TASTE: Very Berry-licios Salad

 I have never been a huge fan of salads. I'm a woman, so apparently I should love salad and rightfully gorge myself on it. As if it's some badge of honor. This is one of the huge disappointments I've found with being a member of my gender. Apparently all self-respecting women should just eat lettuce as a meal. This proves you're "taking care of yourself" or something. Ew. I am just not one of those rabbit-like salad eaters. I like protein. I like fruit. I like cheese. And throw in a little wine. So sue me. No don't. But for REAL throw in some bread and I'm a happy girl.

Here's the Deal.
I decided to create a GOOD salad. I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that this is a success story. Read on.

My delicious tasty oh-so-yummy salad consists of:
- A handful of Romaine Lettuce
- Another handful of Spinach
- 1/4 sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup sliced kiwi
- A smattering of sunflower seeds
- A sprinkling of sliced almonds
- A light shower of grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch-ful of fresh Rosemary
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Lets Dress* it up:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. agave nectar
- 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

*This dressing has been adapted from the Gluten-Free Goddess recipe for "Berry Dressing"

Method:
1. Combine all the "salad stuff."
2. Combine all the "dressing fixings" into a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth (it will be textured) and then toss delightfully over the delicious yummy salad. Bring on the taste.

// I canned my dressing in ball jars. Just a bit of my Southern roots coming out. And yes, that is my specialty quiche, as well. //

My friends agreed. I may or may not have made this in honor of a ladies lunch and bridge club session. I would normally feel embarrassed of what you think of me for saying that, but for some surprising reason I just don't. I'm learning to play bridge and learning to love salad. And this was a goooooooooood salad. Enjoy your taste buds again, ladies. And eat your heart out. You're welcome.

TASTE: A Sweet Springtime Snack

Happy Monday, Friends!

I have news for you. I have finally discovered the perfect snack. Or breakfast. Or anything. It's just the tastiest treat. (Okay, I didn't discover it, but I discovered it for myself, you know what I mean.) It's even better than dessert at Max Brenner's, no joke. I've been treating myself to this since I started loading up on extra berries at the Haymarket. Having an abundance of berries around the house makes me feel like the Queen of England. This snack is truly magnificent. Live it up and treat yourself.

This is how I build it (in the order of layers, from bottom to top):
- Greek yogurt (I like Fage, but I don't discriminate)
- Granola
- Strawberries
- Sliced almonds
- Blueberries
- Walnuts
- Shredded Coconut
- Drizzle with Honey*

*The honey I use is from the fabulous honey store that I'm madly in love with. I find excuses to walk through this little boutique, Follow the Honey, far more often than I ever actually need to. They have honey on tap. They have beeswax candles. They have honeycomb jewelry. I can't get enough. Just like this tasty parfait.

I hope this special snack will brighten your Monday and make you feel like the sweetness of springtime is just around the corner :-)

Bon Appetit!