Garden Salads, Giveaway Time & the Centennial State

I have lots to share, as it’s been a while since I’ve posted! I was in Denver for some fun and a U2 concert, but also to have a meeting with our new Colorado Independent Cooking Instructor Dianne Gustafson. Have you ever been afraid to introduce people to one of your friends, because you fear they are going to like

Dianne and Kelly dine out in Denver

them bettter than you? Well, that’s the case with Dianne (In a good way). I know you Colorado folk will absolutely love her. And with years of background in heart-healthy cooking, she has a wealth of dietary information to share beyond the Organizing Dinner class curriculum. Contact Dianne directly at organizingdinner.dianne@gmail.com to schedule a class or party in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas.

Garden Salads

You responded to my recent Facebook post with what you are growing in your gardens this year. You’ve got some fantastic stuff on the way! I am jealous as most of you who replied have much more than I. However, I can still, hopefully, inspire you with some recipes. Here’s a few to start:

Caprese Bread Salad

Ingredients 

• 2 cups tomatoes from your garden, sliced and seeded if desired
• 2 cups spring greens (or other greens from your garden)
• 5 ounces Buffalo Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
• 3 cups day-old Italian bread, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients, toss well and let sit in refrigerator for at least one hour, for bread to absorb flavors.

Sweet Bell Pepper Salad

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers (various colors), cut into strips
• 1 tomato from your garden, seeded and sliced
• 1 cup shredded greens (again, whatever kind you’ve grown)
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and cubed
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients and chill.

** Giveaway Time **

And as I write this post, May is coming to an end. Time for our end-of-month FREE copy of 70 Meals, One Trip to the Store giveaway. Comment on this blog post to enter. Winner will be chosen and notified via e-mail on Thursday.