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click here to take survey We love your many comments and recipes...this one came from a dear friend, all the way from Abaco in the Bahamas!
Oh, Pat is one fabulous cook!
“Here's a new salad recipe I thought you might be able to use on your site."
Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
8-oz dried pasta shells, cooked and drained
4-oz blue cheese, crumbled
2 c toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 c celery, chopped
1/4-1/2 c mayo
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 T pesto
Gently toss all ingredients together and chill several hours.
“Of course I fool around with this recipe adding some Italian dressing to the mayo mix, some fresh herbs and instead of all pasta, adding half blanched, cold cauliflower to cut back on the carbs.”
Here's another recipe from Pat...
"I've also discovered Maple Leaf duck breasts which I dry rub with 5 spice powder, salt and pepper. I put them in the refrigerator for two days, uncovered on a rack so the skin dries out. Right before I saute them, I cut the skin and fat only in a diamond pattern (try not to cut into the meat). Saute on medium heat, fat side down for about 5 min. Drain off the fat and continue browning until the skin is brown and crispy. Turn over and cook on the meat side until desired doneness. I check with an instant read thermometer and usually cook until they're about 120-130 degrees. Let rest for awhile, then cut in thin slices. I always saute an extra breast or two for cold duck salad the next day."
Pat's daughter, Jenni, gave me this pasta salad for a large gathering. Jenni has learned from the best!
Jenni’s Pasta Salad
Dressing:
1 ¾ c soy sauce
¼ c sugar
2 T fresh ginger, grated
¼ c rice vinegar
½ c creamy peanut butter
¼ t pepper
1 ½ c olive oil
Heat until blended and set aside to cool.
Salad:
2 lbs large corkscrew pasta, cooked
1 lb shredded carrots
2 bunches green onions, chopped
6 oz sesame seeds, toasted for 2 minutes
1 lb peapods, plunge into boiling water for 20 seconds and rinse in cold water
3-4 lbs veggies, cauliflower and broccoli
Mix together except for the peapods. Pour dressing over and let sit overnight. Just before serving add the peapods.
Serves 50-60!
Because...together...
we love to create, collaborate and celebrate!
Carol and Barb
6 c cubed, seeded watermelon
1 c chopped, peeled English cucumber
½ c chopped yellow bell pepper
1/3 c chopped green onions
3 T chopped fresh mint
3 T fresh lime juice
1 T olive oil
¾ t salt
1/2 t Tabasco
1 minced garlic clove
1 c cranberry-raspberry juice
Combine first 10 ingredients. Pulse one half mixture at a time in the food processor until finely chopped. Place in large bowl, add juice and chill.
Adapted from Cooking Light.
Serve in margarita or martini glasses.
Try a straw or decorative toothpick with a cube of watermelon for garnish.
It's fun to sip or use a spoon.
Enjoy!
6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 red peppers, cored, seeded and chopped
2 yellow onions, chopped
2 large shallots, chopped
2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, chopped
1/2 c red wine vinegar
1/2 c olive oil
1 1/2 c canned tomato juice
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c fresh dill, chopped
*add chopped avocado or cilantro for garnish
In a bowl mix the vinegar, olive oil tomato juice and eggs.
Puree the vegetables in a blender or processor in small batches, adding the tomato juice mixture. Do not completely puree, retain some of the crunch of the vegetables.
Stir in the cayenne, salt and pepper to taste, and the dill. Chill for at least 4-6 hours.
Adapted from the Silver Palate Cookbook.
Use chilled mugs to serve as a first course while the grill is heating up!
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Greetings from Crete!
Our spring newsletter is up!
www.cookingincrete.com/
CCS-Newsletter-Spring-2010.html
All the best,
Nikki