Making Amends Via Vegetables

Dear Body,

I'm sorry that I haven't been doing a good job of paying attention to what I've been feeding you.  You've been a good sport and all, taking it like a champ.  This weekend, I fed you cheesy pasta on Saturday.  On Sunday, you got hot sausage grinders from the Sausage Guy cart at Fenway Park and nachos from Jerry Remy's Sports Bar.  I couldn't help it, the food looked and smelled so good and I was caught up in the excitement of a Sox game followed by the Celtics playing in the finals.  You can understand that, right?

I'd like to make amends.  What if I make a deal with you?  I'll get back on that fruit, veggie and whole grain train this week.  It will be easy.  There's lots in season and farmers markets are all over the place, serving up irresistible looking produce, straight from local farms.  Is there anything better?  What if we start tonight with making a fresh veggie sandwich.  I know how much you love those!

Body, I know you're probably wondering how I'll prepare the sandwich and what I'll do to keep it interesting.  I'm glad you asked.  What if I start by mixing a couple of big spoonfuls of ricotta cheese in a bowl with some lemon juice, fresh basil and salt and pepper?  Next, I'll slice up some fresh vine-ripened tomatoes and clean up some crisp, peppery arugula.  To put it all together, I'll get some crusty bread and slather the herbed ricotta onto both pieces and then take a giant mound of arugula and position it on top.  Next, I'll carefully arrange the tomato slices on top of the arugula.  Then I'll place the other piece of bread on top of the fresh vegetables and we can take a big bite. Doesn't that sound great?  Don't you feel refreshed and happy already?

With much love from the Small Boston Kitchen,

Katie