Sunday Salad

Sunday, August 29, 2010 | | 16 comments
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Grilled Corn and Crab Salad
{adapted from Cooking Light}

4 ears of fresh local corn {any will do but it's in season so support your local farmers}
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup roasted red and yellow peppers, chopped
1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
2 small english cucumbers
1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1/3 cup capers, drained
1/2 cup green onions {with the green stems} chopped
12 ounces lump crab meat {I used Philips}
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbs mayo
2 tbs plain low fat yogurt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground red pepper {use more or less}

Place shucked corn in aluminum foil and place on grill for 15 minutes or until done. Let cool and cut kernels from ears of corn.
Place in a bowl and add the next 8 ingredients ~ ending with the crab.

Combine the lime juice, mayo, yogurt, salt and peppers. Whisk together well and pour over veggie and crab mixture. Gently toss together.

Serve over bed of lettuce.

*The meat I used was found in the refrigerated section of our Commissary. It was lovely big chunks of crab meat.

For this meal I also made a fresh tomato pie that I served on the side. Both recipes made enough for a couple of lunches as well!

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Sweet lovin ...

Friday, August 27, 2010 | | 16 comments
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Is this not the sweetest thing you've seen today?!

The bullie puppy that is ~ not me. I was on my way to a beach luncheon with my teaching pals.

{This photo was taken with my new phone and I actually figured out how to upload it to my computer! You need to be impressed because I am in awe of myself ~ ha! Reference this post and you'll totally understand my elated delight!}

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Sunday Salads

Sunday, August 22, 2010 | | 27 comments
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Layered Chicken, Apple, and Blue Cheese Salad


3 cups shredded chicken
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 apple (I like Granny Smith or Gala), thinly sliced and tossed in lemon juice
1/2 cup blue cheese (gorgonzola works nicely as well)
*Greens mix of your choice
Dressing of your choice.


Layer the salad beginning with the greens. You can choose how you layer the ingredients but I suggest keeping the tomatoes and cheese towards the top so they don't get crushed or soggy.


I've made this for salad luncheons many times. I prepare it the night before and cover it with wrap. It stores very nicely and is always a hit.


* I've been purchasing the cellophane boxes of greens at BJ's. They offer a few different greens selections and all stay nice and fresh the entire week. It's a great value for your money.

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This salad went very nicely with crusty bread and a slightly chilled glass of Coppola Chardonnay.

Enjoy!

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Black and White ~ blooming beauties

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | | 23 comments
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I took this at the beginning of the summer when my roses made their first appearance of the season. 
It's one of my favorite photos. In fact, I'm considering framing it for our home I like it so much.

I've had my "new" camera for a little over a year now. When I bought it a bloggy friend Kacey suggested a book to read and I took a couple of basic classes that provided some knowledge and comfort. My sweet husband has gifted me with a few new lenses along the way as well. Truth be told, it's the constant snapping away that has provided the best lessons ~ trial and error {lots of them!}.

And I think I'm {finally} getting the hang of it!
{I'm almost ready for one of Lisa's classes now :)}



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Sunday Salad

Sunday, August 15, 2010 | | 11 comments
We are in Maine so I've "programmed" Sunday Salads this week. I've already shared with you how challenged I am in this area so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will appear on the desired date and time :)

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Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa ~red, white or a combo {I get mine at Trader Joe's}
2 cups water
1tsp kosher salt

2tbls lemon or lime zest
2tbls fresh lemon or lime juice
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3tbls olive oil

1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, thin slices
1/4 baby radishes
2 small english cucumbers, diced
1/3 cup kalamata olives, quartered
1 can black beans
1/4 cup diced red onion
2tbls fresh thyme {I have lemon thyme in the herb garden}
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
 
Baby greens ~ if desired
 
Bring the water and salt to a rolling boil. Add the quinoa and cook for 15 ~17 minutes on medium low heat. Remove from heat and let cool.
 
Whisk together the zest, juice,pepper and olive oil to make dressing. Set aside
 
Combine the vegetables and herbs. Once the quinoa is cooled add to the mixture. Pour the dressing on and carefully mix. Place on top of greens if desired.
 
* Depending on the meal, I placed the quinoa on a bed of greens or serve it as a side dish.



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Happy Sunday!

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To market, to market

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | | 30 comments
 To buy ....

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lots of fresh goodies!

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It's becoming a tradition that is looked forward to each summer.

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Getting up early and meeting with friends.

