Brunch for two

I'm finally getting my act together and sharing some of my favorite cheap meals (and misadventures in cooking) on this blog. Way back when, I had my friend over for Sunday brunch and I made a leek, potato, and feta tart. I'm not a vegetarian, but I like to try and stay vegetarian at least until dinner time. There's no good (or noble) reason except that meat is expensive so I save it for dinner.

This tart is super easy to make, pretty flavorful, and a good make-ahead meal; all you have to do is pre-make it earlier in the morning or night before and pop it in the oven when your guest arrives.

Leek, Potato, Feta Tart
[based on Real Simple recipe]
Ingredients:

• olive oil
• 2 leeks (white and light green parts cut into quarters)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1 red bliss potato (thinly sliced)
• 2 or 3 artichoke hearts (jarred)
  
• 1 store-bought 9-inch pie crust (not store brand; normally I'm all for generic but for about 50cents more, the pie crust will keep together)

How to cut leeks: Get rid of the dark green parts (even though it's pretty, it's no good). The best part is the white and light green parts. Cut into half moons and throw them in running water. Because there's so many layers, dirt gets stuck between. Let them sit in water for a while to get the grime out, and repeat the wash.
Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally until tender (about 4 minutes). Turn off heat. Stir in feta. Add potatoes and artichokes and toss.

Roll pie crust on parchment paper. Spoon potato mixture onto crust, leaving a 1.5" border. Fold the edge of the pie crust over.

Bake (covered with tin foil for the first half and uncovered for the second half) for about 40 minutes until golden.

What else did I make for the brunch for two? Green bean salad and biscotti.

Green bean salad
[based on Real Simple recipe]
Ingredients:

• Green beans
• Tomatoes
• Mushrooms
  
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Salt, pepper
• Herbs de Provence

Saute is all in pan with olive oil and serve immediately.
And finally, the best part to go with morning coffee---biscotti.

American-style Vanilla Biscotti
[based on Taste of Home recipe]
Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• Sliced almonds
  

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and baking powder. Beat in eggs (the batter may look curdled). Add flour and sliced almonds to make sticky dough.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place dough on baking sheet into a log shape. (I like my biscotti a little thinner and shorter; adjust the log to your preference, but remember it shrinks a little when baked.) Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and reduce heat to 325 degrees. Cool log on baking sheet for 10 minutes. Spray water lightly over half-baked biscotti. Cool for another 5 minutes.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice evenly into about half-inch pieces.

Place biscotti on cut edge on baking sheet and put back in oven for another 25 minutes until golden brown.