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Showing posts with label Lettuce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lettuce. Show all posts

A Classic Revisted

Today's recipe has been a staple in our house for a very long time. In fact, it was already blogged back when only maybe five people, including my mom, read EMM. And if you remember, my "foodie resolution" for 2013 was to revisit some of those "back in the day" posts, and re-blog them for everyone to enjoy again. So, since the year is quickly winding down, I had to make sure this was on the list!

The first time I ever had a Greek salad was at one of our favorite restaurants here in Fort Wayne. It's a nicer place, and one we go to for only special occasions, so in my mind this salad option will always be a little on the fancy side, when it reality, it could not be easier to make!

I love entertaining with salad, as a first course; but they also make an incredible light, but still filling, weeknight salad supper. They are a very common star on our dinner table during the warm summer months, but we love them so much I am required to make them year round. Especially now that the little man has also fallen in love with them; and not only does he love them, but he will actually eat the one part of this salad that I won't touch. The anchovies. His father loves them; and when I serve them to others, I always have them as an option, but to me, they just aren't appetizing. So to see my son not only like them, but ask for extra kinda makes me giggle. And proves once again, this child has the most diverse palate of any 9 year old I know!

Greek Salads
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can pitted black olives, drained (see note below)
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (15 oz.) can sliced beets, drained and chopped
1 small container crumbed feta cheese
1 small tin anchovies in olive oil, optional
Greek Dressing

Divide lettuce, olives, green peppers, pineapple, beets and feta among plates evenly. This amount will make 3 large dinner salads, or 4 small side salads. For those wanting anchovies, add to very top. Serve with dressing on side. *NOTE* I prefer to make these with kalamata olives. They are the most authentic. However, sometimes the budget doesn't allow it, and black olives work just as well.



Salads at Very Good Recipes
Today's recipe has been a staple in our house for a very long time. In fact, it was already blogged back when only maybe five people, including my mom, read EMM. And if you remember, my "foodie resolution" for 2013 was to revisit some of those "back in the day" posts, and re-blog them for everyone to enjoy again. So, since the year is quickly winding down, I had to make sure this was on the list!

The first time I ever had a Greek salad was at one of our favorite restaurants here in Fort Wayne. It's a nicer place, and one we go to for only special occasions, so in my mind this salad option will always be a little on the fancy side, when it reality, it could not be easier to make!

I love entertaining with salad, as a first course; but they also make an incredible light, but still filling, weeknight salad supper. They are a very common star on our dinner table during the warm summer months, but we love them so much I am required to make them year round. Especially now that the little man has also fallen in love with them; and not only does he love them, but he will actually eat the one part of this salad that I won't touch. The anchovies. His father loves them; and when I serve them to others, I always have them as an option, but to me, they just aren't appetizing. So to see my son not only like them, but ask for extra kinda makes me giggle. And proves once again, this child has the most diverse palate of any 9 year old I know!

Greek Salads
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can pitted black olives, drained (see note below)
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (15 oz.) can sliced beets, drained and chopped
1 small container crumbed feta cheese
1 small tin anchovies in olive oil, optional
Greek Dressing

Divide lettuce, olives, green peppers, pineapple, beets and feta among plates evenly. This amount will make 3 large dinner salads, or 4 small side salads. For those wanting anchovies, add to very top. Serve with dressing on side. *NOTE* I prefer to make these with kalamata olives. They are the most authentic. However, sometimes the budget doesn't allow it, and black olives work just as well.



Salads at Very Good Recipes
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New Smyrna Living


As many of you already know, we once again took our annual family vacation to New Smyrna Beach, Florida...loving every single minute!

For 3 weeks in June/July, we played in the waves, swam in the crystal clear pool, felt the sand between our toes, and most of all, enjoyed time together as a family, just the the three of us. 

One of our favorite things to take full advantage of while we are just yards away from the Atlantic Ocean is the incredibly fresh and delicious seafood! I love sending the boys to the local seafood market and knowing what they bring home just came in on the boat that morning! You can't get much better than that! And we've really learned over the years that for what it would cost for one meal at a restaurant, we can buy enough to feed all three of us, leaving us so full we could burst! 

This year one of the things I decided to make were Po'Boy Sandwiches because we got such an incredible deal on shrimp. They were practically giving the stuff away! 