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Selecting top choices for meals to come ~ tried out beets for the very first time.

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Crops so beautiful bountiful.

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Displays that are truly forms of art.

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Filling my basket {thank you French Basketeer} to the tippy top!

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After such a laborious  morning, we plopped down on the beautiful lawn and enjoyed the freshest "bestest" lunch they had to offer.

With a glass of wine, of course!
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One day we hope to take part in Dinners at the Farm.

Can't think of a better way to spend a lazy summer morning.

We just need more days in the summer for all the activities and social engagements this season offers! :)


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Sunday Salads

Sunday, August 8, 2010 | | 16 comments
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Chipotle Chicken Salad
{this is our version of a Cooking Light salad}

 
Salad:
Baby greens of your choice {amounted need to serve desired number of diners} I use spring mix
2 cups chopped grilled chicken breast
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced red onions
1/2 {or more} shredded cheese of your choice
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
1 can corn, rinsed and drained well
1 avocado diced


Dressing:
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2/3 light sour cream
1tbls milk
1tbls minced chipotle chile{canned in adobe sauce}
1 tsp adobe sauce {or more if you like it spicy like we do}
1 tsp cumin
1tsp chili powder
4 tsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp salt


Whisk together and refrigerate. This will last several days in the frig.


*I usually only use half of this recipe and save the rest.


Layer the salad ingredients to your liking on a large platter. I toss it together while I'm serving.
Yep, it's really this easy and SO good!



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We are NOT friends

Thursday, August 5, 2010 | | 14 comments
I've tried.

Really, I've tried very hard.

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It's just no use ...


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no matter how hard I focus and concentrate.


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Technology and I just weren't meant to be friends.

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It's called Incredible for a reason!


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An intelligent mother knows after much time has elapsed ...


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 to pass her new phone off to her son to program.


Yep, it took him a matter of a few seconds to complete the task at hand.
Oh how the tables have turned. The child is now teaching the ropes of life to his mother.
Believe me, he enjoyed every minute of my frustration. Hence the numerous photos he took ;)


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Even Bozley was laughing at me!
You know that's NOT a good sign.



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While Nicholas was "helping" me he asked if I wanted a Facebook account set up.

He even offered to be my friend.

Seriously???

I think that may be more than my learning curve can handle.

Thanks Nicholas for your help!
What am I going to do when you head off to North Carolina?
I'm going to need your number on speed dial ~ is there such a thing on cell phones :)


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Black and White Wednesday

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 | | 15 comments
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 I've always been a bit apprehensive of these delicate plants and shied away from them at the garden center.This year I was brave and planted a few roses in our flower garden.

Surprisingly, not only have they survived {a small miracle in and of itself} but they have bloomed continuously through the late spring and summer months.

Looks can be deceiving. This variety blossoms into a beautiful miniature peony like flower. It has layers upon layers of petals when it is in full bloom.

I'm joining Lisa this week along with her talented ladies for Black and White Wednesday. Stop by and take a peek.

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Sunday Salad

Sunday, August 1, 2010 | | 19 comments
It's salad season here in our home.

With the fresh summer vegetable and fruits in plentiful abundance, I can't get enough or pack enough of these fresh goodies into meal time salads.

Anyone interested in joining me for Sunday Salad for the next couple of weeks? I'm sure you've got a recipe or two that we'd all love to try. Let me know and I'll link us all up.

This salad was shared with me a few years ago. While going though my recipes, it jumped out at me and screamed make me. Well, maybe not but it did remind me how much I like this recipe and how easy it is to whip up when you're short on time.

It makes wonderful leftovers to send off with your husband the next day for lunch. It even travels well to the beach!





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Caprese Salad

Enough olive oil to gently cover bottom of pan
1 medium onion chopped
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
1 3/4 cup water

2tbls olive oil
1tbls good balsamic vinegar
1/2cup basil lightly chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 ball mozzarella cheese cut into chunks
pinch of salt and pepper

Heat oil in pan, add onion and lightly saute. When onion is just turning transparent, add the rice. Cook until rice is lightly golden (similar process to cooking orzo or risotto) then add water. Cover and bring to a boil then reduce to a slow simmer. Cook 15~20 or until rice is tender. Let rice cool to room temperature.

Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar and whisk together. In a separate bowl combine basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper. Drizzle the oil and vinegar over the ingredients. Add the rice mixture when cool and toss.

For lunches I add shredded chicken for extra protein ~ a very nice addition.


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Enjoy!

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