Foodie Friday: Serve Up A Spring Salad

 Yesterday we talked about outdoor entertaining. And one of the easiest and most refreshing dishes to serve outside is a crisp cool salad. So today I bring to you six fabulous salad recipes and chef's tools for your entertaining inspiration.  Enjoy! 

Spectacular Dirty Martini Salad

I am not a martini drinker, but I do love a martini glass. And a dash of liquor usually makes anything taste better. This salad calls for 1/4 cup vodka. I am sure that gin would work well, too. Love serving the salad in a martini glass.

Taste Of Home

Mango Wood Salad Bowl Set
Handcrafted and ever so good looking. It's under $50.

Etsy

Strawberry Chicken Salad

The White Salsamic Tarragon Dressing sounds delish! It also does double duty as a chicken marinade. What a great idea!

Foodie Crush

French Bull Salad Bowl

I have long been a fan of this brand of kitchen accessories. So fun, and they are melamine.

Amazon

Lemon Scallops Over Greens
No dressing is necessary because all of the pan drippings are poured over the greens!

Recipe Girl

Cuisinart Large Salad Spinner

Call me picky, but I would much rather have this item in white than the normal green. P.S. I don't have one, but I need one!

Amazon

Crunchy Thai Salad With Peanut Dressing

This would be a big hit at home, where everyone loves anything Thai.

Feasting At Home

The Collective Brass Salad Servers
A good looking set that is oh so giftable.

Nordstrom

Blueberry Salad With Delicious Sweet Lemon Dressing

I made this for my Easter Brunch. It was pretty and a big hit. That salad dressing was super delicious!

Simply 2 Moms

Mario Lucca Giusti Lente Salad Bowl
Great for indoor and outdoor use!

Nordstrom

Salmon Club Salad

This salad may just be the star of the edit. It features well seasoned {is there any other way?} salmon, cispy bacon, homemade croutons, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and the yummiest basil pesto dressing.

Half Baked Harvest

Muraglia Lemon Agrumato Olive Oil

A great vinaigrette begins with a good olive oil. The cruet makes for a nice gift for anyone.

Williams - Sonoma

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Outdoor Entertaining With Style 

Spring Things

 

Via: Tiffany LaBelle 

 

It's finally here! This has been the longest winter ever. But it's time to step into spring with anticipation of warmer days ahead. Of course Paris in the Springtime is special, but I thought of a few more of life's pleasantries that are beautiful about spring. Scroll down for a breath of springtime!

 

Gardening 

 I do love that act of caring for, growing, and eating my own veggies.  These Purple Tomatoes are from Roberta's Gardens on QVC. I have not purchased these, but I have the hostas. They grew like weeds. I would highly recommend ordering anything from Roberta's. They say "planting a garden is believing in tomorrow."    

 

 

Sunset Sips 

I cannot wait for the first warm evening to have a sunset cocktail on the terrace or patio. It's a ritual here.  Mario Lucca Giusti creates the chicest acrylic glassware. Bloomingdale's has them on sale for 25% off right now. Cheers to spring!

 

 

Sleeping With The Windows Open 

Isn't that just the best for sleeping? Fresh air always promotes a good night's sleep, and so does The Laundress Beauty Sleep.  The collection helps to make rest a ritual. Every product infuses your sheets and sleepwear with the most relaxing scent. It features notes of lavender, jasmine, and more. It's an indulgence for sure, but what price beauty?

 The Perfect Spring Candle

 As we usher in spring, refreshing our home and our senses seems all the sweeter. Here are 4 candles that will lift your spirits and scent your world.

 

1. Top Left Diptyque Fleur De Cerisier

(Cherry Blossom) The best candle I ever had was from Diptyque .This one is Springtime in wax. The scent of cherry blossoms.

 2. Michael Aram Lemonwood Candle. My vote for the prettiest candle ever. The scent is a mix of herbs, citrus, and grasses. But best of all they all are 25% off right now.

3. Quince:  Peony Dusk Candle. One of my favorite flowers always smells good, but especially at dusk.  Created by a renown pefumer, and is only $24. I like the simple glass container.

