Desperately seeking sunshine

In a rain-splattered, lower-than-average-temperature June, I have been craving warmth. Just hearing the words "sun dried tomatoes" brings up images of deep, slow heat, and I am ready to roast my bones alongside the tomatoes. Janice Beaton Fine Cheese sells a delicious sun dried tomato tapenade that was the inspiration for my attempt at Mediterranean living.

1 tsp honey

360 grams sundried tomatoes in oil

1/2 tsp cayenne

1 tsp salt

8 garlic cloves

juice and rind of 1 lemon

Puree everything in a food processor until smooth enough for you.

I've used a dollop to intensify a pasta sauce, as a spread with goat cheese on crackers and some olives, and instead of mayo on a grilled cheese sandwich.

Today I made myself a snack of a smear of the tapenade on crostini with a bit of homemade ricotta on top. I made the crostini from day-old baguette, sliced thin, tossed with olive oil and coarse kosher salt and baked until crisp. Yummy....sunshine in a bite. And almost gone.