Showing posts with label Vegetarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegetarian. Show all posts

Saturday, May 14, 2022

Marinade for Roasted Vegetables



Because I like to cook with whatever is in the house, I have formulas for some things rather than recipes. A recipe implies that you should have certain ingredients to make the food taste right or to make it work. Most of the time, that isn't the case. Most things have a ratio that will allow you to substitute a whole array of ingredients. In addition to using up what you have around, formula cookery results in some novelty and discovery. 

We like to roast vegetables rather than steam or boil them because the flavor is concentrated and intensified in the roasting. With some of the water content gone and a bit of caramelization, new flavors emerge. The best example of this is how many people like roasted Brussells sprouts, but do not care for them cooked with any other method.

The sauces can be drizzled over the vegetables in whatever quantity you like. I like to drizzle a little when I first put them in the oven and then again about 15 or 20 minutes before I remove them from the oven.


Formula for Marinade


Tang - wine vinegar, rice vinegar, cider vinegar, lemon or lime juice - about 1/4 cup

Sweetness - honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, jelly - especially pomegranate - about 1/3 cup

Fat - butter, avocado oil, olive oil, ghee, or some combination of those - about 1/2 cup

Liquid - broth, wine, fruit juice, water, beer - about 1/3 cup

Flavoring/Umami - soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili pepper flakes or powder, caraway seed powder, dill weed, mustard, coriander, fennel, ginger, garlic, etc. How much of these flavorings you use is totally unique to who's doing the eating. But all of these are generally measured with spoons rather than cups.

There is no reason not to use the same formula for meat marinade, as well.

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
Jaryd Clifford

Monday, July 13, 2020

Tempura and Ponzu




This stuff is so delicious, and not terribly complicated. It is good without any ponzu sauce, but the sauce is so simple to make, you will definitely want to try it.


I cubed the tofu and set it on a clean towel to drain away excess moisture.

The tempura mix consists of equal parts: cornstarch, nutritional yeast and wheat flour and a teaspoon of salt. (Try rice or potato flour if you don't want gluten.) Use about 1/3 cup of each. 

Toss the cubes in the dry mix and gently lower into hot oil. Used about a quarter inch of coconut oil in a frying pan at medium heat.
 


Fry for 4 or 5 minutes; then flip (carefully) to crisp the other side. Stir a little to make sure all the pieces are coated with oil. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and drain on some paper toweling.



The ponzu sauce consists of:
Soy sauce - about a half cup
The juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime
A tablespoon of vinegar
And a couple of teaspoons of honey

Drizzle a little over your crispy tofu for a real treat.

Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
Mignon McLaughlin






Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Eggplant Pasta



This has quickly become a new family favorite. It's been a good year for eggplant, so our creativity has been put to the test.

The ingredients:
2 cups cooked pasta - penne or a similar shape
5 or 6 Japanese or Chinese eggplant - about 3 cups peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes - cherry, grape or pear tomatoes work very well
2 cups sliced mushrooms
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup olive oil


1. Begin by peeling and dicing the eggplant, Put it in a large skillet with a generous amount of olive oil.

2. Salt the eggplant, and saute for about 10 mintues before adding the sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic.
















3. Keep the heat on the low side and saute until the mushrooms are cooked and the eggplant is translucent and has absorbed the olive oil.

4. Chop the tomatoes and add to the eggplant mix.













5. Turn off the heat. Chop the fresh mozzarella and sprinkle over the top. Add the chopped, fresh basil.


6. Add the pasta; stir and serve with a little grated Parmesan.

You will thank me!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Grilled Vegetable Casserole




This is not dinner in 30 minutes, but it is cooked partly outdoors and it is So Delicious. It also uses large quantities of vegetables, so if your garden is overproducing, you can use it all.

Ingredient List
At least 4 - 6 Chinese or Japanese eggplant - the skinny ones
At least 3 - 4 zucchini
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
4 - 6 eggs
1/4 - 1/3 cup olive oil
Italian spices
1 1/2 cups grated cheese
Marinara sauce
Shaved Parmesan for garnish

Begin by slicing some eggplant and zucchini lengthwise. Put them on the grill with a little salt.

