Off The Counter: A Summer Salad

I have this reputation as "the salad queen" that I haven't been living up to lately.  My obsession with kale (which I only like sautéed) may just be the reason.  While visiting family and friends back East, I was reminded of my once salad greatness.  When the first few people we visited asked if we were going to have one of "Debra's salads", I realized I needed to begin preparing them again.

Here's one that combines all my favorite summertime ingredients:  figs, tomatoes, peaches and fresh mozzarella.  Drizzled with honey and chives the salad takes on the fresh, sweet flavor of the season.  Ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

Figs, peaches, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, honey, chives, olive oil,  rice vinegar and sea salt.

Instructions:  

This salad holds its pretty appearance best if prepared in individual bowls.

Cut the figs, peaches and tomatoes into generous slices.  Lightly salt the tomatoes prior to adding them to the rest of the fruit in the bowls.  Using your hands tear chunks of mozzarella into each bowl.  Drizzle all the ingredients with honey and lightly dress with olive oil and rice vinegar.  Top it off with chopped chives.

Enjoy!

Do YOU have a favorite salad?  If so, do share.

Many, many thanks to LB for her Cambridge hives honey!

 

Off The Counter: Peach Caprese Salad With Crushed Pistachios

This week's Off The Counter is a fresh take on the traditional Caprese salad.  Sliced peaches and crushed pistachios give this classic a surprisingly sweet and crunchy flavor while the layered arugula leaves add a peppery pop.  Ingredients and instructions below:

Ingredients

Tomatoes, mozzarella, peaches, pistachios, arugula, salt, pepper, olive oil and rice vinegar.

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes, the fresh mozzarella and the peaches.  Layer them on a tray, add the arugula leaves and drizzle all with olive oil and rice vinegar.  Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve and enjoy this seasonal favorite!

Off The Counter

 

Off The Counter features my latest food obsession:  ranch dressing.  Not just any random dressing,  but the classic Hidden Valley one we all grew up with.  At some point the foodie mania that took over our generation got the best of me and I simply discounted it as a staple destined to be kept in the back of the refrigerator, out of sight and out of reach.

Lately, however, even my pickiest little eater has been dipping veggies in it and therefore  tasting foods he would have never otherwise sampled.  I realized that this old time favorite of mine has become a vehicle for trying new foods for my discerning young eaters.  If you and your family are not already dipping in it, move it towards the front of your fridge.  It is well deserving of  this new and  're-evaluated'  placement...

What's your new/old food obsession?