I recently started subscribing to Everday Food magazine (Martha Stewart's food magazine). I've been a longtime fan for it's simple, short recipes highlighting fresh ingredients, because it provides a great place for ideas for my own recipe creation. This recipe is a mash-up of a recipe in this month's Everyday Food (I couldn't find it online) along with a recipe from Martha Stewart that I found online for rosemary lentils. Fun fact, I'd never prepared lentils before this and had rarely eaten them, but I loved it! so Martha, I owe you double thanks for this recipe.
Roasted Veggie and Rosemary Lentil Salad
3/4 pound red or fingerling potatoes, halved or quartered
4 medium-sized carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 shallot, peeled and cut into 5-6 large pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 sprigs rosemary, divided
1 cup dried green lentils
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces spinach
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 ounces goat cheese
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a large baking sheet, place potatoes, shallot and carrots. Finely chop the rosemary on one of the sprigs, reserving the other sprig. sprinkle over vegetables, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil; toss to combine. Place in oven and bake until vegetables are fork-tender and slightly charred, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, place lentils, shallots, garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan; cover with 5 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 15 - 20 minutes. Drain; discard garlic, rosemary stem, and bay leaf. Place in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil, stir to combine and set aside.
When vegetables are done, add to the large bowl with lentils. Toss in spinach and and balsamic vinegar and combine. Top with goat cheese and serve!
Fun bonus, Luke and I used leftovers to create a delicious pita for lunch. Love repurposing leftovers like that!
Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label salad. Show all posts
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Cooking Light's Market Salad
Thank you, Cooking Light, for providing the recipe for the most delicious salad I've ever had. And yes, this even beats out the bacon salads that are plentiful on my blog - well, most of them :)
Why oh why do I love thee, Market Salad? Here are the reasons:
1. Perfectly roasted beets
2. Juicy tomatoes
3. Delightfully tangy, satisfying and light vinaigrette dressing
4. Crisp green beans and chickpeas adding substance and texture
5. Did I mention the beets?
6. Fresh herbs (I used basil and mint instead of tarragon and mint, because that's what I had!)
7. GOAT CHEESE
Ok, if you're not convinced, read through the recipe below. Here's a link to the original, and below is my slightly tweaked version. Thanks again Cooking Light!
Market Salad with Goat Cheese and Shallot Vinaigrette
2 medium beets (about 3/4 pound)
8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (CL's version calls for Heirloom tomatoes, but alas, I forgot to pick them up. The cherry tomatoes were fantastic, but try with heirloom if you have them!)
2 cups spinach
1 cup arugula
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
Preheat oven to 350°. Scrub beets with a brush and wrap in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven; cool. Put on plastic gloves if you have them to avoid staining your hands. Trim off beet roots and stems; rub off skins. Cut each beet into 8 wedges. I did this the night before to make the salad assembly quick!
Cook beans in boiling water 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain well. Combine beans and chickpeas in a large bowl and add in beets and sliced tomatoes.
Combine shallots and the next 8 ingredients (through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Pour half of dressing over beans, chickpeas, beets and tomatoes and toss to combine. Add in greens and goat cheese, then pour remaining dressing and toss.
Photo courtesy of John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Why oh why do I love thee, Market Salad? Here are the reasons:
1. Perfectly roasted beets
2. Juicy tomatoes
3. Delightfully tangy, satisfying and light vinaigrette dressing
4. Crisp green beans and chickpeas adding substance and texture
5. Did I mention the beets?
6. Fresh herbs (I used basil and mint instead of tarragon and mint, because that's what I had!)
7. GOAT CHEESE
Ok, if you're not convinced, read through the recipe below. Here's a link to the original, and below is my slightly tweaked version. Thanks again Cooking Light!
Market Salad with Goat Cheese and Shallot Vinaigrette
2 medium beets (about 3/4 pound)
8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (CL's version calls for Heirloom tomatoes, but alas, I forgot to pick them up. The cherry tomatoes were fantastic, but try with heirloom if you have them!)
2 cups spinach
1 cup arugula
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
Preheat oven to 350°. Scrub beets with a brush and wrap in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven; cool. Put on plastic gloves if you have them to avoid staining your hands. Trim off beet roots and stems; rub off skins. Cut each beet into 8 wedges. I did this the night before to make the salad assembly quick!
Cook beans in boiling water 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge beans into ice water; drain well. Combine beans and chickpeas in a large bowl and add in beets and sliced tomatoes.
Combine shallots and the next 8 ingredients (through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Pour half of dressing over beans, chickpeas, beets and tomatoes and toss to combine. Add in greens and goat cheese, then pour remaining dressing and toss.
Photo courtesy of John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross
Monday, June 20, 2011
Prosciutto, Watermelon and Feta Salad
There are some classic watermelon pairings that get used every summer, whether it's watermelon and feta, or maybe watermelon and fresh herbs. I have a hard time committing to just one pairing, so I threw together some of my favorite watermelon combos into one salad - and the result was delicious! The juicy watermelon, the salty prosciutto and feta, the crisp cucumber and the bright herbs all worked together for a refreshing summer meal. Give it a try!
