My Favorite Summer Salad: Kale and Chickpeas with honey and lemon

I have made this salad SO often this summer I figured I should share! There's so many ways this can be done and you'll notice all the measurements are "to taste"; that's because I found that I needed to tweak it myself to make it just right for me. I love how the honey and lemon counteract each other, and the richness of the garlic.

Also, this originally it had avocado and olive oil in it too, but I'm trying to cut calories where I can so I made this lower-fat version. Grilled chicken is also delish in this salad.

Enjoy!

Kale and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

- Kale
- 1 oz. can of chick peas (fresh is always better, but I went with easy)
- 1/2 chopped red onion
- Tablespoon (or more to taste) minced garlic
- drizzle of honey
- drizzle of lemon juice
- drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette 
- Kosher salt to taste
- Pepper to taste

(optional additions: avacado, grilled chicken, pine nuts.. get creative!)

 

Summer Salad and Sandwiches Recipes

Thanks to an addiction to Pinterest and a husband who says my cooking is tasty (bless his heart), I have been on a roll lately making summer salads and gathering recipes to try as the thermostat continues to climb. The following recipes I've either tried, want to try, or am sharing because they look gorgeous in pictures.

Recipes and sources linked below each picture.

 

chilled vegetable salad from southern living magazine

 

hummus and avocado toasts with roasted tomato

 

watermelon sandwich on swanky::chic::fete blog

mozzarella, tomato, and avacado salad.

 If you want more, check out this great New York Times article, "101 Salads for the Season."

Move Over, Martha, We're Making Bread Dip & Labels

I'm always looking for a thoughtful yet budget-friendly gift for friends who host dinners or maybe just need a little "happy" added to their day.

Here's a great little suggestion: Make a bread dipping oil (YUM), put it in a Mason jar, and add these oh-so-cute labels. Most of the work has already been done!

Download and print the labels by clicking here.

(Don't forget the cute labels for the top of the jar!)

Here's your recipe:

 

This great little recipe comes from Chatelaine, and seen on the always lovely Giverslog.

The Barefoot Contessa Brings Good Tidings for the Tummy

 

Ah, the Barefoot Contessa. I have already professed my love for you, stemming from one of my best friend's love for you. Admittedly, my dear N is still much more on the road to becoming the next BC than I am, but that doesn't make my admiration and desire to, well... be you... any less.

Today's episode featured "Festive Fun."

And all that really needs to be said as to why this particular episode grabbed my attention is the menu:

It's festive fun with the Barefoot Contessa who is throwing a dazzling holiday dinner party for friends. A luxurious Seafood Gratin of lobster, halibut and plump pink shrimp in a golden saffron sauce is served. To follow, there's a creamy Pumpkin Mousse then spicy Mulled Wine and festive s'mores stuffed with French Chocolate Bark round a burning brazier in the garden.

I have a particular affinity for mulled wine, as I first tried it on a cold, cozy night in Scotland while living there for a year. The house smelled like cinnamon and the wine was warm and oh so yummy.







As a little (ahem, HUGE) sidenote: When I sent a text to N telling her how fabulous the holiday BC episode was... THIS is what she sent me back.

That would be N, talking to the Barefoot Contessa! 

I wasn't there, but apparently this was the exchange:

N: "Basically, Barefoot Contessa... I love you."

Barefoot Contessa: "I hope you like the new book."

I love you too, BC!!!!