Avocado & Strawberry Salad With Honey Basalmic Vinaigrette

Summer is a time when I indulge in lots of green salads and fresh fruit. Today’s salad is Avocado & Strawberry Salad with mixed baby lettuce leaves, cucumbers, grape tomatoes,  onions, and edible flowers.  Sweet strawberries and creamy avocado make a great combination. Mix in baby greens and edible flowers and it becomes a salad to remember. You can easily personalize it to fit your taste  by changing greens to spinach or what’s in season. Cheese and pecans are optional for great crunch and taste. Top it with balsamic vinaigrette.

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All Natural Thai Ice Tea

Many of you may indulge with a glass of Thai Ice Tea when eating at a Thai restaurant.  It’s a spicy blend of strong black Asian tea, vanilla,  and  spices such as star anise, crushed tamarind, cardamom, and occasionally others.  The tea is sweetened and then topped off with condensed milk or half and half.   It’s a perfect complement to spicy food. Traditionally in restaurants, the tea is also a bright orange as food colors are added to most Thai tea mixes.  The traditional tea restaurant style is packed with calories and additives.

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Artichoke Hearts, Romaine Lettuce & Blueberry Salad

I’m a great salad lover and like to add lots of healthy chewy produce to my salad. I alternate the type of lettuce I use to prevent getting bored.  My favorite is Romaine but I also love baby greens, Boston, Bibb, spinach, and red leaf lettuce.  Today’s salad is mostly Romaine with red leaf lettuce, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and blueberries. Leaves should be bright and fresh looking. Choose crisp lettuces that are free of blemishes. A hard-boiled egg or grated cheese is optional.  Fresh, delicious blueberries are my topping.

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The Best Yummy Tomato Tart Appetizer

If you like having friends over, I’ve got a real winner for snacks and appetizers.  Tomato tarts made with puff pastry are satisfying finger food.  Start with a handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, cream cheese and puff pastry.  Bake and serve.

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Summer Squash Quiche With Thyme

Summer is a time of bounty for those who grow vegetables. Even if you don’t grow your own, the fresh veggies are filling the supermarkets.  One of my favorite veggies is summer squash. Yellow, green, or white, I am a fan.

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Quick & Easy Cheesy Baked Tomatoes Gluten-Free

Whether your garden is exploding with fresh tomatoes in the summer or you bought winter tomatoes at the supermarket, a simple and yummy dish is cheesy baked tomatoes.  My recipe does not use bread crumbs and is gluten-free and grain-free.  Even in the winter, baking tomatoes brings out so much flavor. This is a perfect appetizer or first course and also makes a delicious side with many entrees.

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Easy Mango Salsa for Cinco de Mayo

Soon it will be time to celebrate the festive holiday of  Cinco de Mayo which is annually observed on May 5. It celebrates the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla). It’s a time for margaritas, beer, and savory food.

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