This salad is a crowd pleaser! It’s beautiful, delicious and great for large gatherings. It’s a great summer salad because in the summer months you can incorporate fresh strawberries and even blueberries which are in season. The color combination of the deep reds, orange (cheese) and the deep, rich green from the spinach make this salad as visually appealing as it is delicious. Here is the recipe for Spinach Salad. I hope you try it soon!
Ricotta Cheesecake
My father’s family (five siblings) was the classic Italian family living among many other Italian neighbors in a small-tight knit community, many of whom had immigrated from Italy to come to America for a better life. My grandparents were immigrants from Italy and this community had become their support system, and their family. Today, we don’t see the same small-tight knit community ties, due to our heavy use of technology and a much more fast-paced society, but my neighbor and I still try to stay connected and keep that sense of “small-tight knit” community feel alive. I truly think it’s possible! She and I will share delicious recipes, have an open door policy and just “chit-chat” about things going on in our lives. She is Greek, and I love hearing all about Greek food and traditions. Be sure to take the time to reach out to your neighbor, bake some Chocolate Chip Cookies or just call to say hello. We all want to feel a sense of community and connection, no matter how busy we may be…
This particular recipe was passed down from generation to generation in this case, my aunt, and I am lucky to have found it amidst the few recipes I have recorded on my dad’s side of the family. It is ricotta pie or Ricotta Cheesecake as we know it. This will come in handy if you are bringing dessert to a 4th of July picnic, or if you are hosting one! Another cute idea, is to cut out a large star template, and place it on the pie, and use a dusting of powdered sugar all over the pie, and remove the star and you will have a design. That is easier, but the berries really create an eye-catching arrangement that will start up many conversations, something we all want at our next party!
Farm to table cooking
We hear the term “farm to table” cooking quite often. I tend to dine at restaurants that offer this style of cuisine because I know most ingredients on the menu (not all) will be fresh from a local farm. Farm to table cooking not only supports local businesses but it’s fresher which translates into a healthier meal for you and your family. In my area this is really becoming a trend. But it’s nothing that our grandparents and great-grandparents who lived in the country or on a farm haven’t been doing for years. After all growing your own food was economical, especially when you had a large family to feed. As people started to move to urban areas, that become more difficult, yet not impossible. One of my favorite books to read to the kids over the years is The Gardener which is about growing a roof top garden in the city.
As you plan your menus especially for summer, start thinking “farm to table”, the fresher the better. Turn to your garden for inspiration. Right now we have tomatoes, basil, rosemary, dill, and thyme growing in our garden. My son tends to it, waters it, and picks my basil when I make Mariooch’s Homemade Tomato Sauce, and the dill when I make Dillish Hummus – all of our plants are organic as is the soil. Many local nurseries or even your local Whole Foods will carry herbs at this time of year. And of course, while the kids tend to the garden, they are learning all about science! It’s a win-win! What’s growing in your garden?
Sweet Granola Treat
Every athlete knows he/she has to power-up before a game or practice to sustain his/her energy. This granola is a great source of energy for the athletes in the family. I will make it in bunches, then store it in a food safe container. I love glass jars for everything in my pantry, it’s a must! Then, the kids (and my husband) can see everything. My kids will pack it in their backpacks, take it out at the end of the day, and eat right before practice. Another way we like to eat it is on top of a really thick strawberry/raspberry shake. It adds a little texture to a smoothie. The combination of smooth and crunchy go well together, and satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Store your granola in a cute glass jar. I use Quattro Stagioni jars. Here is the recipe for Homemade Granola