Prosciutto, Watermelon and Feta Salad
3-4 cups seedless watermelon, diced (about 1/2 personal dized watermelon)
2 ounces proscuitto, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped
4 leaves fresh basil, sliced
4 leaves fresh mint, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta
2 cups arugula
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel the watermelon and dice into bite-sized pieces. Toss with prosciutto, cucumber, herbs and feta. Add arugula and squeeze lemon juice, then finish with olive oil and salt and pepper to toss to combine. Enjoy!
Prosciutto, Watermelon and Feta Salad
3-4 cups seedless watermelon, diced (about 1/2 personal dized watermelon)
2 ounces proscuitto, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped
4 leaves fresh basil, sliced
4 leaves fresh mint, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta
2 cups arugula
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel the watermelon and dice into bite-sized pieces. Toss with prosciutto, cucumber, herbs and feta. Add arugula and squeeze lemon juice, then finish with olive oil and salt and pepper to toss to combine. Enjoy!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sweet Heat Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Salad
Often when Luke goes out of town, I either use that time to catch up on happy hours with friends and eating out, or I make a large vat of homemade mac and cheese and live off of that for several days. Since neither of those are particularly healthy options AND I've got a wedding to look forward to (no date yet!), I needed to focus on some gentle, nutritious meals for one. This salad was simple and FAST to make, and I made it to the gym afterwards feeling energized and not stuffed. You'll love the sweetness of the mango and honey, creaminess of the avocado and the little kick of the red pepper. Give it a try!
Sweet Heat Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Salad
1/4 pound shrimp, deveined and tails removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lime
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups spinach
1 Ataulfo mango, diced (these are the little yellow ones you might know as Champagne mangos - SO addictive)
1/2 small avocado, diced
1-2 small radishes, thinly sliced
Preheat a nonstick skillet with olive oil on medium high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 1-2 minutes on each side, until curled up and pink. Place in a bowl and top with honey, lime and red pepper and toss to combine.
In a medium bowl, combine spinach, mango, avocado and radishes and toss. Top with spinach and toss to combine and dig in!
Sweet Heat Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Salad
1/4 pound shrimp, deveined and tails removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lime
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups spinach
1 Ataulfo mango, diced (these are the little yellow ones you might know as Champagne mangos - SO addictive)
1/2 small avocado, diced
1-2 small radishes, thinly sliced
Preheat a nonstick skillet with olive oil on medium high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 1-2 minutes on each side, until curled up and pink. Place in a bowl and top with honey, lime and red pepper and toss to combine.
In a medium bowl, combine spinach, mango, avocado and radishes and toss. Top with spinach and toss to combine and dig in!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spicy Mediterranean Steak Salad
Well, I managed to survive vegan week, but it confirmed my joy for meat and dairy, so while I may enjoy a vegan meal every now and then, there won't be any big changes on Apron Adventures.
BUT, speaking of changes, this Apron will become a Mrs! My photographer, taste-tester and fellow contributor Luke proposed last week. Stay tuned for wedding details! In the meantime, be on the lookout for more health-conscious meals as this apron works to fit into the ultimate - a wedding dress! But, I do need to satisfy my palette, so no frou-frou here!
Spicy Mediterranean Steak Salad
1 pound skirt steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
3 small golden potatoes
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced
6 ounces mixed greens
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette
Marinade the skirt steak in 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper for about an hour. In the meantime, slice potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, spread on a baking sheet and coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes, finishing on a broil if needed.
While potatoes roast, preheat a cast iron skillet on medium high heat, add remaining olive oil and cook steak 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set to rest about 5 minutes, then slice.
While the steak rests, saute onions, bell pepper and jalapeno for about 3 minutes. To assemble salad, toss greens, feta, olives, and vinaigrette with roasted potatoes and cooked vegetables, then top with steak. Enjoy!
BUT, speaking of changes, this Apron will become a Mrs! My photographer, taste-tester and fellow contributor Luke proposed last week. Stay tuned for wedding details! In the meantime, be on the lookout for more health-conscious meals as this apron works to fit into the ultimate - a wedding dress! But, I do need to satisfy my palette, so no frou-frou here!
Spicy Mediterranean Steak Salad
1 pound skirt steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
3 small golden potatoes
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced
6 ounces mixed greens
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette
Marinade the skirt steak in 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper for about an hour. In the meantime, slice potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, spread on a baking sheet and coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes, finishing on a broil if needed.
While potatoes roast, preheat a cast iron skillet on medium high heat, add remaining olive oil and cook steak 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set to rest about 5 minutes, then slice.
While the steak rests, saute onions, bell pepper and jalapeno for about 3 minutes. To assemble salad, toss greens, feta, olives, and vinaigrette with roasted potatoes and cooked vegetables, then top with steak. Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mardi Gras Salad
Apologies for the bad photo, but I had a share an image of my "Mardi Gras" salad. Why you say? Why, look at the vibrant colors - the green from the basil dressing and salad and the vibrant purple of the beets are perfect to celebrate Mardi Gras! This was quite filling and surprisingly sweet, a delicious salad.
