or regular balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Gently toss together first 4 ingredients and drizzle with oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

Note: To grill zucchini, cut lengthwise into 4 slices (this keeps them from slipping through the grill) and toss with some oil, salt and pepper. Grill on oiled rack of grill until golden brown and tender, about 2 minutes per side. Serve as is or cut smaller to toss with cooked pasta, couscous or salad.

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