Salads

Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Summer is a busy time for most of us, so it’s important to have a few recipes that are quick, easy and delicious. As the heat of summer increases, and we fire up our grills, salads are the order of the day. This salad is a meal in itself. There are times when a simple charcuterie board works to nibble at when the temperatures climb, but why not turn it into a salad? Enter the Antipasto Salad.

You can tweek this in so many different ways. Although I chose 3 cheese tortellini from Buitoni, you can use the mixed tortellini with regular and spinach combined, or your favorite small chunky pasta such as penne, farfalle or orecchiette. If you choose regular pasta you will want to add 6 ounces of Ciliegine mozzarella (cherry-size) drained and cut in half, to replace the cheese in the tortellini.

Don’t like black olives? Use green or kalamata. Don’t like pepperoncini? Use another pickled pepper of your choice. Don’t have Ciliegine? Cube another soft cheese like gouda, provolone or Swiss. The hard salami can be replaced with some other cured meat like Soppressata or Genoa Salami. Remember you are in charge. You can make your own vinaigrette, thin out some pesto or in a real pinch, try Paul Newman’s Oil & Vinegar Dressing. You can easily make this for a crowd by going from a 9 ounce to a 20 ounce package of tortellini.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 9 ounce package Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini, cooked according to package directions and drained
  • 1 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
  • 3 ounces cured meat of your choice (I used hard salami), chopped
  • 1 15 ounce can quartered artichoke hearts (you can also use 7 ounce jar of marinated), drained
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini, drained and chopped
  • 3 scallions sliced thinly

LEMON OLIVE OIL DRESSING:

  • 1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Place in mason jar and shake vigorously.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a large salad bowl add all the ingredients. Toss gently to combine.
  2. Pour dressing over salad. Toss once more to coat ingredients.

Keeps for up to 4 days in refrigerator.

Serves: 4

“We don’t need a melting pot in this country folks, we need a salad bowl. You appreciate the differences. Jane Elliot

Hold The Mayo!

When the weather starts to break in the spring, one of the things I crave is salads, and one of my favorites is potato salad. Although I was raised on a mayonnaise based potato salad, loaded with onions and hard-boil eggs, I enjoy making them with a slightly lighter hand. This however, does not mean bland. I want a salad with a punch. Bold Mediterranean flavors, like capers, olives, red onion and herbs guarantees flavor in every forkful . Eliminating the mayonnaise and replacing it with a good quality olive oil is key. I like to turn this into a meal salad by adding imported Italian tuna packed in olive oil. It adds additional bulk, plays well with the other ingredients and looks showy served on a bed of greens. This potato salad is best served warm or at room temperature. I also enjoy adding about 1/2 cup chopped garlic scapes, when they are available in June. Not a tuna fan? Simply omit it. So simple to adjust it to your own taste preferences.

Don’t allow the potatoes to cool before tossing them with the dressing. This when they really absorb the flavor. Also, don’t skip the caper brine! It’s just not the same without it.

MEDITERRANEAN POTATO SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold or red skinned potatoes (or a combination of both) cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup drained capers, plus 1 tablespoon caper brine
  • 1/2 cup sliced and pitted Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 ounce jar Italian olive oil-packed tuna (optional)
  • 1/2 cup lightly packed Italian parsley or basil OR a combination of both, chopped
  1. In a large bowl, stir together the onion, red wine vinegar and oregano, set aside. Place potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water to about 1-inch above the potatoes, and add 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; then turn down to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a potato meets no resistance.
  2. Drain the potatoes in a colander. To the large bowl, add capers, brine, olives, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Add hot potatoes and mix gently again. If using tuna, add next along with the parsley and basil. Taste and adjust for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Serve warm on a platter lined with greens.

Yields: 4-6 servings

“Food is the ingredient that binds us together.”

Old Is New Again

I love grain salads. They are visually appealing, nutritious, and satisfying. We eat a lot of tabbouleh, and salads made of wild rice, and quinoa. I discovered a new grain recently called Einkorn. It is the oldest known grain on earth. Einkorn is easier to digest and contains more protein and antioxidants than modern wheat. It can also be used by individuals that are gluten free. I say it’s a win, win. Personally, I love the chew and texture of this ancient grain. Although I enjoy this particular salad with Einkorn grain, you can also use spelt, kamut, regular wheat berries or quinoa. The choice is completely up to you, but you owe yourself the chance to enjoy this delicious ancient grain.

