Tag: summer

Poultry · Salads · Vegetables · Vegetarian

Southwest Shredded Chicken Salad

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Summer Salads are a favorite and this salad is full of protein and healthy vegetables. It is delicious for make-ahead meals. Another rotation in the summer salad schedule!

Southwest Shredded Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS:
  • SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
    • 1-1.5 lbs. chicken tenderloin (I used rotisserie chicken)
    • ¾ cup black beans, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
    • ¾ cup chickpeas, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup whole kernel corn, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup cucumber, cored and diced
    • ⅓ cup shallots, finely diced
    • ¼ cup jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
    • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped small
    • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • kosher salt, to taste
    • cracked black pepper, to taste
  • CHILI LIME YOGURT DRESSING
    • ½ cup 0% Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
    • 2 tablespoons diced green chilis, mild, canned works best
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons warm water, add more or less based on your preferred thickness
  • OPTIONAL GARNISHES
    • 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped small
    • ½ avocado, thinly sliced
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges
    • tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Boil a pot of water and add the chicken tenderloin. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Drain off the water and allow the chicken to cool. Then shred the chicken using two forks. (I used a cooked rotisserie chicken).
  2. Next, grab a small mixing bowl and combine the 0% Greek yogurt, fresh squeezed lime juice, mild canned diced green chilis (with the juice), garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt and warm water. Whisk well and set aside. For a thicker dressing add less water, for a thinner dressing add more water. You can adjust based on your preference.
  3. Then, prep all the veggies and herbs. You’ll need, drained and rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed chickpeas, drained and dried whole kernel corn, diced cucumber (be sure to remove the core), diced red bell pepper, finely diced shallots, finely diced jalapeno (remove the veins and seeds).
  4. Add the shredded chicken, vegetables, shredded cheese and herbs to a large mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly. Then, pour as much or as little chili lime yogurt dressing as you desire. I used about half. Toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Extra dressing can be stored covered in the refrigerator for three to four days. Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

Recipe from HealthyishFoods

Asian Dishes · Salads

Special Rice Noodles

cathysmaha1 Comment

The official name of this dish is ‘My Brother’s Special Rice Noodles’, but since this wasn’t from MY brother I felt weird saying that. Ha! This is such a refreshing salad and I love the combination of flavors. I’m a big an of cilantro (and it doesn’t taste like soap to me) so I add a handful to the salad. You could easily add a protein to the salad, if you desire.

Special Rice Noodles

INGREDIENTS:
  • For the Noodles:
    • 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced in strips
    • 6 small shitake mushrooms, sliced
    • 8 oz. pad Thai rice noodles
    • 1 cup red cabbage, sliced in thin strips
    • 1 cup cucumber, sliced in thin strips
    • 3 scallions, sliced
    • 2 tbsp. peanuts, chopped
    • fresh cilantro leaves for serving or in salad (optional)
    • sliced Fresno chili for serving (optional)
    • salt & pepper
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1 tbsp. white vinegar
    • 1 tbsp. Tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp. chili garlic sauce
    • 2 tbsp. sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp. maple syrup (I used agave)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the noodles.
  2. Mix together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  3. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic and onions in 1 tbsp. avocado oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until onions are mostly tender (3-4 minutes) then add the mushrooms and sauté until tender (3-4 minutes).
  4. Boil noodles according to package directions, then add to the pan with the veggies; mix together, then turn off the heat and mix in the cabbage, cucumber, scallions, peanuts and sauce.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and red Fresno chili slices and enjoy!

Recipe of My brother’s special noodles from MaxisKitchen

Garden · Meats · New Favorite · Salads

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad

cathysmaha1 Comment

Grilled Steak with fresh peaches, gorgonzola and caramelized onions…oh my gosh. Every bite is a flavor explosion. For those that don’t like Gorgonzola, Goat Cheese would probably be equally as good (maybe with a few chopped pecans?) or just skip the cheese. You’ll love it, too!

