it's what's cookin: 1/9/11

Why this blog??

Why this blog?? I often find myself stressing over what to make for my family for dinner. We live a busy life and some meals need time to prep, cook and let's not forget shopping for everything you need. I love cookbooks and websites, but there are so many recipe's at times it is overwhelming. The recipe's I will be posting are things I actually made. I will tell you if they are easy or more time consuming. I will also tell you if they are good. Most of these are recipe's I have made for years and continue to make because they are easy or quick and my family loves them and i know yours will too! I will also try to at least once in a whlie try a new recipe I've found on line or in a book and honestly rate it. I always encourage others to send me their favorite recipe's as well! I am a mom... not a chef. But I am a mom who enjoys cooking for her family and making a somewhat healthy meal (some days more healthy than others:) ) In each recipe I will share how I recommend serving it, any substitutions I can think of that are also good, or ways to prepare ahead of time to make the cooking part seem quicker! I am not a photographer, as you can see... most of these pictures are taken from my phone camera, so may not be the best! I love to hear from others who have made these recipes and what they have done to change the recipe... please post comments! Thank you! To "like" me on facebook, go to this link... It's What's Cookin

Sunday, January 9, 2011

My FAVORITE Salad recipe

I love salads. The more stuff in it the better! It's funny, I make this salad a lot for guests or when I go to parties. Everyone always says... I love your salad but I hate onions... I love your salad but I hate feta cheese... I love your salad but i hate____... Someone always seems to HATE something in my salad, yet everyone seems to eat it, copy it, and ask me to bring it as a dish:) To be honest, I took this salad recipe from a friend of mine, changed a few things, and made it my own too. You can do the same!

Here is what I put in my salad. There are a few main staples. The rest you can change to make your own. To me, the salad is not complete without all of these in it though.

*Organic Mixed Greens
*Shredded Carrot (I used the pre packaged)
*Shredded Red Cabbage (I use the pre packaged)
*Cucumber, deseeded and diced
*Yellow Banana Pepper, deseeded and diced
*Tomato, diced
*Green Apple, diced
*Sweet Onion, sliced thin
*Avocado, Diced
*Crumbled Feta Cheese (Any flavor)
*Golden Raisens
*Slivered Almonds
*Alessi Brand White Balsamic Vinegar (Must be this brand)
*Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil (Light EVOO)
*Nature Seasonings
*Ground Pepper

Sometimes (as in this picture) I add other things such as green or red peppers, or other fruit. Depends on if I have things in my fridge I need to get rid of. I love vinegar so I do about equal parts vinegar to oil. I have a friend who uses a bit more oil then vinegar and she thinks it tastes best that way. Always add less of both, toss, and taste. You can always add more! Season as much or as little as you'd like.

This is what I use for the dressing. 1:1 vinegar/oil. Season well.

It can get a little pricy with so many ingredients. I usually buy everything and will make the salad every day for a week:) Or as I said, it's GREAT to bring to a party... just bring the dressing, cheese, tomato and apple on the side and prepare right before eating. ENJOY!

Use this vinegar with extra light virgin olive oil and some Nature Seasonings... you will never want to use another salad dressing again! SO good!