This morning the Cuban had on some motivational speakers. Story after story, I got lost in the cacophony of dish washing while some guy preached about coming back from the dead. Cool. Happy for you. But nothing really spoke to me.
Then I heard it.
I think for everyone, motivation is specific and personal. And in a moment I heard someone say that people always have ‘shoulds’.
Things they ‘should’ do.
And then if they don’t do these said ‘shoulds’ then they get upset with themselves, but usually make innate decisions to forgive themselves – (excuses I believe there called)…It’s unproductive and limiting.
But when your ‘should’ becomes a ‘must’ then there is no excuse. The task simply MUST be done.
For me, this was instrumental. “Today I should run 12 miles. No! Today I MUST run 12 miles!”
Somewhere around mile 3 or 4 the side stitch struck. The pain in my foot. The crack in my hip. The cough. The gurgly belly sloshing full of water. The banging of my blistered feet as they repeatedly beat the the treadmill…Pains, ugh…Not only should I do it, I MUST do it!
Otherwise…what makes me any better or different..what potentiates my potential!? So I did.
I’m no super star because I run mile after mile on a machine that was once used as a torture device. Running is just my thing, and it makes the whole food blog thing seem like a fabulous idea, particularly when it comes to sinking my teeth into something carb-o-licious.
Sometimes I get stuck, you know mental hemorrhoids…I’ve had them a zillion times. Last night I made Grilled Cheese with Pesto and Tomatoes. Not my most beautiful photography. Look.
Not the best, eh? But then I got to thinking…is it so necessary to be like all the others? This should look more beautiful, more mouth watering.
This should make my audience want to make it! Sad, (delicious) grilled cheeses are the ugly duckling…they will never be the prom queen or get their time in the spotlight. They are just not good enough.
I was never prom queen! I veto this BS!
It tasted insane! In some way, I felt I should revolt in the honor of the humble sandwich. No – I MUST.
So this blog post my be a somewhat imperfect reflection of a grilled cheese. In one way or another it could use improvement. But, just like the people that create and eat them…we continue to grow and get better…we seek improvement.
So for now. Be different. Be ugly even. But always know, you are delicious…It’s a must.
Takes 20 min; Feeds you and Humberto
Ingredients for Pesto and Tomato Grilled Cheese
- 1/3 cup good quality olive oil
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1 large handful of basil, roughly chopped (leaves and stems)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Juice of half lemon
- Salt and pepper
- 4 slices good seeded bread
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 6 slices full fat mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices red heirloom tomato
Method
In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, parm and a sprinkle of salt. Process for 10 seconds, then on low speed add avocado and olive oils slowly. Blend for 2 minutes. Taste and add salt/pepper as needed. Set aside.
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat.
Butter outside of each slice of bread.
Smear both inside pieces of bread with pesto and then layer on cheese and tomatoes.
Cook on medium low, flipping once golden (about 5-7 min).
Looking for more chin drippingly delicious sammys? Try my Crispy Jambon-Beurre with Gooey Brie or sink your teeth into The Ultimate Italian Hoagie with Prosciutto Cotto and Basil Aioli.