GREEK EINKORN SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups raw einkorn berries, soaked overnight, rinsed, drained and simmered in salted water for 30 minutes or until soft but still chewy. Let cool completely.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

FOR THE GREEK VINAIGRETTE:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons local honey
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. To make the vinaigrette, place all the ingredients in a pint jar and shake vigorously. You can also place all the ingredients except your oil in a bowl, and slowly whisk in oil until emulsified.
  2. Place all your salad ingredients in a large bowl, except for the feta cheese. Pour vinaigrette over ingredients and stir to combine. Refrigerate a couple of hours.
  3. Place grain salad in attractive bowl and top with feta cheese.

Serves 6-8

“In the end, the world returns to a grain.”
― Dejan Stojanovic

A Protein Packed Pocket

Most people love a good sandwich, but too often rely on lunchmeat (which is loaded with salt) or drive through burgers. What if I told you that there is an alternative to those boring choices. This pita pocket filling is not only yummy, it’s packed with healthy vegetable protein. Introducing the Dilly Chickpea Pita. I typically double this recipe for several days of lunches. It will keep sealed in the frig for up to 3 days. You can add additional veggies such as cucumber (my favorite), tomato, avocado or lettuce inside the pita pocket before you scoop in the filling.

Chickpeas or garbanzos are my favorite legume. They are inexpensive, versatile and delicious. Their charm goes far beyond hummus. They are excellent in soups, stews, salads, as a non-dairy thickener for soups, and in veggie bowls. Either dried or canned, chickpeas are a definite go-to for Healthy and nutritious eating!

DILLY CHICKPEA PITA SANDWICHES

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup mayo (either vegan or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon or grainy mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 of a small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely minced (or 1.5 teaspoons dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Sliced cucumbers, lettuce or radish to line pita pockets
  • Pita cut in half (or other bread of your choice)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place chickpeas in a mixing bowl and lightly mash with a fork or potato masher for a rustic texture.
  2. Add sunflower seeds, mayo, mustard, maple syrup, red onion, red wine vinegar, dill, salt and pepper to the chickpeas. Mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Split your pita pocket, (or toast two slices of bread), add any other veggies you are using, then spoon on the Dilly Chickpea Spread.
  4. ENJOY!!!

“Hard and dry, a chickpea is inedible.
Hard and dry, a heart is unlovable.
Presoak it in dance, music and art.”
― Khang Kijarro Nguyen

A Big Bowl of Yummy

When we’re busy on the farm in the summer, it’s good to have some go-to salads that can be made in advance, and eaten over several days if need be. This a riff on tabbouleh, a Lebanese salad from the Middle East, made primary with bulgur and parsley. Bulgur is made from parboiled or steamed wheat kernels/berries that are then dried, partially stripped of their outer bran layer, and coarsely ground. The result of this process is a highly nutritious grain that cooks relatively quickly. There might be as many recipes for tabbouleh as their are cooks. The ratio of fresh parsley to bulgur is one of the reasons.

Traditionally tabbouleh is made with bulgur, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley and mint. Since we are vegetable farmers, I like to load mine up with additional ingredients like radish, grated carrot, and chickpeas. I also like to use a little more bulgur than they might use in the Middle East, making it packed with fiber rich whole grain, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Although most recipes call for a medium-coarse, or #2 bulgur, I like to use a fine bulgur or #1 for my tabbouleh. If you enjoy a more chewy grain, use the #2 medium-coarse. Either way, 1 cup dried bulgur will yield 4 cups cooked bulgur. I buy my fine bulgur from a Middle Eastern grocery store. At any rate you can adjust proportions and ingredients to your personal preferences, however non-traditional it may be. Just don’t omit the bulgur or fresh parsley altogether. Tabbouleh, although best when fresh, will keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