Mardi Gras Salad
Mardi Gras Salad
1-2 beets
1 cup fresh basil
1 cup fresh basil
1 tablespoon roasted garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
5 ounces salad greens
1/2 cup prepared couscous
1 small carrot, shaved or grated
Coat the beets in olive oil and roast whole in a 375 degree oven for about an hour and 15 minutes. Let cool, then peel the skin and dice.
Meanwhile, to make the dressing, add basil, garlic and pine nuts into a food processor and pulse to combine. Stream in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To combine the salad, place salad greens, couscous, shaved carrot and diced beets. Top with desired about of basil dressing, toss and enjoy!
1/2 cup prepared couscous
1 small carrot, shaved or grated
Coat the beets in olive oil and roast whole in a 375 degree oven for about an hour and 15 minutes. Let cool, then peel the skin and dice.
Meanwhile, to make the dressing, add basil, garlic and pine nuts into a food processor and pulse to combine. Stream in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To combine the salad, place salad greens, couscous, shaved carrot and diced beets. Top with desired about of basil dressing, toss and enjoy!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Grapefruit, Beet and Burrata Salad
Rarely do I have inspiration come from so many places to meet for one delicious dish. Let me explain: One of the food clients I represent is TexaSweet Citrus, and as part of a program we were doing right here in Austin to promote Rio Star Grapefruit, we hosted a dinner at FINO with several bloggers and area food media to enjoy a dinner with some juicy, red grapefruit. At the dinner, one of the dishes was a salad with red grapefruit, beets and burrata. I've been hearing a lot about burrata in the past few months but hadn't tried it yet. It was such a unique, luscious texture and flavor that I was determined to use it myself. I recalled Jodi of Tasty Touring mentioning they sell it here in town at Antonelli's Cheese Shop, so I went there to pick some up.
Another embarrassing confession, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've had beets, and I've never prepared them myself. This salad made me realize that they are, in fact, delicious! I asked Teddy from Fun With Your Food about how to prepare them, and she said simply peeling and cubing them like you would squash, tossing with olive oil and salt and pepper and roasting a while would yield delicious flavor. Thanks Teddy - you were right!
Finally, while flipping through the March issue of Food and Wine, I came across a recipe for Spinach Salad with Citrus and Roasted Beets. Um, perfect! So, I tweaked this recipe by using fresh spinach instead of steamed and added in a healthy dose of burrata. This salad was delightful, I hope you'll try it!
Grapefruit, Beet and Burrata Salad
4 small beets
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 Rio Star grapefruit
6 ounces fresh spinach or spring mix
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
4 ounces burrata cheese, torn in pieces
Preheat oven to 350. Peel beets and cut into 1-inch dice. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper; toss to combine. Roast about an hour to an hour and 10 minutes until they are tender.
Meanwhile, combine sliced red onion and red wine vinegar in a bowl and let sit for about an hour.
Slice the top and bottom off of the grapefruit, then stand on one end and cut off the remaining peel with a knife from top to bottom. Next, use your knife to cut along the section and pop out. Continue until all the sections have been cut out. Here's a link with better instructions and photos: http://texasweet.com/About-Texas-Citrus/Quick-Sectioning-Tips
Combine the spinach with sectioned grapefruit and roasted beets. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the red wine vinegar from the onions and whisk with remaining olive oil, dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss with salad. Toss in burrata pieces with your fingers and enjoy!
Salad and a sandwich picnic with a view at Mt. Bonnell
Another embarrassing confession, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've had beets, and I've never prepared them myself. This salad made me realize that they are, in fact, delicious! I asked Teddy from Fun With Your Food about how to prepare them, and she said simply peeling and cubing them like you would squash, tossing with olive oil and salt and pepper and roasting a while would yield delicious flavor. Thanks Teddy - you were right!
Finally, while flipping through the March issue of Food and Wine, I came across a recipe for Spinach Salad with Citrus and Roasted Beets. Um, perfect! So, I tweaked this recipe by using fresh spinach instead of steamed and added in a healthy dose of burrata. This salad was delightful, I hope you'll try it!
Grapefruit, Beet and Burrata Salad
4 small beets
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 Rio Star grapefruit
6 ounces fresh spinach or spring mix
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
4 ounces burrata cheese, torn in pieces
Preheat oven to 350. Peel beets and cut into 1-inch dice. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper; toss to combine. Roast about an hour to an hour and 10 minutes until they are tender.
Meanwhile, combine sliced red onion and red wine vinegar in a bowl and let sit for about an hour.
Slice the top and bottom off of the grapefruit, then stand on one end and cut off the remaining peel with a knife from top to bottom. Next, use your knife to cut along the section and pop out. Continue until all the sections have been cut out. Here's a link with better instructions and photos: http://texasweet.com/About-Texas-Citrus/Quick-Sectioning-Tips
Combine the spinach with sectioned grapefruit and roasted beets. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the red wine vinegar from the onions and whisk with remaining olive oil, dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss with salad. Toss in burrata pieces with your fingers and enjoy!