If you have had an traditional Po'Boy down in Louisiana, you know just how delicious they are. Now I've never been lucky enough to experience the "real" thing, but Mr. Everyday has, and he said these were close...very close. They make a tasty, quick weeknight supper for summer. Plus, even if you're not getting the deal we did on shrimp, they allow you to make a little go a long way, so they make a seafood treat economical. 

We are still trying to get back into the swing of things...and we've been home two weeks! But hey, three weeks on the beautiful beach will do that to you, and the recovery is 100% worth it!




Shrimp Po' Boys Adapted from Simply Recipes
1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled, deveined and tails off
1 1/2 c. flour
1 TBS Cajun seasoning
1 TBS Old Bay seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Iceberg lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced dill pickles
Hoagie buns

Sauce: 
1/4 c. whole grain mustard
1 1/4 c. mayo
1 tsp. dill pickle juice
1 tsp. hot sauce
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 TBS Old Bay seasoning

In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients for sauce. Mix well. Set in fridge to chill for about an hour. In a medium bowl combine flour, 1 TBS each Cajun and Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well. Dredge shrimp in flour and set on a plate for about 5 minutes. Heat oil over medium in a large pot or deep sided skillet. Fry shrimp in small batches for about 5-7 minutes each. Drain shrimp on paper towels. To assemble sandwiches, spread sauce on both sides of bun. Line with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Divide shrimp evenly among sandwiches, about five or six each. Makes 5 sandwiches


Shared on Make Ahead Meals July 22, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain July 24, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook July 26, 2013
Shrimp at Very Good Recipes
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As many of you already know, we once again took our annual family vacation to New Smyrna Beach, Florida...loving every single minute!

For 3 weeks in June/July, we played in the waves, swam in the crystal clear pool, felt the sand between our toes, and most of all, enjoyed time together as a family, just the the three of us. 

One of our favorite things to take full advantage of while we are just yards away from the Atlantic Ocean is the incredibly fresh and delicious seafood! I love sending the boys to the local seafood market and knowing what they bring home just came in on the boat that morning! You can't get much better than that! And we've really learned over the years that for what it would cost for one meal at a restaurant, we can buy enough to feed all three of us, leaving us so full we could burst! 

This year one of the things I decided to make were Po'Boy Sandwiches because we got such an incredible deal on shrimp. They were practically giving the stuff away! 

If you have had an traditional Po'Boy down in Louisiana, you know just how delicious they are. Now I've never been lucky enough to experience the "real" thing, but Mr. Everyday has, and he said these were close...very close. They make a tasty, quick weeknight supper for summer. Plus, even if you're not getting the deal we did on shrimp, they allow you to make a little go a long way, so they make a seafood treat economical. 

We are still trying to get back into the swing of things...and we've been home two weeks! But hey, three weeks on the beautiful beach will do that to you, and the recovery is 100% worth it!




Shrimp Po' Boys Adapted from Simply Recipes
1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled, deveined and tails off
1 1/2 c. flour
1 TBS Cajun seasoning
1 TBS Old Bay seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Iceberg lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced dill pickles
Hoagie buns

Sauce: 
1/4 c. whole grain mustard
1 1/4 c. mayo
1 tsp. dill pickle juice
1 tsp. hot sauce
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 TBS Old Bay seasoning

In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients for sauce. Mix well. Set in fridge to chill for about an hour. In a medium bowl combine flour, 1 TBS each Cajun and Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well. Dredge shrimp in flour and set on a plate for about 5 minutes. Heat oil over medium in a large pot or deep sided skillet. Fry shrimp in small batches for about 5-7 minutes each. Drain shrimp on paper towels. To assemble sandwiches, spread sauce on both sides of bun. Line with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Divide shrimp evenly among sandwiches, about five or six each. Makes 5 sandwiches


Shared on Make Ahead Meals July 22, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain July 24, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook July 26, 2013
Shrimp at Very Good Recipes
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Soul Food Saturday #14

Good Morning, Bekki is in the kitchen today whipping up a salad that eats like a meal. Perfect for these hot nights when supper needs to be light yet filling. Or a wonderful lunch idea any time of the year!



In this house salads are not always frequent. But when they grace our table my husband requests them to be packed, hearty and filling. This salad doesn't disappoint. It has plenty to fill you up but
not leave you feeling so full you can’t enjoy the rest of your afternoon out.  It has a few simple ingredients that come together for that quick meal before the next event or even great to travel with. I know some are squeamish of mayo in the summer and heat, but if you keep it in the cooler it will be just fine.

Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad
1 lb. cooked bow tie pasta, drained
1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
½ c. creamy Italian dressing
1 c. real mayo
2 cans water packed chicken breast, drained
2 c. romaine hearts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
In a small bowl add mayo, dressing, cheese, and mix to combine. Set aside. In a large bowl add pasta, drained chicken, and chopped romaine. Toss to combine. Add dressing mixture and toss until evenly distributed. Add salt and pepper to taste.



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Good Morning, Bekki is in the kitchen today whipping up a salad that eats like a meal. Perfect for these hot nights when supper needs to be light yet filling. Or a wonderful lunch idea any time of the year!



In this house salads are not always frequent. But when they grace our table my husband requests them to be packed, hearty and filling. This salad doesn't disappoint. It has plenty to fill you up but
not leave you feeling so full you can’t enjoy the rest of your afternoon out.  It has a few simple ingredients that come together for that quick meal before the next event or even great to travel with. I know some are squeamish of mayo in the summer and heat, but if you keep it in the cooler it will be just fine.

Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad
1 lb. cooked bow tie pasta, drained
1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
½ c. creamy Italian dressing
1 c. real mayo
2 cans water packed chicken breast, drained
2 c. romaine hearts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
In a small bowl add mayo, dressing, cheese, and mix to combine. Set aside. In a large bowl add pasta, drained chicken, and chopped romaine. Toss to combine. Add dressing mixture and toss until evenly distributed. Add salt and pepper to taste.



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Oh Yes I Did!!

Are you grilling out this weekend? Tired of the same burger and dog routine? Want to jazz it up a little? Then you've come to the right place, because I'm about to blow your mind!

That was the exact reason why this recipe came to be. I always have hot dogs in the freezer. Anytime I see them on sale, I pick up a package, ignoring the fact I probably already have 2-3 packages at home. A good deal is a good deal, and they are something I can heat up quickly for Alex for lunch or plan a simple supper around. So a few weeks ago when I had thawed out a package for dinner that night, I challenged myself to come up with something new and fun to do with them.

I've told you many times before how much we love a good BLT. I mean, what's not to love? Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, delicious bacon...they are one of our favorites, hands down. So I began to wonder. What if I took all the things from a BLT that we love, mixed them together into a salad, or relish if you will, and slap that on top of a grilled dog?? Well, I am here to testify...that was one of more genius ideas I've had in my life!

There is no other way to describe these other than a hot dog and a BLT got drunk on tequila one night and had a baby HA HA HA!!! The flavor of the "relish" on to doesn't over power that of the hot dog, but you still get the creamy, bacon explosion you love from a BLT. It's like the perfect summer time bite!

If you are grilling up some dogs this weekend and want the standard ketchup, mustard, onions and relish, go ahead! There is nothing wrong with that, and they are perfectly yummy. But if you want to blow minds and taste buds away, try these instead! You won't regret it. Just be careful who you make them for because I promise they will keep coming back for more!

BLT Hot Dogs 
8 hot dogs, grilled to likeness
8 buns
3/4 c. chopped Romaine lettuce
2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1/3 c. mayo

In a small bowl combine lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo. Stir well. Allow to sit at room temperature about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Top hot dogs equally with mixture.


Shared on The Country Cook July 12, 2013
Shared on Make Ahead Meals July 15, 2013
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box July 16, 2013

Hot Dogs at Very Good Recipes
Pin It
Are you grilling out this weekend? Tired of the same burger and dog routine? Want to jazz it up a little? Then you've come to the right place, because I'm about to blow your mind!

That was the exact reason why this recipe came to be. I always have hot dogs in the freezer. Anytime I see them on sale, I pick up a package, ignoring the fact I probably already have 2-3 packages at home. A good deal is a good deal, and they are something I can heat up quickly for Alex for lunch or plan a simple supper around. So a few weeks ago when I had thawed out a package for dinner that night, I challenged myself to come up with something new and fun to do with them.

I've told you many times before how much we love a good BLT. I mean, what's not to love? Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, delicious bacon...they are one of our favorites, hands down. So I began to wonder. What if I took all the things from a BLT that we love, mixed them together into a salad, or relish if you will, and slap that on top of a grilled dog?? Well, I am here to testify...that was one of more genius ideas I've had in my life!

There is no other way to describe these other than a hot dog and a BLT got drunk on tequila one night and had a baby HA HA HA!!! The flavor of the "relish" on to doesn't over power that of the hot dog, but you still get the creamy, bacon explosion you love from a BLT. It's like the perfect summer time bite!

