The other day I discovered the Olive Tap’s amazing vinegars and oils. It inspired me to play around with this classic salad. You’ll love this salad because it is so festive looking and you can switch the type of cheese you use. It’s equally delicious with brie (remove the rind), feta, saga blue or taste test with what you have on hand.
Glazed Beets with Feta Cheese and Fresh Mint
The farmers market had red and golden beets today. I don’t see them around here that often so I wanted to create a beautiful appetizer.
Roasting brings out a depth of flavor, the red beets are sweeter than the golden ones but the golden beets give a dish a pop of color.
You’ll love the addition of the balsamic glaze on the beets and the fresh mint, it brings the whole dish together.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Rich and creamy with a slightly crunchy top layer. They are so delicious that everyone wants the recipe. They remind me of the potatoes my mom would make on my birthday only better.
This will become a treasured recipe, it is so delicious and if you double the ingredients you can serve a crowd and you aren’t fussing when your guests come.
This morning, mom and I made my absolute favorite dessert. I have insisted on having it for every birthday and celebration since I was a child! Loosely based on James Beard’s recipe, this chocolate roll cake melts in your mouth with its rich chocolate and smooth homemade whipped cream. An absolute crowd pleaser, made even better by the fact that it is gluten free!
This has been one of our favorite dishes to make together for years! It is a taste sensation! We used to make it only using pasta, but after discovering the wonders of spaghetti squash we would never go back! It’s wonderful for a meal by yourself or to please a crowd!
Guacamole is one of our absolute favorite snacks. We are always searching for new ways to enjoy it, whether we eat it on chips or rice crackers or right from the spoon! Guacamole peppers are the new favorite, they contain all the delicious guacamole flavor with a nice flavorful crunch created by the pepper. If you are looking for a low calorie way to eat guacamole or a just a new way to serve the snack guacamole peppers are perfect for you!
Asian greens are strong, spicy and peppery. They are also very beautiful. You’ll love this salad because it’s easy to put together, it’s a fun dish to make when friends are coming over and quinoa is full of protein.
Fresh figs are in the marketplace again. The most delicious figs are perfectly ripe, juicy figs. Look for plump or slightly wrinkled flesh and the stem should have a soft curve. The bottom of the fig has a small opening called an eye or “ostiole.” A drop of moisture from the eye confirms that the fig will be sweet. I try to avoid figs that are weeping with moisture.
One of my favorite recipes using fresh figs is Mascarpone Stuffed Figs. I first tasted this appetizer at a wedding catered by Claudia Portaro, of Claudia’s Catering Service in Montreal. This is my version. It’s quick, easy and delicious.
I love breakfast! It is favorite meal of the day, I love drinking a piping hot cup of black coffee, settling down with the paper, and enjoying a meal! This salad is one of my favorite breakfast treats. The combination of the leafy greens, crunchy fennel, and smooth runny yolk is to die for.
This morning I was lucky enough to enjoy this yummy breakfast, while my mom enjoyed it in Florida for lunch! I hope you enjoy!
If you can manage to not eat them all as soon as they leave the oven, they make a great addition to any salad! They act almost as croutons adding a tasty bite!