Salad and a sandwich picnic with a view at Mt. Bonnell Monday, November 22, 2010
Pear, Pecan and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Salad
Someone has been a naughty blogger. If santa read food blogs, I would've gotten nothing but coal in my stocking. Lucky for me, he doesn't :) Here's a yummy holiday salad if you're feeling naughty OR nice!
Pear, Pecan and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Salad
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
Dash cayenne pepper
1 pear, sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola
Balsamic vinaigrette
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the sugar and spices, then lightly coat bacon with the spice mixture. Lay on a baking sheet and cook until crisp.
Meanwhile, toss together the spring greens, pear, pecans and gorgonzola. Add in the cooked bacon and dressing, then toss to combine.
Enjoy as a light meal or pair with your favorite bread or salad for something a bit heartier.
Pear, Pecan and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Salad
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
Dash cayenne pepper
3 slices bacon
6 ounces spring greens1 pear, sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola
Balsamic vinaigrette
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the sugar and spices, then lightly coat bacon with the spice mixture. Lay on a baking sheet and cook until crisp.
Meanwhile, toss together the spring greens, pear, pecans and gorgonzola. Add in the cooked bacon and dressing, then toss to combine.
Enjoy as a light meal or pair with your favorite bread or salad for something a bit heartier.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Bacon Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
With the weather getting cooler, I often get excited about the slow cooker and other delicious comfort foods. With all that heaviness, it's refreshing to also celebrate fall with a crisp salad. I'd never candied walnuts before and was pleased not only how easy it was, but what a yummy difference it made in this salad. This one was simply satisfying!
Bacon Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 slice bacon
1 shallot
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces salad greens
1 apple, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup cranberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread walnuts over a baking sheet and roast 5 to 6 minutes. Toss walnuts with melted butter until thoroughly coated, then toss with brown sugar.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving drippings, and crumble. Add shallot to skillet and saute 2 minutes, then stir in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, apple pieces and cranberries. Add walnuts, bacon and balsamic shallot dressing and toss to combine. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.
Bacon Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 slice bacon
1 shallot
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces salad greens
1 apple, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 cup cranberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread walnuts over a baking sheet and roast 5 to 6 minutes. Toss walnuts with melted butter until thoroughly coated, then toss with brown sugar.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving drippings, and crumble. Add shallot to skillet and saute 2 minutes, then stir in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine salad greens, apple pieces and cranberries. Add walnuts, bacon and balsamic shallot dressing and toss to combine. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Chicken Salad with Plums and Blue Cheese
This simple salad started as an excuse to use the remainder of some delicious blue cheese I had, but quickly escalated into a real punch of flavors that was so good! It's funny how that often seems the case - you make a meal simply to use up an ingredient but the results far exceed expectations.
Chicken Salad with Plums and Blue Cheese
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 plums
5 ounces mixed greens
3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I used some fancy date balsamic vinegar)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Preheat a grill pan on medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Pound chicken breasts to 1-inch thickness and season well with salt and pepper. Grill about 8 minutes on both sides, or until juices run clear. Let chicken rest about 5 minutes, then slice.
Meanwhile, slice the plums then toss with greens and blue cheese. Whisk balsamic vinegar and olive oil together then toss with salad. Top with chicken and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Chicken Salad with Plums and Blue Cheese
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 plums
5 ounces mixed greens
3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (I used some fancy date balsamic vinegar)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Preheat a grill pan on medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Pound chicken breasts to 1-inch thickness and season well with salt and pepper. Grill about 8 minutes on both sides, or until juices run clear. Let chicken rest about 5 minutes, then slice.
Meanwhile, slice the plums then toss with greens and blue cheese. Whisk balsamic vinegar and olive oil together then toss with salad. Top with chicken and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sweet Iowa Corn
If I'm going to take a month off of blogging without telling anyone, I better come 
back with one heck of a post, right? Well, what better way to start off a new cooking adventure in a new kitchen (that's right folks, Apron has adventured to a new - blue - kitchen!), than with fresh Iowa corn?
Smuggled in my suitcase across the country after a relaxing trip to visit family in Des Moines, I was the proud owner of 6 ears of corn that I dec
ided to use in 2 days. See this tasty take on a soup and salad dinner.
Fresh Corn Chowder
2 pieces bacon, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 Anaheim pepper, seeded and chopped
3 ears corn, kernels removed
4 small red potatoes, cubed
1 cup half and half
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped tomato
Heat a 3 quart cast iron on medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve drippings in pot.
Add onion and garlic to bacon drippings and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, stir in pepper, corn kernels and potatoes. Cover and let simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir in half and half and season with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to break up larger pieces of vegetables, maintaining some smaller chunks. If you don't have an immersion blender, either transfer to a blender in batches, or keep chunky.
Serve topped with bacon pieces, cilantro and tomato.