Flamingo Estate: Heirloom Tomato. This candle has a scent exactly like an heirloom tomato. I feel that you get your money's worth with this one.

 

Add Some Color To Our Wardrobe

I have to be honest. I am never giving up my black clothing, but adding a bright pop of color does feel happy. Chartreuse and yellow are the perfect way to add the color. Veronica Beard has some great pieces.

 Coleta V-Neck Sweater

Hoyt Wide Leg Pants 

Cat's Eye Stone Earrings 

Dash Top Handle Bag 

Small Veronica Stash Bag 

  

Spring Salads

Spring is a terrific time to lighten up. Don't you love a fresh salad? I found this recipe, Strawberry Feta Salad with Candied Pecans. Find it at Half Baked Harvest

 

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Stylish Spring Host Gifts 

Ingredient Spotlight: Heirloom Tomatoes

If you are like me, you can't get enough of this summer's bumper crop of heirloom tomatoes. I finally got "Mr. Shop This"on board for paying their hefty price tag. We both agree, they are so worth the up-charge over your garden variety tomato. This recipe roundup not only highlights the heirlooms, it brings out their extraordinary flavor in unexpected ways.

Heirloom Tomato and Basil Frittata

What a visually stunning dish! With a generous amount of gruyere, it will be extra delicious, too. 

F For Food Blog

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad

Yes please! The perfect Summer Salad. The tomatoes are marinated, and that is how the magic happens. Yum.

What's Gabby Cooking

Farmers Market Hummus

You may remember that I make my own hummus weekly. So much better than store bought. I have not tried to add heirloom tomatoes. What a 

fabulous idea!

The View From Great Island

Heirloom Tomato Beet Salad

I wish that I liked beets, as they are so healthy for you. This recipe is super easy and like summer 

on a plate.

Foxes Love Lemons

Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup

Much like gazpacho but the heirloom tomatoes used take this summer classic up several notches!

Cannelle et Vanille

Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Galette with Honey + Thyme

Who needs pizza when you can have this? They say that a galette is easy to make because you don't have to be exact in the rolling of the dough.

Half Baked Harvest

Tomato & Shrimp Risotto

I try not to eat too many carbs, as in rice or pasta, often. But when I do, risotto is often my choice. Add fresh tomatoes and shrimp, and you have a fabulous feast!

Broma Bakery

Roasted Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

"These roasted stuffed heirloom tomatoes are filled with a goat cheese, creme fraiche, thyme mixture and topped with garlic butter breadcrumbs for a wonderful late summer side dish."

Running To The Kitchen

20 Minute Heirloom Tomato Basil Chicken Parmesan Bolognese

This recipe had me at the 20 minute mark. I can guarantee you that it would take me twice that time to create this tasty dish. But it would be so worth it.  I mean how can tomatoes, basil, chicken, parmesan, and mozzarella be bad?

Half Baked Harvest

Hot Bacon Caprese Salad With Heirloom Tomatoes

Oh my! This reminds me of a spinach salad I have made with hot bacon dressing. Anyone can make Caprese Salad. Why not elevate yours with this version? It is sure to please.

How Sweet Eats

Mediterranean Prosciutto Buratta Flat Bread

Flat Bread always makes a great appetizer, but this dish looks like a meal to me. It can be made with homemade or store bought pizza dough. The pesto adds the color and authentic taste.
Aberdeen Kitchen

Grilled Peaches with Heirloom Tomatoes and Manchego

I have not thought of mixing peaches with tomatoes, but why not? These peaches have been caramelized by grilling them. This recipe is a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and herby freshness.

Feast Magazine

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Foodie Friday: Ingredient Spotlight ~ Strawberries

Foodie Friday: Cooking With Citrus

 Cold weather cooking is warm, comforting, and can be a little heavy. Winter's citrus fruits add a brightness and lightness to your soups, salads, casseroles and cakes. Not to mention how healthy these fruits are. I start each day with warm lemon and Himalayan salt water. Google the benefits of that combination. This recipe roundup features the jewels of Winter's produce. 

