The Perfect Salad

I've been on a really big "Salad Kick" lately, and have found the perfect way to create a delish salad that can be changed and has a huge variety of choices. Its much better than the bland old lettuce with bottled dressing with preserves and unwanted ingredients.

Start with the basics. From there, learn your favorite combinations. After the image, I've listed my favorite combinations that I make the most.

My favorite:

• Olive Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Strawberries + Feta Cheese
• Clementine Olive Oil + White Wine Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Oranges + Blue Cheese
• Olive Oil + Red Wine Vinegar + Dijon + Honey + Salt + Apples + Gorgonzola Cheese

Get creative! And remember, Feta cheese goes with everything! Its my favorite cheese, but don't forget to try Asiago Cheese, Gorgonzola, Blue Cheese, and even Goat Cheese (with honey).

You can also find many flavors of Olive Oil and Vinegars. "O Olive Oil Company" has some amazing choices, but many brands have infused Oils and such.

Always taste-test your dressing before tossing with the salad, and adjust ingredients to you liking!

Please Pin It on Pinterest to share this around! It would be greatly appreciated! =)
 

Cinnamon-Scented Roasted Chicken with Apples

In a review of a recipe from one of the giveaway prizes....

CINNAMON-SCENTED ROASTED CHICKEN
with APPLES

3 red apples, sliced
2 tblsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (3-1/4 to 2-1/2 lb) whole chicken

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Spread apples out on a baking pan.
• Combine butter, orange zest, cinnamon, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Wash chicken and blot dry. Using poultry shear or knife, remove the backbone of the chicken. Place the chicken split-side down on the apples.
• Rub 1/2 the butter mixture on the chicken underneath the skin, and then rub the remaining butter mixture over top of the skin.
• Roast the chicken until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F, about 40 minutes [I had to cook it more like 60 minutes].
• Tent the chicken to keep warm and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Cut chicken into pieces and serve with apples and the juices.

This recipe can be found in this amazing cookbook:

And don't miss a chance to enter this amazing giveaway! SOOOO many ways to enter!

Roasted Vegetables

Discovered this "new" way to cook veggies, and its been a huge hit for the family! The picture is of carrots, but you can use zucchini, squash or whatever your heart desires.

ROASTED VEGETABLES

Veggies of your choice [carrots, zucchini, squash...]
Olive oil
Seasoning [use can use any mixtures: salt & pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, cumin...] I used salt, thyme and rosemary

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cut veggie into even wedges (almost impossible, picture proves that) and toss with olive oil.
• Lay out on lightly greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with choice seasoning.
• Roast in middle rack for about 20 minutes, tossing half way, or until lightly browned on edges.

Melon Gazpacho with Frizzled Prosciutto

MELON GAZPACHO 

with FRIZZLED PROSCIUTTO

5 cups cubed peeled cantaloupe
4 cups ripe peaches, chopped
1/2 cup water
2 tblsp shallots, minced
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice
1 tblsp sherry vinegar
3/8 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp olive oil
4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into ribbons
4 tsp fresh mint, chopped
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Place first 7 ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. (in batches if necessary)
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add prosciutto; cook until crisp. Drain on paper towel.
• In large sauce pan over medium heat, pour in melon mixture and cook until heated through (about 10 minutes).
• Pour soup into bowl or bread bowls and top with prosciutto, mint and pepper.

Can anyone see me in the picture? I spy!