Shrimp and Roasted Corn Salad
2 ears corn, husks removed
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups romaine, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup cotija cheese
Heat a grill pan on medium high heat. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil and cook on cast iron until corn begins browning on all sides. Remove and let cool slightly, then remove kernels.
Meanwhile, prepare dressing. Add pepper, cilantro, cumin and salt to a food presser and pulse. Add in sour cream and honey and pulse.
Toss dressing with roasted corn, romaine, tomato and cheese.
Heat a medium nonstick skillet on high heat. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper and saute in skillet 2-3 minutes until done.
What a delicious meal for me and my sweetie!
back with one heck of a post, right? Well, what better way to start off a new cooking adventure in a new kitchen (that's right folks, Apron has adventured to a new - blue - kitchen!), than with fresh Iowa corn?Smuggled in my suitcase across the country after a relaxing trip to visit family in Des Moines, I was the proud owner of 6 ears of corn that I dec
ided to use in 2 days. See this tasty take on a soup and salad dinner. Fresh Corn Chowder
2 pieces bacon, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 Anaheim pepper, seeded and chopped
3 ears corn, kernels removed
4 small red potatoes, cubed
1 cup half and half
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped tomato
Heat a 3 quart cast iron on medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve drippings in pot.
Add onion and garlic to bacon drippings and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, stir in pepper, corn kernels and potatoes. Cover and let simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir in half and half and season with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to break up larger pieces of vegetables, maintaining some smaller chunks. If you don't have an immersion blender, either transfer to a blender in batches, or keep chunky.
Serve topped with bacon pieces, cilantro and tomato.
Shrimp and Roasted Corn Salad
2 ears corn, husks removed
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups romaine, shredded
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup cotija cheese
Heat a grill pan on medium high heat. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil and cook on cast iron until corn begins browning on all sides. Remove and let cool slightly, then remove kernels.
Meanwhile, prepare dressing. Add pepper, cilantro, cumin and salt to a food presser and pulse. Add in sour cream and honey and pulse.
Toss dressing with roasted corn, romaine, tomato and cheese.
Heat a medium nonstick skillet on high heat. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper and saute in skillet 2-3 minutes until done.
What a delicious meal for me and my sweetie!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Gentle Picnic
What better way to celebrate romance than with a simple, gentle 
picnic? In order to make the day not too girly, we started with a tour of Live Oak Brewery, which happens every Saturday at noon, free of charge. If you're a beer lover in the Austin area, definitely check it out as their selection is delicious, and the tour is informative and entertaining!
Next we headed to Mayfield Park for the picnic, since my friends Eric and Emily had both recommended it. Located in West Austin near
us, this park also has a garden (which wasn't much to look at in February), but does have dozens of peacocks roaming around! Luke got a great picture of one in the trees above us.
Now for the picnic! We had simple sandwiches which were jazzed up with pineapple jam. By now Apron Adventure readers have probably realized I'm a big fan of using jams in cooking (especially fig!) Adding jam is a simple, affordable way to really elevate a meal with little effort. I keep several on hand and they never fail.
Pineapple Turkey and Ham Sandwiches
4 slices sourdough bread
1/3 cup pineapple jam
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
4 slices lean deli ham
2 slices lean deli turkey
2 slices provolone
2 ounces spring greens
Spread the jam evenly on two slices sourdough and the mustard on the other two slices bread. Layer ham, turkey and provolone on the slices with jam, and top with greens. Top with the mustard slices of bread and enjoy!
We enjoyed this with a simple salad from Giada De Laurentiis which was wonderful for a picnic. I was silly and forgot the sun dried tomatoes, but had added basalmic vinegar for a little added zing. Delicious! Paired with a cool glass of viognier, fresh blackberries and homemade chocolate chip pecan cookies, this was a gentle picnic indeed!
picnic? In order to make the day not too girly, we started with a tour of Live Oak Brewery, which happens every Saturday at noon, free of charge. If you're a beer lover in the Austin area, definitely check it out as their selection is delicious, and the tour is informative and entertaining!Next we headed to Mayfield Park for the picnic, since my friends Eric and Emily had both recommended it. Located in West Austin near
us, this park also has a garden (which wasn't much to look at in February), but does have dozens of peacocks roaming around! Luke got a great picture of one in the trees above us.Now for the picnic! We had simple sandwiches which were jazzed up with pineapple jam. By now Apron Adventure readers have probably realized I'm a big fan of using jams in cooking (especially fig!) Adding jam is a simple, affordable way to really elevate a meal with little effort. I keep several on hand and they never fail.
Pineapple Turkey and Ham Sandwiches
4 slices sourdough bread
1/3 cup pineapple jam
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
4 slices lean deli ham
2 slices lean deli turkey
2 slices provolone
2 ounces spring greens
Spread the jam evenly on two slices sourdough and the mustard on the other two slices bread. Layer ham, turkey and provolone on the slices with jam, and top with greens. Top with the mustard slices of bread and enjoy!
