Are the dog days of summer already here?? In Colorado the answer is – whew! Yes! But so too are the wonderful days of the farmer’s markets. On Saturday I got to two of them in Fort Collins. I, along with I imagine millions of other people, was still reeling from the news of beloved Anthony…
Category: Salads
Roast Golden Beet Carpaccio with Walnut Sherry Vinaigrette
Unexpected. And glorious. Plant based and gluten free. Light, and perfect for picnics or special occasions. I had an inspiration the other day, cradling the two golden beets I had just pulled from my refrigerator in my hand, not wanting to simply boil them, or roast them for that matter, but something … something different….
Grilled Colorado Peach Caprese Salad
Colorado peaches are a treasure. Grown on the spectacular western slope of the state, the peach blossoms sometimes, some years, encounter spring snows, freezing the blossoms and wiping out the seasons’ harvests. So those blooms that make it, create a sublime peach that knows both cool night temperatures as are par usual, as well as…
Grilled Endive and Quinoa Salad with Dried Sour Cherries and Toasted Almonds
This gardening season is going to be like no other in my life! I’m just thrilled to have secured a spot in one of the many community gardens here in Fort Collins, Colorado. By the time I got over to the gardens to really check out my plot, shovel, rake, gardening gloves and a desire…
A Midsummer Night’s Nicoise
It’s pure summer love. My inspiration began when I noticed the green beans in the garden were getting big enough to pick. And a few tomatoes gleamed from deep in their foliage. Salad Nicoise with a few liberties. You know, that French dish from long ago? Here’s to a little breaking with tradition. What’s ripening…
Grilled Asparagus, Balsamic Beet and Grapefruit Mixed Green Salad
We’ve definitely entered into the salad days of summer. And northern Colorado has been hot, hot hot. I’ll bet it has been where you are too… though today begins in a gray, overcast kind of way, and that feels mighty refreshing. I created this salad, actually, back in March – in a spring kind…
Garden of Joy … and Coconut Milk Chipotle Ranch Dressing
My spirits are rejuvenated every time I head to the garden – this amazing space I’m sharing with friends. Here’s but a few of the delights coming on in full beauty this last June day. So much to be grateful for. To have this space to breathe in, and connect with. And once we’ve poked…
Fried Apple and Wilted Kale Salad with Curried Raisins and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
I live in a climate that feels winter deep into it’s bones. This year we’ve gotten more snow than usual; the blues and whites stunning – merging, a dreamy fusion, blending land and sky. I’m to be found at home today, fire in the woodstove, thinking greens. This perfect little salad has been rolling around…
Incan Quinoa Salad with Roast Yams, Sweet Peppers, Black Beans, Lime and Chilies
Years ago, I’d been studying with indigenous healers from South America here in the states. A trip to their homeland had not quite manifested, but I had to get out adventuring somewhere. My solo camping trip to Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon inspired my spirit, and inspired this satisfying main dish salad. I made three hearty…
Roast Beet Caprese, and a Cup of Sangria
Every once in a while I have to throw a party. And go all out. Everybody dropped by that were in the neighborhood. You may remember — salivating — along with my friends when you saw this rose tea infused deglet noor date chocolate fudge in a post awhile back. And after a cup or two…
Roast Pepper Potato Salad with Basil and Pearl Mozzarella
Where I live, we may have in no uncertain terms, officially reached the Dog Days of Summer some steamy afternoon during the last couple of weeks. But the garden is mightily loving the heat. I was out of town for 6 days, and came back to huge changes – a few dozen Japanese eggplants popping forth from…
Perfect Picnic Thai Green Curry Pasta Salad
Thai green curry is an ongoing passion of mine. The herb-iness, the spice, the HOT, the coconut…… And, when I started to think about it, how perfect it is for outdoor summer eating adventures. Picnics. Instead of pesto in a salad. We grew a ton of basil last year as well as mint, and I…
Sugar Snap Pea, Carrot – Potato Salad with Fresh Dill and Capers
Sugar snap peas … fresh out of the garden yesterday inspired me to make this quick, lovely vegan salad. With a small, freshly pulled red onion and plenty of fresh cut dill, I was nearly set. These classic flavors are just perfect together. Potatoes are steamed until very tender, sweet carrots just a few minutes, so…
Pink Lady Apple Slaw with Toasted Fennel Seed and Lemon Oil
This simple vegan slaw contains wonderful medicinal healing ingredients, and a fresh, light flavor. With six ingredients, and about ten minutes prep time, it’s quick to prepare for a picnic or side. I’ve been experimenting cooking with organic lemon oil – usually reserved in the past for flavoring baked goods. I’ve tried it with steamed…
Pachamama's Beautiful Food 