My grandson, is 20 months old. He learns new words every day. Doc and I were babysitting. He came over to me, lifted his arms, and grunted. I said, “Up? Do you want me to pick you up?” He grunted again. This happened several times and I asked Doc, “Why do you think he walks over to me and grunts when he wants to be picked up?” Doc laughed and said, “He grunts because that is what you do every time you pick him up! He thinks that is your word for, ‘Pick me up!’” 

I told a friend of mine the other day that this recipe is so good I just wanted to bury my face in it! It highlights summer’s fresh produce and the basil lime butter makes the noodles sing!

Okra, Corn, Tomato and Zucchini Succotash with Basil Lime Buttered Noodles

Succotash:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup Vidalia onion, 1/2 inch dice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup zucchini, 1/2 inch slices cut into half moons
1/2 pound okra sliced in half lengthwise
3 ears fresh corn: Shucked, kernels cut from cob, and cobs scraped
2 cups garden tomatoes, 2 inch dice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and zucchini. Cook for 1 minute. Add okra, corn and tomatoes. Cook 7 to 10 minutes over medium heat until tomatoes break down. Season succotash with kosher salt and pepper. Set succotash aside, make basil butter, and cook noodles.

Basil Lime Buttered Noodles:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons minced garlic 
pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup lime juice
16 ounces rotini noodles

Process butter, garlic, kosher salt, basil leaves, and lime juice in a mini food processor or blender. Set aside. Cook and drain noodles. Place drained noodles in a large bowl. Stir in basil butter. Serve succotash over basil lime buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy, Friends!

Published in The News and Neighbor on August 16, 2023.