Wishing you a blessed Memorial Day!
I am so happy that I’m finding fresh green beans at Tasty Tuesday’s Farmer’s Market. I can’t tell you how much I love them. Today let’s look at an easy salad with steamed green beans, blue cheese, a little red onion, and pecans. It’s a great side or a tasty lunch I can tell you. Need a little more taste? Add chopped tomatoes. This chilled dish works great at a summer cookout.
Florida produces the majority of fresh strawberries in the US in the winter. Our big strawberry festival is in Plant City, Florida each March. The 11-day Florida Strawberry Festival will run from March 1-11, 2018 and feature headline acts like Brad Paisley, I Love The 90’s Tour, and Babyface. It is a fun food and music festival. You wouldn’t believe all the strawberry dishes served.
Za’atar is an ancient blend of spices used throughout the Middle East. It is the King of spices for savory dishes, and it is available in many supermarkets. It is a mixture of ground wild thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, salt, marjoram and oregano. Like many old recipes, there are variations in the amounts and ingredients and disagreements on the “right” version. If you make your own, you can experiment with the combinations to find the perfect spice blend for your palate. Start with small batches using the recipe below and use it with olive oil on toast. Don’t be afraid to play around until it’s just right for you. Sprinkle it on Greek yogurt and spread on toast. Good stuff. Sprinkle it on bread, dips, dressings, meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes, pasta, soups, and more. It will add to any savory dish.
Recently I was making my salad for lunch and remembered I had bought mangoes and some kiwi. I simply peeled and sliced both and added to my mixed greens and grape tomatoes. I believe in being adventurous and trying new combinations in salads. Makes it healthier and much more fun too! I topped the salad with a lime vinaigrette.