Cook them until they are a little bit charred and soft.



Next: Chop the cooked vegetables. Put them in a glass casserole dish.


Step 3: Beat 4 - 6 eggs - depending on how many vegetables you have - one egg for every cup and a half of chopped veg. Add some Italian spices to the eggs - about a tablespoon.

Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the vegetables, Add the beaten egg and toss so that the vegetables are coated with oil and egg.

Step 4: Add about a cup of seasoned bread crumbs. Toss again so the pieces are coated with crumbs.

Step 5: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes (40 if your casserole is quite full).

While the vegetables are baking:

1. Heat some marinara sauce on low.

2. Grate some cheddar or jack cheese - about 1 1/2 cups.
When the vegetables are cooked, sprinkle the cheese on top and bake for 10 more minutes - uncovered.

Serve with marinara sauce and shaved Parmesan.
Enjoy!






Sunday, August 18, 2019

Fruit and Cider Pancakes




I'm searching for a better name for the long list of pancakes I have made over the past decade or so. "Cake" is not what I am going for, but they always consist of batter fried in a pan, so this is it for now. These have a summery flavor and are simple to make.

This summer was a good year for fruit and I like to use what's on hand.

For these tasty breakfast treats you will need:

5 eggs
1 1/2 cups of mashed fruit
1 + cups of any flour you like; I have used wheat, quinoa, and brown rice flour - all with good results.
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup of cider; it can be hard cider or the non-alcohol kind.

Mix your ingredients together. Heat some coconut oil in a large frying pan, and spoon in some batter, and cook on a low heat setting.

Make the pancakes dollar size for easier flipping. If you like thicker batter, it's all right to add more flour. I tend to like a crepe-like result, so I use less flour.

Top with fruit sauce, honey, syrup, jam, butter or anything else that you like on pancakes. I usually sprinkle some chopped pecans on mine.




Sunday, January 6, 2019

Roasted Vegetable Soup


I'm a big fan of recipes with variable ingredients. This roasted vegetable soup will work with whatever vegetables you happen to have around your house, in your garden or available at the farmer's market. Put chunks of raw vegetables into a Dutch oven, or any covered casserole dish or enamel baking dish. Slow roast the vegetables along with wine, olive oil, and salt.

When the vegetables are soft and somewhat caramelized (3 - 4  hours in a 325 oven), remove the covered dish from the oven, add the broth and any herbs that you like. Return the dish to the oven for another hour.

As your final step, allow the roasted vegetables to cool a bit, and then puree them with a hand blender. You could add some sour cream or creme fraiche, if you like. And you might want to add more herbs or salt to bring it into the perfection zone!

Any combination of these will work in your soup:

Onions - peeled and quartered
Whole peeled garlic cloves
Tomatoes - remove stems and cut in halves or quarters
Sweet potatoes - peel and cut into chunks
Broccoli
Cauliflower
White or red potatoes - peel and cut in halves or quarters
Leeks - clean and cut off green tops
Shallots - peel and put in whole
Chili Peppers, Ortega, Pasilla, jalapeno - remove stems and seeds and cut in half
Winter Squash - any kind - peel, remove seeds and cut into chunks
**Winter squash can be hard to cut and peel, so I put the whole squash into the oven for 30 to 40 minutes before I attempt to cut and peel it. Works like a charm!**


Other ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil 
1/2 cup red or white wine - add at the beginning
2 - 3 cups broth - add after vegetables are roasted
Herbs - basil, dill, parsley, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, ground caraway,
Basil, dill, and parsley can be used in large quantities. Thyme, rosemary and oregano are too strong for more than a pinch. (See note below.)
Salt - add initially and at the final step, if needed
1/3 - 1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche - add at the end
Cooked rice, barley or corn - add after the soup is pureed
Cooked, chopped vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus - add after the soup is pureed
Sauteed mushrooms - add after soup is pureed

If you like to use your imagination, this is a terrific way to make a hearty winter soup with fabulous flavor.
Note: One way to add a strong spice like rosemary to a broth is to put it in a tea strainer or a gauze drawstring pouch and let it steep in the hot broth for a bit. You will get some of the flavor and the aroma, but without the woody bits.