BRICKYARD FARMS TABBOULEH

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup bulgur, #1 or #2
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced 1/4 inch, then quarter slices
  • 4 green onions, sliced using both white and green parts
  • 6-8 radishes, sliced
  • 2-3 carrots, peeled and shredded on large holes of box grater
  • 1 large bunch curly parsley, chopped
  • 6-8 large mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (quality matters here)
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. If you are using fine or #1 bulgur: Place 1 cup bulgur in large bowl. Boil 2 cups of water and pour in over the bulgur. Let rest for 10-12 minutes. Fluff with a fork. I like to place it in the refrigerator for about an hour to cool it down. You can also just let it cool in the bowl.
  2. If you are using medium-coarse #2, place 1 cup bulgur in a heavy pot and add 2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional). Bring to a boil, then turn down to low and cover. Cook for 12 minutes. Take of heat and let stand for 10 minutes more. Fluff with a fork. Let cool to room temperature or place in refrigerator for one hour.
  3. To the cooled bulgur add your halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green onions. radishes, chickpeas, grated carrots, chopped parsley and mint.
  4. In a separate bowl or pint mason jar, mix together the lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix with a whisk, or shake vigorously to emulsify. Pour 1/2 of dressing over tabbouleh. Mix thoroughly. Add additional dressing just before serving.

Serves 6-8

“What is more refreshing than a salad, when your appetite seems to have deserted you?” –Alexis Soyer

Beyond Lettuce

When we elect to stay home as much as possible and self-shelter during this pandemic, how we have prepared can really make a difference. I really notice this during the winter as well. When it comes to salads, we need to think outside the box and get creative. For example, when Val and I were walking the dogs the other day on our farm, we came across a row of overgrown arugula. Rather than going to flower, it was still sending up small new leaves. They weren’t as tender as during the summer months, but they were still quite viable; more like field spinach. We picked about 12 cups of the stuff, and it’s working rather well in all sorts of dishes. Add this to dry cooked or canned beans and shredded carrots and you’ve got yourself a delicious healthy salad. No arugula, try spinach or kale. Both chickpeas and cannellini beans work, and most of us have olives, lemon juice and olive oil.

Having sturdy root vegetables on hand is also another way to get some ‘fresh’ in during winter. I go to the store about every 6 weeks, and when it comes to fresh vegetables it is as follows: potatoes, beets, peppers, carrots, cabbage, oranges and cherry tomatoes. Root vegetables are excellent, and the peppers and cherry tomatoes are throw in all sorts of recipes until their gone. I never buy lettuce in the winter! Most times it has been traumatized during transit and goes south in a matter of days. This is the seasonal time for citrus, so that can be a welcome addition.

BEAN SALAD WITH CARROTS, ARUGULA AND OLIVES

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of chickpeas or cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 carrots, peeled and shredded on large holes of box grater
  • 1 small red onion, vertically sliced
  • 2 cup arugula, chopped coarse
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place beans in a microwave safe bowl. Mix together your olive oil, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Heat beans on high for 2 minutes; then pour dressing over warm beans. This will allow them to absorb the dressing and make them more flavorful. Let sit for 20-30 minutes
  2. Add carrots, arugula and olives; toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper.

“Winter forms our character and brings out our best.” —Tim Allen

Deep Roots

As we prepare to self-quarantine for the winter, I am wondering how many people really enjoy being home? What is the meaning of home for each of us? Is it easier to be home as we age? By the time I turned 30, I had already moved 36 times in my life. I remember never really feeling at ease or content when I was at home. The following 36 years I have moved 3 times. I have lived in a rural climate now for 14 years and I find that my sense of place has changed dramatically since I lived in the urban world.

My writing desk overlooks both marsh and lake. I face a large window that beckons I not only write, but rest in this environment. I stare at our bird feeders and the weather for long periods of time. I learn subtleties, and patterns of nature and the seasons. I find this calming; and who wouldn’t want to feel calmer during these days of upheaval?

It seems to me, when I lived in the city I was much more interested and connected to both entertainment and personal possessions. Being pleasing and accepted by people was of prime importance. It wasn’t until I began searching out periods of solitude and quiet that I began requiring those things to stay balanced. As I stay in one place, my roots grow deeper in the soil, providing a vessel for my own thoughts and perspectives. I feel held. My relationship with my wife is nurtured by this sense of place. We have our rhythms and interests that continue the story of this land. We both love the quiet, growing and cooking food along with sharing that food with others. For some, the meaning of roots is about tradition, for us the meaning of roots is about the land, food and relationships. Our relationships are based on mutual respect and love. They are reciprocal in the most fundamental of ways. We have each others backs. We can ask for help, and often it is given without request. There is laughter, discussion and heart. As Joni Mitchell once said, “All we ever wanted was to come in from the cold.”