We enjoyed this with a simple salad from Giada De Laurentiis which was wonderful for a picnic. I was silly and forgot the sun dried tomatoes, but had added basalmic vinegar for a little added zing. Delicious! Paired with a cool glass of viognier, fresh blackberries and homemade chocolate chip pecan cookies, this was a gentle picnic indeed!
Green Bean, Orzo and Tomato Salad
Easy alert! This is a great make ahead salad to serve with sandwiches (we had it with grilled cheese!) If you make the orzo just a bit al dente, it'll be the perfect texture the next day.
Green Bean, Orzo and Tomato Salad
1 cup orzo
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup parmigiano reggiano, shredded
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Place a large pot of water to boil, add orzo. Cook 5 minutes then add green beans to pot, cooking additional 4-5 minutes; drain. Add orzo and green beans to a large bowl and toss in tomatoes, parmigiano reggiano, olive oil, lemon juice and thyme. Season to state with salt and pepper.
Green Bean, Orzo and Tomato Salad
1 cup orzo
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup parmigiano reggiano, shredded
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Place a large pot of water to boil, add orzo. Cook 5 minutes then add green beans to pot, cooking additional 4-5 minutes; drain. Add orzo and green beans to a large bowl and toss in tomatoes, parmigiano reggiano, olive oil, lemon juice and thyme. Season to state with salt and pepper.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Lemony Shrimp Pasta
Apron's baaack! Sorry dear readers for the long blogging hiatus. Frankly, I was feeling less than inspired lately in the kitchen, and mostly following recipes. Well, I'm back and feeling more creative than ever, so be on the lookout for more tasty recipes!Warming our tushes by the fire!
Friday was Christine's birthday, and there's nothing like a birthday to celebrate to get me in the mood to cook. We celebrated with a gentle roommate dinner, some spiked hot chocolate, a hot fire and some Muppets videos. A great night!
Lemony Shrimp Pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
24 ounces spaghetti
1 bunch kale
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup minced shallot
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 - 1/2 cup dry white wine, room temperature
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Italian parsley, chopped (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil, and drizzle with oil. Bake in oven 20-30 minutes, until blistering. Remove from heat and keep wrapped in foil.
While tomatoes cook, heat two large pots of water to boiling. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente and set aside. Cut kale into pieces and boil about 5 minutes, also removing and keeping warm.
For the shrimp, heat a large skillet on medium high heat and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sea
son shrimp with salt and pepper to taste and red pepper flakes. Cook in skillet 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium, melt additional 2 tablespoons butter and cook shallots about two minutes. Add lemon juice, zest and wine to skillet and stir, scraping up any brown bits, simmering about 5 minutes. Add cornstarch, if needed, to thicken. Mix in shrimp, tomatoes and kale and serve over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with parsley if desired. I served with crusty bread to sop up the delicious lemony wine juice.Apple and Pecan Salad
1 head lettuce
1 apple, halved, cored and sliced
1/3 cup pecan halves
1 orange, zested and juiced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl with apple slices and pecan halves. For the dressing, combined orange zest and juice in a bowl and stream in olive oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss with salad.
The birthday girl enjoying her meal!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Chicken and Grape Couscous
I love those Thursday night meals that come together with a flash of inspiration, and this one was no different. We recently helped Zoes Kitchen open their Austin location a few weeks ago for work, and I got some of their famed "Spice of Life"- a secret mix of Mediterranean spices. Since it's secret, I'm not sure what exactly is in it, but I'd recommend subbing with salt, pepper, garlic, basil and oregano if you can't get your hands on some. I used that as my muse for Thursday night's dinner and was not disappointed :)
Preheat oven for 400 degrees. Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and season generously with salt and pepper and Spice of Life. Bake about 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet on medium heat and warm 2 tablespoons oil. Add onions and saute 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in balsamic
vinegar and add to a bowl. Toss with romaine and parmesan, and potatoes when slightly cooled. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Chicken and Grape Couscous
2 cups whole wheat couscous
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups grapes, halved
1 cup olives, halved
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Zoes Spice of Life
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Cook couscous to package instructions. Set aside, keep warm. Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium heat and warm olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste and cook until done, about 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Add to a large bowl with cous cous and toss with grapes, olives and lemon juice. Season with Spice of Life and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in feta cheese. Enjoy!
"Potato Salad"
1 pound potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces 
3 tablespoons oil, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Zoes Spice of Life
1/2 yellow onion, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
8 ounces fresh romaine
1 ounce parmesan, grated
Preheat oven for 400 degrees. Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and season generously with salt and pepper and Spice of Life. Bake about 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet on medium heat and warm 2 tablespoons oil. Add onions and saute 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in balsamic
vinegar and add to a bowl. Toss with romaine and parmesan, and potatoes when slightly cooled. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.Thursday, September 24, 2009
"Pining" for Greek Salad
This was the first week in a long time where I didn't go to the grocery store on Sunday (two nights in a row of Austin Restaurant Week will do that to you!) Faced with a last minute shopping trip on a Wednesday after work, I wanted to use up some items I knew I had- half a butternut squash, a can of chick peas and pita bread. The resulting salad had a lot of different flavors and textures, my nod to a Greek salad. Everyone went for seconds!
