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My husband seems to think that I only cook for my blog and perceives me as a food critic rather than a cook. Seriously?
As someone who loves to dine out, perhaps that is true, but really, who likes to (or even has time to) cook every single day and then clean up and blog and work fulltime? Well, I am not ashamed to admit that I don’t cook every single day. 
Being that I am a food blogger, I do have an agenda to make dishes I normally wouldn’t even prepare if I didn’t have a blog.
I certainly wouldn’t say I only cook for my blog, in addition to my blog dishes, I do make a few dishes that don’t even make it to the blog just to keep the hubby happy.
But my husband seems to think otherwise. Just the other day I overheard him talking to his friend about my blog…
his friend: Man, you are so lucky, you get to eat all those dishes Nisha makes.
hubby: Yeah, but she’s a moody cook, she only cooks when she feels like it. She likes to review food more than cook it.
his friend: Man, I still don’t feel sorry for you. If you get to eat every single dish she has ever made for her blog, you are one lucky guy.
hubby: Yeah, I guess. <chuckles, but doesn’t really think so>
My reaction to their conversation… <pardon me while I roll my eyes> 
My husband has such a tough life! 
So now when he says I’m not a cook, I just comply, for I am a Food Critic, probably sounds better too. And you know what, it’s better this way so he expects less of me.
Well, here’s a dish my husband loves and one I’ve made oh about a dozen times and its just making it to the blog, imagine that. A tartine where I combined Italian and Greek flavors… homemade fresh basil pesto, creamy hummus, sautéed tomatoes in olive oil with a touch of oregano. 
Make this. ASAP! You won’t be sorry! I’m a Food Critic, remember? 
INGREDIENTS (for 2 to 3 servings or a great appetizer):
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garlic Infused – 1 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
- Tomatoes – 2 (slightly thinly sliced)
- Oregano – 1/3 tsp
- 100% Whole Wheat Bread – 4 slices (toasted until crispy)
- Pesto – enough to spread on toast (use this vegan recipe & freeze for later)
- Trader Joe’s Tuscan White Bean Hummus – enough to spread on toast
DIRECTIONS:
1. Here are your main ingredients.
2. Start by slicing tomatoes, not too thin, but not thick either, just the right size.
3. Heat a pan on medium to high heat (dial #7), once hot, add extra virgin olive oil (garlic infused preferable).
4. Place the sliced tomatoes and they will begin to sizzle. Allow the tomatoes to cook up for about 5-6 minutes.
5. In the meantime, place 4 slices of toast in the toaster. Toast until crispy.
6. Once the tomatoes are done, season with salt and black pepper to taste. 
7. Flip. Notice the tomatoes blackened, this adds a TON of flavor. 
8. Now season the blackened side with salt & black pepper to taste, plus a little bit of dried oregano. Don’t go overboard with the oregano since it is potent. Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 5 minutes on this side as well.
9. Once done, turn off the stove. This is what you should have.
10. Check on the toast. 
11. Slice into triangles if you are serving the tartines as appetizers, or leave the toast as is.
12. Begin by spreading pesto on the toast. I make my own pesto (this recipe) and freeze it, you can always buy pesto. 
13. Followed by creamy hummus on top, love Trader Joe’s Tuscan White Bean Hummus or use your favorite brand, or homemade works too.
14. Top with sautéed tomatoes. Drizzle some Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top if serving as an appetizer and if fat is not an issue. Serve immediately. 
TELL ME: Are you a Food Blogger? Does your significant other believe you only cook for your blog? If so, how do you defend yourself? For the rest of you… regardless of whether you have kids or not, do you cook daily?
Hey, I suppose I havent commented before, I am a new reader, and I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts. I do try to cook everyday atleast on the weekdays, because weekends are busy with socializing with friends, and other chores which leave me little to no time for cooking. So weekdays I like for us to have home cooked healthy food. Another very secret reason for not eating out often is the *pickiness of husband's food choices* (which also hampers my home cooked meals). So to find a good place to eat nearby with considerations of hubby's tastebuds and our vegetarianism is quite a task sometimes, I rather just fix something up in the kitchen.Anyway this looks delicious, I will definitely try it. Hummus and pesto are two of my favorite spreads, and the combination has to be deadly!Thanks,Pankti
Thanks Pankti, that's so sweet of you to say. I'm the opposite 🙂 It's hard for me to cook regularly on weekdays because my commute drains me, but I'll do something light. The hummus and pesto together is a divine concoction. Hope you try it.
This sounds absolutely perfect to me! That white bean hummus from Trader Joe's is one of my favorite things to buy there. 🙂
Thanks Kiersten. I loveeeeeeeeeee the White Bean Hummus at TJs.. it's awesome!
I really had fun reading this post. I can just imagine you rolling the eyes on your hubby. They can be so funny. Let's be named Food critic, sounds very fancy..
Love tartines and this one is a simple and good looking.
Thanks Asha, glad you enjoyed it. Lol! I'd much rather be a food critic, tells me I know what I'm talking about. Hope you try this. Thanks.
Your husband is sooo lucky to have you and eat all the delicious things you cook! I thInk having a blog makes you think of more creative things to cook..
It sure makes you think outside the box and I know I wouldn't be making half of what I do without the blog.
these husbands – they are all cut from the same cloth. I can see hints of my conversations at home.
That Tartine looks particularly delicious – I'm a huge fan of tartines and all the mediterranean flavors – I love the work you've put into the toppings.
I dont "cook" every night – but we try to eat in on week nights. Its usually some quick-put-together meals. On weekends,I go to my kitchen to make coffee! that's it. The exception is food for my toddler – I fix his meals on weekends if we aren't eating out – whether cook or pull something out of the freezer.
I love all Mediterranean flavors. I know Indian husbands in particular are more demanding I feel, thanks to their moms!
Tartines!!! Such a delicious breakfast/snack/dinner. Love the pics!
Thanks Lauren.. you're so sweet. Definitely a good snack and dinner, not sure about breakfast. 🙂
This looks awesome. I am in the same boat as you. I think if I didn't have a food blog I wouldn't try baking or cooking all of the different foods I do. My husbands friends do admit it time and time again. They are jealous he gets to eat all of the good foods I make, and not only that. The fact that he looks so good because he gets to eat healthy. Like I tell him, your life span increased at least 10-15 yr by being with me, and he knows it 🙂
Yup. If I didn't have a food blog I wouldn't have the incentive to make half of what I do. And yes, my husb and I both love out desserts, but I cook healthy which keeps him healthy. He'll realize it at 80!!! 🙂
Tartines are so fresh and delicious, pesto and hummus in one? It is perfect 😀
And your photos are lovely!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks Ccu. Pesto and hummus in one is fantastic. Omg, just bursting with flavor.
Tartines are so much fun and Honey, these tartines look so good!
Thanks Nik. Hope you try them. So good.