Balsamic Steak and Peach Salad

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1-1/4lbs tri-tip or flank steak, cut into easily grillable pieces (could use any cut of steak, really!)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves crushed garlic
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 jumbo or 2 smaller sweet onions, sliced thin
  • 2 large ripe peaches, chopped
  • 4 oz. gorgonzola cheese crumbles
  • 9 oz. mixed greens

For the Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and lots of salt and pepper into a large Ziplock bag then squish to mix. Add steak then marinate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, season lightly with salt, then saute until caramelized and soft, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and turning heat down slightly if onions begin to color too quickly. Stir in remaining 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar then set onions aside to cool – can be done up to a couple days ahead of time.
  3. Preheat a well-oiled grill over high heat for at least 10 minutes then turn heat down to medium-high. Add steak then grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on how thick your steak is, then let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain – can be done 1 day ahead of time.
  4. For the Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette: Add ingredients into a blender then blend until smooth.
  5. Divide lettuce, steak, caramelized onions, peaches, and cheese between bowls then top with vinaigrette and serve.
  6. Serves 4.

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Appetizers · New Favorite

Watermelon Goat Cheese Appetizer

cathysmaha1 Comment

Simple combination with an explosion of flavors! I first experienced this appetizer (or salad) at a restaurant with my friend, Jan. It was amazing and, yet, so simple. It was easy to replicate at home with four ingredients: watermelon, goat cheese, pecans and balsamic reduction. Done!

Watermelon Goat Cheese Appetizer

INGREDIENTS:
  • Cubed Seedless Watermelon
  • Crumbled Goat Cheese
  • Chopped Pecans
  • Balsamic Reduction (I used purchased balsamic reduction but you can make your own)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cute the watermelon into squares.
  2. Crumble goat cheese on top of each square.
  3. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of each square.
  4. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Book Club · New Favorite · Salads

Summer Corn and Vegetable Salad

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber tossed with avocado and Feta…OMG it is so good.  This salad is a wonderful side dish to grilled fish, chicken or beef but it also can serve as the main event on a hot summer evening.

SUMMER CORN AND VEGETABLE SALAD

4 ears corn, cooked
2 avocados, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (I use orange & red for a little color)
1/2 an English cucumber, finely diced, skin on
1/3  cup crumbled feta
1/2 red onion, finely diced

Cilantro Vinaigrette
1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
6 tbsp. EVOO

  • Cook the  corn.  I steamed the corn and cut from the cob but the original recipe had a great idea to ‘put in the oven on 350 degrees, and throw the corn in, husks and all. Bake them for 25 minutes, let it cool, and then cut off the very bottom of the corn. You should be able to easily pull off the husks and the silk’.
  • Cut off the kernels with a large knife, add to a big bowl.
  • Chop the avocados, cherry tomatoes, English cucumber, and red onion, then add to the bowl. Add the feta.
  • For the vinaigrette, combine the first 5 ingredients (so the seasonings react with the vinegar), then add the cilantro and the EVOO. Shake it up.
  • Gently mix all the salad ingredients together. When ready to serve, add the dressing and stir to combine.
  • Optional:  Serve on bed of mixed greens.

Adapted from: AuthenticSuburbanGourmet and AndwhatIate

 

New Favorite · Salads · Vegan · Vegetarian

Peach Quinoa Salad

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Fresh Colorado Peaches are the best!  Quinoa is a favorite so why not pair them together with other scrumptious ingredients for a yummy, cool summer salad!

PEACH QUINOA SALAD

1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. agave nectar or honey
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cups cooked quinoa
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
2 fresh Peaches cut into chunks
1/2 cup dried wild blueberries (or bing cherries)
1/2 cup spicy pecans chopped
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup red onion diced

  • Mix the first 5 ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
  • Add the other ingredients together in a larger bowl.
  • Mix in the dressing. Garnish with parsley. Serve.

Recipe from reluctantentertainer.com

Cakes · Family · New Traditions

Fresh Peach Cake

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Fresh Peach Cake is delicious, even though the photo of the finished product is not.  I was disappointed by the appearance of the finished product, but the taste was delicious.

Next time, I would use a slightly bigger pan, since the batter cooked over the side.  However, a few crispy bites of dessert are equally good!

FRESH PEACH CAKE

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup chopped pecans

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch-square baking pan.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and 1 cup of the sugar for 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the eggs, one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla, and mix until the batter is smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix just until combined.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon.
  • Spread half of the batter evenly in the pan. Top with half of the peaches, then sprinkle with two-thirds of the sugar mixture. Spread the remaining batter on top, arrange the remaining peaches on top and sprinkle with the remaining sugar mixture and the pecans.

  • Bake the cake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cakes · New Favorite

Gin and Tonic Drizzle Cake

cathysmaha3 Comments

Gin & Tonic Cake sounded delicious when my sister-in-law, Betty, told me about it a few years ago.  Summer time evenings on the patio with a G&T and good friends inspired me to make this wonderful cake.  Warning…it is a bit boozy but oh, so delicious!