Sunday, August 5, 2018

Flavor Cubes


 Gardens are producing already, so I am posting this in a hurry because I think it is a time saving idea and an efficient way to handle quantities of produce.



Use peppers, tomatoes, herbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and some olive oil to make a sofrito. I like a little heat in nearly everything I cook, so I use jalapenos and poblanos, but you can also use bell peppers and ortega chilies in your sofrito.

Cook the mixture until everything is soft. Spoon it into a Pyrex mixing bowl, and let it cool  slightly. Use an immersion blender to make a paste, and spoon the paste into ice cube trays.

When the flavor paste is solid, remove from the trays and wrap in wax paper. I found this nice unbleached wax paper at Sprouts.


After your pieces are wrapped, pop them into a zipper bag and store them in the freezer.

Use them to flavor rice, soups, stews, stir fry dishes, salad dressing, or any other place where you need a flavor burst.

Rice nearly always needs a little something to make it interesting, and popping one or two of these into the water when you are boiling it will do the trick quite nicely.

The total time for creating these flavor cubes is pretty modest. When the gardens are gone, you will have some pleasant reminders of your summer harvest.



Friday, March 9, 2018

Shaved Carrots and Sliced Brussels Sprouts



Veg! Veg! Veg!
It seems like we can't get too many vegetables. We all want to eat as many as we can. This is a tremendously simple way to jazz up a couple of old favorites.

To make this dish in a 9 x 13 casserole, you will need about 6 - 8 large carrots. I made the carrot curls with my peeler, but if you have a mandolin, this would be an ideal use for it.

Use about a dozen and a half sprouts. Shuck the outside leaves and slice them quite thin.



Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over these; and put them in the oven uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes.

While these are roasting, make a drizzling sauce of:
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
3 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of dill weed
2 tablespoons of parsley

When the 20 minutes are up, drizzle half of the sauce over the vegetable mix. Bake for 20 more minutes.

Drizzle the rest of the sauce over the mix and cook for a final 20 minutes. The sweet roasted goodness of these is amazing. Enjoy!


Glory follows virtue as if it were its shadow. Cicero



Saturday, September 30, 2017

Pie Crust Options

Pie Crust Options

Graham Cracker Crumbs and Butter
Ground Nuts and Butter
Wheat Flour and Butter or Lard (with a little water)
Oat Flour, Butter, and Nuts
Golden Flax, Nuts, Butter, and Oat Flour



When you think about it, a crust is just an additional layer on the bottom of a dessert. It is sometimes also a layer on the top of a dessert. Many people are intimidated by pie crust because they have a crumbly, flaky texture in mind that is difficult to create, especially when it is on the bottom of a second layer that is full of fruit juice or custard. Frankly, the only way to keep a crust from getting soggy is to construct it mostly of ingredients that won't easily absorb moisture.

Of course, the thing that doesn't absorb moisture is oil. So plenty of butter, oil or nuts will do the trick. The place where most people get hung up is in trying to roll out a sheet of pastry that doesn't want to stick together. Forming a sheet of pastry that can be maneuvered is a function of gluten, but glutinous and stretchy is the exact opposite of what we want a crust to be. Because a glutinous crust will absorb liquid like a sponge. One solution is to forget the rolling and simply press the crust mix into the bottom of the pie plate.

The top might be a little easier to roll into a maneuverable sheet because it is smaller in diameter, but crumb crusts on top are also appetizing in appearance and quite delicious. Think Dutch Apple. The crust in the photo of this delicious Pumpkin Creme Pie is made with oat flour, sugar, spices, ground pecans and butter. Oat flour is easily made by putting oat flakes in a coffee grinder. Pecans are also crushed in the coffee grinder. Mix these things together right in the pie plate and press them against the bottom and the sides.