Upside Down Winter Citrus Cake

Is it art or is it cake? It's pretty as a picture, and said to be easy as pie to make!

Broma Bakery

Lemony Herb Roasted Chicken

I never have seen a chicken or turkey that I didn't stuff and spritz with lemon. This is a classic recipe that gets upgraded with lemons and fresh thyme.

Good Housekeeping

Citrus Salad With Mint And Marcona Almonds

What a party worthy salad! The dressing features fruit juice, honey, and mint.

Williams Sonoma

Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Citrus Juicer
Doesn't every designer kitchen need one of these? Now on sale and ships for free from...

Williams Sonoma

Sheet Pan Salmon With Citrus, Avocado Salsa and Potatoes

This recipe is extra colorful, easy, and delicious. Not to mention healthy! Love the addition of arugula.

Half Baked Harvest

Ricotta Pancakes With Lemon Curd

Said to be a cross between a fluffy pancake and a delicate crepe, these perfect pancakes sound absolutely delish! I find making homemade lemon curd to be so satisfying.

Belly Full

Citrus Salad with Arugula & Ricotta Salata

How pretty is this plate? It has been made with both Blood and Cara Cara oranges, fresh mint, baby arugula, pistachios and more. What a lovely beginning to any meal.

Saveur 

Pollo Pibil Tacos with Citrus Salsa

These tacos begin with a slow baked pulled chicken. They get sauced up with a yummy orange and annoto/achiote sauce. The citrus salsa adds a sweet zest to this dish.

Closet Cooking

Verve Artisan Citrus Juicer

If you make a lot of margaritas, this may be one terrific tool for you!

Sur La Table

Spicy Orange Margaritas
Ms. Shop This and I have made Blood Orange Margs in the past, so I know that this citrus fruit works really well. The cocktail gets spiced up with some Jalapeno simple syrup.  How interesting.

Heather Christo

Grapefruit and Seafood Ceviche
The last time I had ceviche, it was with Mollie. It was so bland that we politely sent it back. It needed these ingredients - grapefruit, jalapeno, and fragrant ginger. I think this recipe is a winner,

Saveur

Greek Yogurt Blood Orange 

Loaf Cake

I just love what blood oranges do to food and drink! The color is fabulous and the flavor so much deeper than a regular orange. This is a beautiful recipe to try ASAP.

Broma Bakery

Citrus Glass Plates

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, these pretty plates also have matching bowls and chargers.  They will add a touch of Italy to every meal.

Williams Sonoma

Ruby Red Sparkler Mocktail

Doing a dry January? Make this for your next zoom cocktail hour. Everyone will want one.

Oh So Delicioso

Meyer Lemon Pizza

Certainly not your delivery pizza, but ever so good.

Made with prosciutto, mascarpone, Parmesan, and  goat cheese, this recipe is a great appetizer. Yum!

How Sweet Eats

Manual Citrus Press

This is my most used cook's tool in the kitchen. I start each day squeezing lemon in it. Couldn't live without it. Works well with limes, too.

YY Home Living 

Lobster Salad With Grapefruit & Avocado

Oh my! I want a bite now. The fresh grapefruit in the salad and in the dressing along with champagne vinegar cuts the richness of the lobster.  And the avocado adds a healthy creaminess. 

Williams Sonoma

Grapefruit Smoothie Bowl

They say that we eat with our eyes. If that is true, then we all will love this pretty dish.  What a beautiful way to start your day.

Hummusapien

Slow Roasted Citrus Salmon

I can't say that I have ever slow roasted salmon before. Tieghan says it is absolutely delish. Worth trying! And can we talk about just how beautiful this dish is? Talk about eating the rainbow....

Half Baked Harvest

Mile High Lemon Pie

This makes me think of a very good friend who made the best lemon pie. I could go for some now. (Now 21 days and counting without sugar.) The weather has to be just right to make this cloud like classic. I have done it well, and then another time not so good. This recipe is said to be fool proof.

Goodies By Anna

Cozy Comfort Foods For A Winter Weekend