"Pining" for Greek Salad
1/2 butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 can chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup pine nuts
12 ounces baby spinach leaves
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pitas, warmed
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss diced squash with 1/2 tablespoon oil and roast in the oven 30-40 minutes. While squash cooks, heat a medium-sized non-stick skillet on medium heat and toast chickpeas, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add chickpeas to a large bowl. In the same skillet, heat on low heat and toast the pine nuts, 4-5 minutes, constantly stirring. Add to the salad bowl along with spinach, shredded chicken, feta, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Once squash is done add to bowl and toss. Serve with warmed pita bread.
"Pining" for Greek Salad
1/2 butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 can chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup pine nuts
12 ounces baby spinach leaves
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
4 pitas, warmed
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss diced squash with 1/2 tablespoon oil and roast in the oven 30-40 minutes. While squash cooks, heat a medium-sized non-stick skillet on medium heat and toast chickpeas, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add chickpeas to a large bowl. In the same skillet, heat on low heat and toast the pine nuts, 4-5 minutes, constantly stirring. Add to the salad bowl along with spinach, shredded chicken, feta, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Once squash is done add to bowl and toss. Serve with warmed pita bread.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Best Salad You'll Ever Have
If you haven't purchased the September issue of Bon Appetit, stop what you're doing now and RUN to the magazine stand. I'm absolutely obsessed with this issue, filled
with bacon, figs and goat cheese, and have made probably 6 recipes (and actually following them too!) already.
My absolute favorite has to be the Warm Escarole Salad with Goat Cheese, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Bacon, which I actually made twice this week. A sort of spin on cobb salad, this salad is SUCH a treat. If you can't find escarole, substitute any leafy green of your liking. For the exact recipe, check the link above. My version includes more bacon than what Bon App called for :) Because of that, I reduced the amount of oil added to the dressing since there were additional bacon drippings.
Warm Escarole Salad with Goat Cheese, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Bacon
2 heads of escarole, torn into large bite-sized pieces (about 8 cups)
5 bacon slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 5.5-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Pineapple-Glazed Pork with Chiles and Lime
1 cup pineapple juice, divided
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped seeded red jalapeño chiles
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 3/4-pound pork tenderloins
Chopped fresh cilantro
with bacon, figs and goat cheese, and have made probably 6 recipes (and actually following them too!) already.My absolute favorite has to be the Warm Escarole Salad with Goat Cheese, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Bacon, which I actually made twice this week. A sort of spin on cobb salad, this salad is SUCH a treat. If you can't find escarole, substitute any leafy green of your liking. For the exact recipe, check the link above. My version includes more bacon than what Bon App called for :) Because of that, I reduced the amount of oil added to the dressing since there were additional bacon drippings.
Warm Escarole Salad with Goat Cheese, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Bacon
2 heads of escarole, torn into large bite-sized pieces (about 8 cups)
5 bacon slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 5.5-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Divide escarole among 6 plates. Cook bacon in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain; reserve skillet with bacon drippings. Finely chop bacon; set aside.
Whisk olive oil and vinegar in small bowl to blend. Heat bacon drippings in skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add olive oil mixture and whisk just until heated through, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle vinaigrette over escarole. Sprinkle with eggs, goat cheese, and bacon.
I served the salad as a side to the Pineapple-Glazed Pork with Chiles and Lime- also delicious! Another recipe that I followed, two in one night- crazy!Pineapple-Glazed Pork with Chiles and Lime
1 cup pineapple juice, divided
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped seeded red jalapeño chiles
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 3/4-pound pork tenderloins
Chopped fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 500°F. Bring 3/4 cup pineapple juice and sugar to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover; boil until syrup is deep brown, checking frequently to prevent burning, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Immediately swirl in remaining 1/4 cup pineapple juice, chiles, and allspice. When bubbling stops, whisk in lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/4 cup glaze into small bowl and reserve.
Line baking sheet with foil; place rack in center of sheet. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper; place on rack. Brush with glaze from saucepan. Roast until thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 145°F, brushing occasionally with glaze from saucepan, about 15 minutes. Slice pork. Drizzle with reserved glaze and sprinkle with cilantro.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Pecan Pork Chop Salad
With just a few simple ingredients, this simple salad will knock your socks off. Looking for an easier approach? Skip breading the pork chops, and just grill them. Then toss the pecans in the salad.
Pecan Pork Chop Salad
Canola oil (1 inch high in pan)
4 1-inch thick pork chops
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces spinach
2 mangos, peeled, pitted and diced
For dressing:
3 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat a large skillet on medium heat and warm oil until it maintains 350 degrees (if you place the end of a wooden spoon in the oil, bubbles should rise up). Dredge the pork chops in flour, then dip both sides in the beaten egg. Finally, coat both sides with the crushed pecans mixed with salt and pepper. Place in skillet and cook 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until crust is golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool 5 to 10 minutes.