 Many years ago, pie crusts were made with a variety of trans fat concoctions, which are certainly impervious to liquids, but they are also pretty impervious to healthy digestion, so these solutions should be relegated to history. A good quality lard, however, is a fine oil for pie crust if you want something traditional. Mix, stir, and handle as little as possible to avoid activating gluten.

For the crusts listed above use 1/2 cup soft butter, and whatever combination of dry ingredients you like or have on hand. You can grind most nuts and seeds in a coffee grinder to get the amount needed for your crust. Add nuts and dry ingredients until you get a crumbly mix that can be pressed easily. Spices and sweeteners can be added at your discretion. Sugars tend to scorch easily, so you might want to be somewhat sparing with these.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Apple Custard Cake

Apple Custard Cake


There are many recipes for apple cake. The two things that set this one apart are: cooking the apples which helps create a custard texture, and browning the butter which gives it an extraordinary flavor.

Sliced apples - about 6 medium apples
I happened to have some Asian pears when I made this and I used a bit of pear along with the apples. Four apples and two pears will make an even more fabulous custard than the apples alone.

1/2 teaspoon Cardamom

1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 cup bourbon or dry white wine or brandy

2 eggs

2/3 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup flour (This can be oat flour, wheat flour, fava flour or some combination of these.)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Put 1/2 cup butter in a skillet over low heat to brown. When butter is browned, set it aside to cool.

2. Peel and slice apples.

3. Put nutmeg, cardamom​, sugar, flour, bourbon, vanilla, salt and baking powder into a mixing bowl, and add the partially cooled butter.

4. Put the apple/pear mix and 2 generous tablespoons butter into the skillet to begin softening. Sprinkle the fruit very lightly with cinnamon.

5. While the fruit is softening in the skillet, add the eggs to the mixing bowl. This should take 10  -  15 minutes. The fruit should be partially cooked, but not mushy.

6. Let the fruit cool a little before adding to the rest of the batter so as not to cook the eggs.

7. You can bake the custard in a glass pie plate or in individual custard cups. At  340, the cake will take about 35 minutes to bake. The individual cups may be done at around 30 minutes.

Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar. Serve while still slightly warm with whipped cream. It's also good cold!

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Spiced, Dried Kale

 Spiced, Dried Kale

No matter how you regard kale, it is easy to grow. And if you or your friends grow it, you might run out of ways to use it. Drying it with a little olive oil and a few spices gives you a way to use great bunches of it in all kinds of places that it would not ordinarily fit. And because of the high nutrient value of kale, it makes a great food additive.

To dry the kale, coat a baking sheet with olive oil, and load it up with kale that has the center stalk removed. Sprinkle on a little salt, chili powder and/or curry powder, and set it in the oven at 200 degrees. It may take a couple of hours to dry. A heaping tray will dehydrate down to the place where it can fit into a pint jar. When it is crispy and crumbles easily, remove it, cool it, and store it in a glass jar.

Now you can use the dried kale just like an herb. 
Sprinkle it in eggs. 
Mix it into casserole dishes and add it to salad dressing. 
Or crush it very fine and use a bit in marinade. 
It also makes a terrific spice for coleslaw. 
Combine it with a soft cheese for a tasty hors d'oeuvre. 
Use your imagination. It has a pleasantly bitter flavor so it adds some umami to your favorite foods.

I used quite a bit of dried kale in this green goddess dressing and it improved the flavor immensely. Any dressing that tends to be a little bland, such as ranch or buttermilk will perk up with a tablespoon of spiced, dried kale.


I have been known to put just about everything into bread, and dried kale works here, too. Some pressed garlic and dried kale makes a mouthwatering bread.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

More Chia Pancakes

Because you cannot have enough recipes for pancakes...More Chia Pancakes

1/2 cup chia seeds
1 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup coconut flour
5 medium or 4 large eggs
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cloves

Coconut oil for frying.

1. Stir the chia seeds into the hot water. Let sit for 30 minutes or longer. These can even be kept in the refrigerator overnight if that is more convenient.

