What better way to welcome summer than with this simple salad that is dressed with a delicious vinaigrette. Strawberries - the perfect food for women, - are low in calories and high in iron and vitamin C. Strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, fibre, potassium, and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Combine these with green leafy salad mix and you have everything you need for an antiaging health boost.
For the vinaigrette, use a good quality red wine vinegar, as it is important for flavour. Even this ingredient provides heart healthy resveratrol, a red pigment shown to promote cardiovascular health. You can make your own red wine vinegar by opening a bottle of red wine, enjoying a glass or two, and then allowing it to sit for a few days on the counter. The wine will gradually oxidize into delicious red wine vinegar.
Salad:
6 cups (1.5 L) fresh salad mix
1 1/2 cups (385 mL) fresh strawberries, halved
1 1/2 cups (385 ml) pecan pieces
Vinaigrette:
1 tsp (5 mL) sea salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) honey
1/4 tsp (1 mL) dry mustard
1 1/2 tbsp (22 mL) minced onion
1 cup (250 mL) extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (75 mL) red wine vinegar
Mix salad greens and halved strawberries in large salad bowl. Top with pecans and sweet red wine vinaigrette. Serves 12.
source: "Nutrient-Rich Recipes", alive #273, July 2005
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.