Switzerland

Eleven years ago this week, Trevin and I spent about a month in Europe. Aaaah, those were the days. This photo that I clicked with my phone reminded me of a similar photo from our European Holiday.

Now...

Then...

So many things have changed during the past eleven year...

Graduations

Cross-country moves

Mortgages

3 kids (almost 4!)

iPhones

Digital cameras

Wrinkles
Jobs

I have often longed for those days again. Traveling through Europe footloose and fancy free. But as I compared these images, I realized that I live in my own sort of "Switzerland" and the things that made me happy then are just a little different than the things that make me happy
now. And, if that's not the truth may Bocca della Verita bite off my hand!





And, although this is not exactly the same, this reminds me a lot of the thoughts I have had about Switzerland lately.

Insalata Florentine

I haven't been to Macaroni Grill for awhile. I think the last time was when I was pregnant with my son. He is 5 1/2. But I love this salad. I have fun finding a dish I love at a restaurant and then try to break it down and recreate it. 

After I recreated it and made my version several times, I found the original recipe here.

I like my version, but I think next time I make it, I'll try the original recipe.

And sorry, we ate this to fast to take any photos. :) But it looks a lot like this only with more spinach when it's finished.

Insalata Florentine

(Spinach, Orzo and Chicken Salad)

Adapted from MACARONI GRILL

5 cups julienne-shredded fresh spinach


2 chicken breasts grilled chicken, seasoned, sliced and chilled


2 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced


¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted


¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne cut


¼  cup capers


½ cup sliced black or kalamata olives


5 ounces orzo pasta, cooked and chilled

½ cup balsamic vinegrette

1/4 ounce shaved Parmesan
 cheese

Fresh cracked pepper, for garnish

In the order listed, place all ingredients, except Parmesan cheese, in a chilled mixing bowl. Toss and serve on a decorative wide bowl. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper

Balsamic Vinaigrette

¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of one lemon
pinch oregano
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
pinch of salt

Some more yummy recipes to come....

Great Harvest Chocolate Chip Cookies

Slow-Cooker Pork with Noodles