2. When you are ready to fry your cakes, mix all the ingredients together in a blender. Blend on medium speed for about a minute.

3. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot coconut oil to make cakes about 3 inches in diameter.

4. Serve with any combination of toppings: butter, syrup, fruit sauce, nuts

The world will be saved by beauty.   Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Color Cole Slaw

Color Cole Slaw

We have some lovely purple cabbage in our garden, so it seemed like a good time for a new twist on cole slaw. It's a great side dish and could also be used as a garnish for fish tacos.

2 cups shredded purple cabbage
2 cups shredded Napa cabbage
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
3/4 cup diced celery
1 1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons caraway powder
2 tablespoons dill weed
1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette 

Stir and let sit at least a half hour before serving, so that the flavors have a chance to blend a little.

The amounts are not critical; this my best estimate of what I actually used.

Mighty things from small beginnings grow.  John Dryden




Thursday, January 26, 2017

Tropical Truffles

Tropical Truffles

1/2 cup macadamia nut butter
Substitute cashew butter if this is too hard to find.
 3/4 cup cocoa powder
 1/2 cup butter
 3/4 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
 1/3 cup chopped dried pineapple
 1/2 cup chopped dates

Coating
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup almond meal
1/2 cup finely shredded coconut

1. Let the butter melt in a slow cooker while you chop and assemble all of the other candy ingredients.
2. Stir everything together and drop spoonfuls on waxed paper.
3. When these have cooled, roll them into roundish shapes and roll them in the coating.
4. Refrigerate between sheets of wax paper. Remove them from the refrigerator 10 - 15 minutes before serving.

Days and months are travelers of eternity. So are the years that pass by.  Matsuo Basho

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

HOT STUFF BREAKFAST

This dish works best when the squash comes fresh from the garden. Pick them when they are no longer than 5 or 6 inches. The smaller the squash, the more flavorful they are.



Summer squash – all colors, sliced very thin
Chopped artichoke hearts
Fresh herbs - Chives, basil, oregano and marjoram all work well.
Poblano or Anaheim chili if you like a little heat
An Ortega chili will work if you want to start the day in a milder style
Olive oil and butter
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese - Reggiano if you’re feeling fabulously rich

1. Chop the pepper into small pieces and saute in olive oil.

2. While the peppers are sauteing, wash and slice the squash. Put the thinly sliced squash pieces into the saute mix, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and continue to saute for another 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Add the herbs, butter and the artichoke hearts; then turn the heat to low. Cover the pan so that everything heats through.

4. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan  on the vegetables just before you remove them from the stove. (Leave this out for a dairy free option.) The cheese will melt quickly and acts as a flavor enhancer for the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Serve with bacon, sausage, or eggs or all by itself for a light, but invigorating breakfast!

Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Cauliflower Potato Soup

1 head of Cauliflower
4 medium sized potatoes
1 medium onion
1 red bell pepper
10 – 12 mushrooms
1 head broccoli
Salt
Pepper
Anchovy paste
Soy sauce or tamari
2 cups broth – chicken or vegetable
2 cups milk – Nut or dairy
Dill
Parsley
Curry powder

1. Cut 1 cauliflower and 6 medium peeled potatoes into large chunks - approximately 2 x 3 inches
2. Dice one medium onion.
3. Roast the onion, cauliflower and potatoes in a glass pan with salt and pepper and a generous drizzling of olive oil at 375 for about an hour. Cover the dish with foil for the first half hour, then remove.
4. Chop the red pepper, broccoli and mushrooms into small bits and sauté in olive oil. We eat with our eyes first and the tiny color morsels will jazz up this cream colored soup. Set these aside until the soup is pureed.



5. When the potatoes, cauliflower and onion are cooked thoroughly, transfer them to a soup kettle and add 1 ½ cups of milk and 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Coconut, almond, cashew or dairy milk will all work equally well.
6. Puree the roasted vegetables, a teaspoon of anchovy paste, milk and broth with an immersion blender.
7. Add more broth if the soup is too thick.
8. Spice with dill, parsley, curry powder, salt and a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari.
9. When you have the consistency and flavor you like, add the red pepper/mushroom/broccoli mix.