The following recipe has some flexibility to it. I love purchasing (or growing) beets with greens. The greens are beautiful, healthy and add color and interest to this meal salad. If beet greens are not available, arugula or spinach are a good option, but use them raw rather than sautéed. I also enjoy alternative dressing ideas. The basic dressing uses extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic. Try using extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar and peach or apricot jam. Beets love being pared with stone fruits; or you can use orange juice. Free you imagination to add interest and surprise. If you find yourself out of capers, chop up some olives; and chevre or goat cheese can easily substitute for feta. No pistachios? Try toasted walnuts.

Savory, hearty and delicious

ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH FETA & PISTASCHIOS

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 7 medium-large beets with greens
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped drained capers
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped roasted pistachios
Beets ready to go into oven
Vibrant beet greens

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk oil, vinegar and garlic in small bowl to blend. Season dressing generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
  2. Cut tops off beets; reserve greens. Arrange beets in single layer in a baking dish; add 1 cup water. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until beets are tender when pierced with a knife; about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool until you can handle them and peel off the skins. I pick them up with paper towels and slip them off.
  3. Cut beets in half and slice thinly. Transfer to large bowl and mix with capers and 1/4 cup dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Cut stems off beet greens and discard. Wash greens, then with some water still clinging to the leaves, transfer to large pot or skillet. Stir over high heat until just wilted but still bright green, about 4 minutes. Drain greens; squeeze out excess moisture. Cool; chop coarsely. Transfer to medium bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Arrange beets in center of platter. Surround with greens; sprinkle with feta and pistachios. Drizzle with any remaining dressing.

Serves 4-6

Yum.

“A tree with strong roots laughs at storms. –Malay proverb

Mediterranean Dreaming

After 3 inches of rain last night, it is a steamy, warm day here in Michigan.  Although the farm really needed the rain, humidity generally puts me into salad mode; and there is no better time for salads than summer. I enjoy leafy salads, I like to get outside the box and create salads that use other ingredients.  Anything Mediterranean comes to mind, so a layered salad of hummus, ground lamb, and veggies hits just the right cord.

This layered salad makes a particularly nice presentation at a gathering on a large platter. You can also make individual plates if you rather. The hummus can be made a few days ahead to save time on the day of assembly. Macerating the cherry tomatoes in red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil adds even more flavor. You can also top it with crumbled feta cheese. Garnish it with parsley, cilantro or mint. It makes a good appetizer for a crowd along with other Mediterranean sides or can be used as a main coarse. I find that I typically have leftovers after I construct the salad, which are just as good the following day. Serve with pita or naan.

MEDITERRANEAN LAYERED SALAD

FOR HUMMUS (from my first cookbook Basics with a Twist:In

  • 2 15 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained but reserving their liquid; save 1/4 cup chickpeas for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt
  • 3 large garlic cloves
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

METHOD:

  1. Place drained chickpeas in a four cup glass measuring cup and heat in your microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Heating your chickpeas allows them to break down in the food processor much easier.
  2. Feed your garlic through the tube of your food processor.
  3. Add remaining ingredients except liquid from chickpeas. This liquid will be used to thin the hummus if needed.
  4. Process for at least 3 minutes. Your hummus should be very smooth and creamy. If you feel you need to thin it slightly, add chickpea liquid 1 tablespoon at a time.
  5. Taste for salt and/or additional lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

FOR LAMB:

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout

METHOD:

  1. Brown the ground lamb in a medium sized non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic, onion, pine nuts and Ras el Hanout. Saute until onion is soft and translucent. Depending on the age of the lamb, you may need to take a few paper towels held with tongs and absorb any unwanted fat. This can sit until you are ready to assemble your salad.

FOR VEGETABLES AND GARNISH:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups sliced cucumbers, quartered
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Coarse salt, such as Maldon
  • 1/4 cup chopped herbs, such as parsley, cilantro or mint
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, (optional)

METHOD:

  1. Place cherry tomatoes in a small bowl; sprinkle with red wine vinegar, olive oil and a little coarse salt. Mix and let macerate for 30 minutes. Keep tomatoes and cucumber separate.
  2. Chop herbs.

ASSEMBLY:

On large decorative platter, spoon hummus over bottom leaving a little space near the edges.  Next top with lamb leaving an edge to show the hummus. Sprinkle reserved chickpeas around the edges.