In the meantime, toss together spinach and mango. Once pork has cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces and add to salad.
For the dressing, whisk all ingredients together, then drizzle over salad.
Pecan Pork Chop Salad
Canola oil (1 inch high in pan)
4 1-inch thick pork chops
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces spinach
2 mangos, peeled, pitted and diced
For dressing:
3 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat a large skillet on medium heat and warm oil until it maintains 350 degrees (if you place the end of a wooden spoon in the oil, bubbles should rise up). Dredge the pork chops in flour, then dip both sides in the beaten egg. Finally, coat both sides with the crushed pecans mixed with salt and pepper. Place in skillet and cook 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until crust is golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool 5 to 10 minutes.
In the meantime, toss together spinach and mango. Once pork has cooled, slice into bite-sized pieces and add to salad.
For the dressing, whisk all ingredients together, then drizzle over salad.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Vegetarian Mediterranean Panini
You know me, I love a good sandwich! I also tend to get in a very comfortable produce rut, so I decided to switch things up, while still making one of my favorites. What did I throw into the mix? A big, beautiful portobello mushroom. Mushrooms are such a nice meaty food without the heaviness that some of my go-to proteins lend to an otherwise light meal. Since I tend to go pretty heavy-handed with my sandwich toppings, the portobello mushroom was the perfect addition.
Vegetarian Mediterranean Panini
1 large portobello mushroom cap, stemmed and cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 red onion, sliced
2 roasted red bell peppers
2 cups frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
8 large sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 loaf ciabatta
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Heat a grill pan on medium heat. Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil on both sides of mushroom and sprinkle with rosemary. Grill about 6 minutes on each side until grill marks are formed. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, then slice and set aside.
Heat a large skillet on medium heat and warm other tablespoon oil. Saute garlic and onion 2 minutes, then add bell pepper, artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes and saute 3-5 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper.
Reheat grill pan or panini grill. Cut ciabatta in half to form a top and bottom, then slice into 5 pieces. Pile mushroom slices, vegetable mixture and a few crumbles of goat cheese on each bottom half, then place top on the sandwich. place sandwiches on grill pan and place a heavy skillet on top (I used my cast iron) and let it cook 4-5 minutes, then flip and let it cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!
On the side:
Blackberry Spinach Salad
5 ounces baby spinach leaves
3 ounces fresh blackberries
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
1 ounce crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Whisk together vinegar, oil and salt and pepper and drizzle over salad.
Vegetarian Mediterranean Panini
1 large portobello mushroom cap, stemmed and cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 red onion, sliced
2 roasted red bell peppers
2 cups frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
8 large sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 loaf ciabatta
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Heat a grill pan on medium heat. Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil on both sides of mushroom and sprinkle with rosemary. Grill about 6 minutes on each side until grill marks are formed. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, then slice and set aside.
Heat a large skillet on medium heat and warm other tablespoon oil. Saute garlic and onion 2 minutes, then add bell pepper, artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes and saute 3-5 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper.
Reheat grill pan or panini grill. Cut ciabatta in half to form a top and bottom, then slice into 5 pieces. Pile mushroom slices, vegetable mixture and a few crumbles of goat cheese on each bottom half, then place top on the sandwich. place sandwiches on grill pan and place a heavy skillet on top (I used my cast iron) and let it cook 4-5 minutes, then flip and let it cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Enjoy!
On the side:
Blackberry Spinach Salad
5 ounces baby spinach leaves
3 ounces fresh blackberries
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
1 ounce crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Whisk together vinegar, oil and salt and pepper and drizzle over salad.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Strawberry Chicken Panini
In case you haven't noticed, I can't get enough of strawberries while they're in season. With that in mind, I saw a delicious recipe for Strawberry, Pistachio and Goat Cheese Pizza which looked divine. I decided I wanted to switch things up a bit to add a protein and turn this into a sandwich to be more filling with a side salad to accompany it, which was a great weeknight meal!
Strawberry Chicken Panini
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cut into strips
8 slices whole wheat bread
2 tablespoons butter
3 ounces honey goat cheese, crumbled
2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cups watercress
Place a few slices of chicken on buttered bread and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese. Cook on a preheated grill pan about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Add strawberries and watercress to sandwich, slice and serve.
Peach and Honey Roasted Peanut Salad
8 ounces spring mix greens
3 peaches, sliced
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 large lemon, zest and juiced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine greens, peaches and peanuts in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together remaining ingredients, then toss with salad. Enjoy!
Strawberry Chicken Panini
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cut into strips8 slices whole wheat bread
2 tablespoons butter
3 ounces honey goat cheese, crumbled
2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cups watercress
Place a few slices of chicken on buttered bread and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese. Cook on a preheated grill pan about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Add strawberries and watercress to sandwich, slice and serve.
Peach and Honey Roasted Peanut Salad
8 ounces spring mix greens
3 peaches, sliced
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 large lemon, zest and juiced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine greens, peaches and peanuts in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together remaining ingredients, then toss with salad. Enjoy!
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