 “Once you’ve roasted cauliflower in the oven, you can never go back.” Nigella Lawson


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Spicy Party Snack




Roasted Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans are a great alternative party snack. They are fairly inexpensive to make and quite a bit more nutritious than many snack foods.

Drain the liquid from a can of beans, heat some coconut oil on a baking sheet, and pour the drained beans onto the sheet. Sprinkle with spices, stir just a bit, and bake at 350 for 30 - 40 minutes. Beans should have a crisp coating. If they are not quite crisp, give them a few more minutes. Once they are cooled, you can store them in an airtight container. They are better fresh, though.

They will crisp a little faster if they are not crowded, so it is best to use only one can per one regular size baking sheet. 

Suggested spices:

Salt
Ginger
Turmeric
Cumin
Powdered mustard
Dill weed
Chili powder


Breakthroughs happen when what is suddenly possible meets with what is desperately necessary.
Thomas Friedman






Persimmon Salsa!

Whether you have a persimmon tree or friends with persimmon trees, this is the time of year when they seem to be everywhere. Persimmons recipes are quite commonly breads and pastry items because persimmons have a a sweet jam-like quality. We like salsa at our house and fruit mixes with hot chilies to create a flavor extravaganza. (Mango and pineapple salsas are also on this blog). So the persimmons (I used five) went into the salsa, along with:

Roasted garlic - 3 cloves
Cumin - rounded teaspoon
Salt - rounded teaspoon
Lime juice - one large lime
Crushed tomatoes - 2 1/2 cups
Red pepper flakes - rounded tablespoon
Chili powder - rounded teaspoon
Chipotle chili powder - level teaspoon
Ground coriander - level reaspoon, or cilantro leaves - rounded tablespoon

Persimmons need to be peeled and be sure not to get any seeds into the sauce.
 
Put the tomatoes, persimmon pulp, lime juice and garlic into a blender to make a sauce with an even texture.

Pour the sauce into a glass bowl and add spices to bring it to the level of heat that you like. None of the

The longer the salsa sits, the more heat it will absorb from the chili pepper flakes and powders, so you might want to wait for a while before adding more of those things unless you will not be bothered by a spicy salsa.


 To roast garlic, chop the tops from a few heads, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 325 for about 45 minutes. When the cloves are soft, you can squeeze them out of the skins and put them in a glass jar in the refrigerator to use in salad dressings, hummus, or any sauce you might be making. They will keep for a couple of weeks on the top shelf and add terrific flavor to many dishes.





Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Some Like it Hot


Admittedly, this salsa fresca would not have to be hot, but the combination of heat and sweet is irresistible.
This is a five minute or less creation and its original purpose was as a topping for fish tacos. You could certainly use it as a chip dip or a salad dressing or in myriad other ways.

Chop 3 ripe tomatoes
Add 1/3 cup crushed, canned pineapple
Add pepper flakes - a teaspoon if you are timid, a tablespoon if you are adventurous
Squeeze in the juice of one lime
A pinch of cilantro if you are a fan
That's it!



Sunday, July 10, 2016

Edible Bouquet


This isn't cooking in the strictest sense, but you will be welcome at any party with this simple summer recipe.

Put a few colorful items on a wooden skewer and stick them in a pint size canning jar. You can also mix up a vinaigrette for people to drizzle over the skewers when served.

Some items to put on skewers:
Green or black olives
Mozzarella balls
Radish slices
Cherry tomamtoes
Mushrooms
Deli meat - In this picture, chunks of deli turkey were wrapped in lettuce leaves
Bell pepper pieces
Cucumber slices
You could also add fruits such as berries or melon chunks

Vinaigrette:
A couple tablespoons of mustard
A splash of Moscato wine
1/2 cup garlic flavored olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
A rounded teaspoon of dill weed
A pinch of curry powder

Enjoy! The best part of this might be that you won't have to use the oven or the stove.


How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. Annie Dillard