Sprinkle cucumber over lamb. With a slotted spoon drain cherry tomatoes, then sprinkle them on top of cucumbers. Garnish with herbs. Sprinkle with crumbled feta if using.

Serves 4

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“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” —Alan D. Wolfelt

Peas, Peas Me

Now that we have moved from spring to summer the fresh food possibilities have exploded.  Strawberries, sugar snap peas, fresh shelling peas, leeks, herbs, beets, garlic scapes and greens, show us how wonderful fresh food can be. Local farmers markets are teaming with everything, and it will only get better. Although we are still challenged with world events and the Covid-19 pandemic, seasonal produce helps to alleviate feeling glum, (at least it helps me to live in the moment).

I’m one of those people whose addiction to crunch surfaces in many ways; this salad for instance. It’s the best in early summer when fresh sugar snap peas, shelling peas and herbs are plentiful. I blanch ever so slightly the fresh snap peas and shelling peas to bring out the vibrancy of their color. This salad works well for a picnic, pot luck or in your screened in porch.

SUGAR SNAP PEA SALAD WITH CIDER VINAIGRETTE

INGREDIENTS  FOR SALAD:

  • 2 pints sugar snap peas, stemmed
  • 1 cup shelled or frozen peas
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced or 2 spring leeks thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, coarsely chopped
  • 8 fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped
  • Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste

FOR VINAIGRETTE:

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (I use Braggs)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons filtered water
  • 1/2 teaspoon tamari sauce (I use Braggs Liquid Aminos)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup cold pressed sunflower oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a medium pot of salted water, blanch the sugar snap peas for 2 minutes, drain, then place in bowl of ice water. Drain and cut in half on a diagonal. If using fresh peas, blanch for 2 minutes, drain and place in bowl of ice water. Spin both vegetables in a salad spinner, or drain on paper towels.
  2. Slice spring leeks in small rounds, using white and light green parts only.
  3. Chop dill and mint. Place all ingredients in large bowl and toss gently with your hands.
  4. Combine all ingredients for vinaigrette in a pint Mason jar. Shake vigorously. Dress salad with about 1/4 cup dressing (you will have left over dressing) and toss gently.
  5. Serve immediately

Serves 4-6

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“Ahhh 2020 is challenging us; but this too will pass.”

 

 

Walk on the Wild Side

Wow, it’s been quite a week. My sadness for our country is overwhelming. I bow to my black and brown brothers and sisters who in spite of the pandemic have peacefully protested for justice for George Floyd and for themselves. We have not been listening. Historically, it has always been the youth that have demanded change. Although the timing of such things is not in our hands, the call for justice is asking us to lend our voices to promote it. I am proud of our country’s youth and have confidence they will help to lead us out of this quagmire.

Here, we still farm. This week we have planted, caged and wired 400 tomato plants. When they become ripe, we will savor their sweetness, dust off our canners and prepare for cooler months. We will sell some, process for our future and take what we have remaining to local food banks. Our land is sacred to us. It has fed many families for 2 decades. As we age we are confident this land will find its future in the hands of like minded people of service.

This week we needed a sturdy salad that we could enjoy when we were too tired to cook. This amazing salad will hold for 5 days in the frig and only gets better as the dressing macerates the veggies in the salad. It has crunch, texture, and an appealing nuttiness that compliments the lemony dressing. It’s great for a picnic or potluck, since it’s completely stable with no dairy. I think you will agree it’s a keeper.

WILD RICE SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups good quality long grain wild rice
  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup green onions (white and green parts), sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces white mushrooms, halved and sliced thin
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped, fried, drained (optional)
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a heavy medium pot bring the rice, water and salt to a boil. Adjust heat to medium and simmer until tender, 45-55 minutes. Drain, and place in a large bowl.
  2. To toast pecans, heat oven to 350 degrees F and place on rimmed baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  3. Add celery, green onions. parsley, and mushrooms to bowl. Mix gently.
  4. In a pint mason jar, measure avocado oil and fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Shake vigorously.
  5. Add pecans and dressing to bowl and mix thoroughly. Place in decorative bowl or platter. Crumble bacon on top. Serve.

Serves 6-8

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“Truth never damages a cause that is just.” —Mahatma Gandhi

 

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