I converted the recipe to American measures (in parenthesis) and it worked well.  Instead of baking a big pan of cake, I baked in several smaller cake pans and froze a few cakes, minus the lime slices.  It freezes well.

GIN & TONIC DRIZZLE CAKE

Cake:
250g unsalted butter (8.8185 oz. or 1.102 cups)
250g sugar (8.8185 oz. or 1.102 cups)
250g self rising flour (8.8185 oz. or 1.102 cups)
5 medium egg
1 lime, zested

Drizzle:
75g sugar (2.6455 oz. or 1/3 cup)
5 tbsp. Gin
5 tbsp. Tonic Water

Icing:
200g powdered sugar (7.0548 oz. or .8819 cup)
3-4 tbsp Gin

Decoration:
1 lime, zested
lime sliced

For the Cake:

  • Grease and line a 2 lb. loaf tine (i used several small loaf pans instead).
  • Preheat the oven to 180 centigrade or 350 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Cream together the butter and sugar until light an fluffy.
  • Add in the eggs, flour, and lime zest. Beat again until smooth and combined.
  • Pour the cake ingredients into the cake pan(s) and bake for 40-45 minutes.  When baked fully, a cake skewer should come out clean and the cake shouldn’t be making a bubbling sound.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and cool slightly while making the drizzle.

For the Drizzle:

  • In a small pan, add the sugar, Gin and Tonic.
  • Heat on a low-medium heat while stirring.  Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat.
  • Poke the cake lightly with a cake skewer and drizzle over the cake. Allow the cake to cool fully in the cake pan.

To Decorate:

  • Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the cake pan.
  • In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and gradually mix in the Gin until you get a thick, pourable consistency.
  • Pour the icing over the cake, sprinkle with lime zest. Add lime slices to the top for decoration.

Recipe slightly adapted from Janespatisserie.com

Family · Family Favorites · Garden · Gluten Free · Vegan · Vegetarian

Cool sweet, juicy watermelon…seasoned memories

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Summer and watermelon go together like Mac and Cheese.

When the weather is scorching hot…
a chilled slice of watermelon hits the spot.

As a kid we would take a half slice of watermelon outside and let the sweet juice run down our chins and arms.  Seedless watermelons were unheard of so a little ‘seed spitting’ was in order, too!  Mom probably had to hose us down before letting us back in the house.

girls eating watermelon

My Mother would always eat watermelon and canteloupe sprinkled with salt.  I prefer my watermelon naked but daughter, Sarah, and her friends introduced me to TAJIN fruit with lime seasoning a few years ago.  From the moment I tried it, I was hooked and it has become  family favorite.  The combination of lime, salt and a little kick with the sweet juicy watermelon is delectable.

I find TAJIN at Walmart and sometimes at the local grocery store in either the fruit section or ethnic foods section.

Give it a try.  I think you’ll be hooked too!

Family · Garden · Gluten Free · New Favorite · Vegan

Easy Summer Quinoa

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Summer vegetables and Quinoa is the perfect combination.  This recipe is from Iowa Girl Eats.  I follow her blog and love her recipes! Her blog name, alone, was enough to bring me to her blog…Iowa girls stick together!

I loved this dish and the wonderful summer vegetables.  I substituted roast red peppers for the sundried tomatoes with great results.  I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

EASY SUMMER QUINOA

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup quinoa
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
pinch red pepper flakes
2 cups chopped kale
1 small zucchini, chopped
salt & pepper
2 ears sweet corn kernels (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, cut into strips (or roasted red peppers or both!)
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup peas
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
shaved or fresh grated parmesan cheese, for topping

  • Bring scant cup chicken (or vegetable) broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Rinse quinoa very well in a fine mesh sieve under running water (quinoa is coated in a natural, bitter coating that needs to be rinsed off) then add to saucepan, place a lid on top, turn heat down to medium-low, then cook until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots then sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and red chili pepper flakes then sauté for 30 more seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Turn heat up to medium-high then add kale and zucchini. Season with salt and pepper then sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add corn and sun-dried tomatoes then sauté for 2 more minutes.

  • Add white wine then scrape up brown bits from bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon. When wine is nearly gone, add peas then stir to combine. Add chicken broth and cooked quinoa then cook until broth is absorbed. Remove skillet from heat then add basil and stir to combine. Taste then add salt and pepper if necessary. Serve topped with freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese.

Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats