SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page

Ingredients:

• 2 large white or red onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the Onions:

• Peel the onions and cut them in half. Then make cross cuts on the flat side of each half, making sure not to cut all the way through, to let the onion stay together at the base. This will allow the onions to “open up” during cooking, creating the “flower” effect.

1. Baking:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Lay the onion halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. If you like, you can also add a little balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness and acidity.
• Finely chop the garlic and scatter it over and around the onions. If desired, add herbs as well.
• Bake and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the onions are tender and have a slightly “open,” flower-like appearance.

1. **Finish.

• Once cooked, let the onions rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be served either as a side dish or as an appetizer, perhaps accompanied by bread croutons or as a base for a fresh salad.

This inspired recipe celebrates the beauty and simplicity of the basic ingredients, transforming humble onions and garlic into a visually appealing dish full of flavor.