If you are grilling up some dogs this weekend and want the standard ketchup, mustard, onions and relish, go ahead! There is nothing wrong with that, and they are perfectly yummy. But if you want to blow minds and taste buds away, try these instead! You won't regret it. Just be careful who you make them for because I promise they will keep coming back for more!

BLT Hot Dogs 
8 hot dogs, grilled to likeness
8 buns
3/4 c. chopped Romaine lettuce
2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1/3 c. mayo

In a small bowl combine lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo. Stir well. Allow to sit at room temperature about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Top hot dogs equally with mixture.


Shared on The Country Cook July 12, 2013
Shared on Make Ahead Meals July 15, 2013
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box July 16, 2013

Hot Dogs at Very Good Recipes
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It's Not A Rut, It's A Trend

There are so many of us who find ourselves falling into the mealtime rut. We find dishes our families enjoy and we make them again and again. They are easy because they are tried and true, and they are pleasing because we know they will be successful each and every time. But in my opinion, if you find something that tastes great, is a simple "go-to", and you can switch it up even a little each time, then it becomes a trend, not a rut!

So even though this idea came to me not too long after we enjoyed my Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes, I decided we didn't need to wait. Sure, they were another sloppy joe, but beyond the ground beef, there wasn't many other similarities. But to be honest, with my "boys" I knew I wouldn't have to worry about them complaining about the new trend in my kitchen. After all, they love sloppy joes and they love Mexican food, so I knew these would be a hit. 

Topped with your favorite taco toppings, these can truly be "make your own". How fun for a family dinner, or group gathering! Everyone can have one made to exactly their tastes. So, if you've found yourself in another dinner rut, change it up tonight with these; and then in a couple nights, try the Italian ones above. Then you too can say "It's not a run, it's a trend!"

Mexican Sloppy Joes
1 lb. ground beef
1 (1.1 oz) packet taco seasoning, or 7 tsp. homemade
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
2/3 c. water
Salt and Pepper to taste
Shredded Cheddar
Chopped Tomatoes
Shredded Lettuce
Buns

In a large skillet, brown beef until no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Add taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Add green chilies and mix well. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook 5 minutes until flavors develop. Using a slotted spoon, add meat to bun bottoms. Top with cheese, allowing it to melt for a few seconds. Top with lettuce and then tomato (I find this order is best to keep everything together.) or other favorite taco toppings. 


Shared on Make Ahead Meals Mar. 25, 2013
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Mar. 26, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Mar. 27, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Mar. 28, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Mar. 29, 2013
Mexican at Very Good Recipes
Pin It
There are so many of us who find ourselves falling into the mealtime rut. We find dishes our families enjoy and we make them again and again. They are easy because they are tried and true, and they are pleasing because we know they will be successful each and every time. But in my opinion, if you find something that tastes great, is a simple "go-to", and you can switch it up even a little each time, then it becomes a trend, not a rut!

So even though this idea came to me not too long after we enjoyed my Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes, I decided we didn't need to wait. Sure, they were another sloppy joe, but beyond the ground beef, there wasn't many other similarities. But to be honest, with my "boys" I knew I wouldn't have to worry about them complaining about the new trend in my kitchen. After all, they love sloppy joes and they love Mexican food, so I knew these would be a hit. 

Topped with your favorite taco toppings, these can truly be "make your own". How fun for a family dinner, or group gathering! Everyone can have one made to exactly their tastes. So, if you've found yourself in another dinner rut, change it up tonight with these; and then in a couple nights, try the Italian ones above. Then you too can say "It's not a run, it's a trend!"

Mexican Sloppy Joes
1 lb. ground beef
1 (1.1 oz) packet taco seasoning, or 7 tsp. homemade
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
2/3 c. water
Salt and Pepper to taste
Shredded Cheddar
Chopped Tomatoes
Shredded Lettuce
Buns

In a large skillet, brown beef until no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Add taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Add green chilies and mix well. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook 5 minutes until flavors develop. Using a slotted spoon, add meat to bun bottoms. Top with cheese, allowing it to melt for a few seconds. Top with lettuce and then tomato (I find this order is best to keep everything together.) or other favorite taco toppings. 


Shared on Make Ahead Meals Mar. 25, 2013
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Mar. 26, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Mar. 27, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Mar. 28, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Mar. 29, 2013
Mexican at Very Good Recipes
Pin It
reade more... Résuméabuiyad