Friday, May 20, 2011

Switzerland

Scan 1
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...
Scan

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!


Scan 2


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





Monday, May 16, 2011

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