Limes, they're not just for liquor....recipes and more

I promise, I have not abandoned all of my followers - I make it sound like I have started a cult!  Put the kool-aid down!  While I have been absent from writing I have not been so from my research.  Yes, believe it or not I do research for my blog.  My reading and research have taken me in so many different directions in the last month that I will try to sum it up in a few recipes.  Yes, you read it right - RECIPES!!!!  And, they are fantastic.

In preparing the menu for Lilly's birthday party I reflected back on past gatherings as guidance.  Knowing (praying actually) that the weather would hold out I wanted to honor the start of Spring.  Spring foods to me mean rebirth.  Our senses are rejuvenated with fresh tastes and reminders that summer is just around the corner.  Besides flavor there are numerous health benefits to spring flavors. 

According to a British researcher we can actually attain a healthy glow to skin from the carotenoids that give food their color.  Carrots and tomatoes are not the only skin healthy foods that the spring and summer have to offer.  Increasing your citrus intake can hydrate your skin and increase that glow as well.  Try adding these power foods to your diet.  They will not only help you rejuvenate but are packed with health-related benefits as well!

Power Foods: Grapefruit, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, avocado, asparagus, artichokes, peppers, cashews, peas, olives.

STOP right there!  Yes, some of these power foods are higher in fat than others - do not shy away.  You can still enjoy these foods.  Avocados can be used as a spread alternative to mayo.  Cashews can be chopped and added to salads - a few chopped nuts can go further than a handful of whole nuts.  The same can be done with olives - a few kalamata olives can be diced and added to salads or even spreads.  You can even add a little of the juice when you want the flavor but none of the olive. 

Cucumber Miso Salad (adapted from Cooking Light)

In a bowl add and whisk together:
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
2 tablespoons of white miso (I use heaping teaspoons for added flavor)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon hot water
2 teaspoons of dark sesame oil (measure over the bowl so that a little extra drizzles in)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Add 3-4 seeded and sliced cucumbers 
*Note: to seed a cucumber slice in half and run a spoon down the middle to scoop out the seeds.

Fresh Salsa (measure by taste and make 12-24 hours in advance)
in a bowl mix together:
14 ounces of Hunt's diced tomatoes (Hunt's always has the BEST flavor tomato)
Some fresh diced roma
Finely shopped red onion (I use a lot)
Fresh cilantro (chopped - make sure it has a rich smell or it will have weak flavor)
The juice of about 3 fresh limes (I like to think more is better)
3-4 Concord Foods salsa packet

Summer Pasta Salad (Mine and Erin Wachowicz's favorite!)
Pick a pound pasta and make it. Add freshly diced roma tomatoes (4-6) 2 cans of garbanzo beans.
In a bowl whisk together olive oil (about 4 tablespoons)
White wine (sauvignon blanc) - pour in about a half cup...or more
Fresh lemon zest
Diced garlic (2-3 cloves)
Fresh lemon juice from about 3-4 potent lemons
Add freshly cut mint (couple small packages)
Add dressing to pasta and top with feta cheese. Let sit for 24 hours. Add a tad  more lemon juice and white wine then serve at room temp.

Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Season with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked sea salt.  Heat grill to 450 degrees and add meat.  Drop heat to about 300-325 and rotate every 5-6 minutes until you reach desired tenderness.  Cooking your meat more slowly will help fuse the flavor.

Green Salad

Mixed greens
Mandarin orange slices
Green grapes halved
Strawberries sliced
red onion thinly sliced
Feta
Red wine vinegar dressing
Top with homemade croutons

Homemade croutons

Slice a ciabatta baguette into thin slices at an angle
Top both sides with spray butter, freshly cracked pepper, and freshly cracked sea salt
Place under broiler on high until both sides are crisped. 
*Note: This will not take long!

Pinktinis

1 can of frozen pink lemonade
3 cups of smooth gin (New Amsterdam is nice)
Mix together in pitcher
Add 1 bottle of champagne
Serve with a lemon peel

Lastly,  get yourself some fresh spring rolls (aka garden rolls).  I have yet to make these myself, but will learn and share with you all when I do.  This is truly a healthy and fun party menu - not to mention easy.  Happy eating and welcome to spring!