Best of the Month June 2013

My most popular blog posts of  June 2013

I have decided to start a best of the month post.  I will re-post my top five blogs from the previous month at the end of each month.  I hope that this not only reminds me of what I've been making but also reminds you my viewers.  I hope that it also shows everyone what they may have missed from last month.

1. Ciabatta (Sourdough):  A crisp and chewy loaf of rustic bread made from a very wet dough.

This is my husbands favorite bread and it seems to be a viewer favorite too.  This blog post received the most views of the month (it was accepted to YeastSpotting).

2.  Candied Pecans:  These sweet and crunchy pecans make great salad toppers and snacks.

These are a staple in my kitchen now.  I can't have a salad without the addition of these delicious nuts.

3.  Bruschetta and Antipasto:  Diced tomatoes and basil to top thinly sliced ciabatta toast with a meat and cheese platter.  Great as an appetizer and filling enough for a meal.

This is one of my favorite meals.  I love having appetizers for dinner.  Anytime I make a good rustic bread like ciabatta I always want to make bruschetta and the meat and cheese make it a more filling meal (did I mention I love prosciutto too).
*This photo was actually accepted to TasteSpotting (my first and only so far)

4.  The Best Salad Ever:  A green salad topped with blue cheese, chicken, strawberries, and candied pecans.

 I love this salad.  It is filling enough for a complete meal and full of so many great flavors.  This reminds me I need to make it again.

5.  Steak and Cheese Shooter's Sandwich:  A crusty bread boule stuffed with steak and cheese then pressed.  A very hardy sandwich.

Many people are scared off by this sandwich because you leave it out at room temperature, under weight, for 6 hours.  It is well worth the time and effort.  For those worried about health safety you could try this sandwich using cured meats.



 My original plan was to use the top 5 posts of the month.  However this month had a very close runner up.

6.  Tropical Fruit Salad:   A fruit salad made with pineapple, mango, and banana tossed in coconut milk.

All I have to say about this recipe is I love mangoes and I love living in Hawaii.





 I hope that this post reminds everyone of the great recipes from last month.  Enjoy (I know I did).

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The Best Salad Ever

A green salad topped with blue cheese, chicken, strawberries, and candied pecans.

I know this is a very steep claim, but in my opinion this is the best salad ever.  My husband and I used to get a salad similar to this when ever we went to Whole Foods and we would immediately gobble it up.  When I found my self with both blue cheese and fresh strawberries in my refrigerator I had to recreate this amazing salad.  It has been quite a while since I have had the Whole Foods version of this salad but mine did not disappoint.  I would even say it was much better.  I highly recommend this salad.  It is flavorful and very filling.

The Best Salad Ever

Ingredients:

lettuce or spinach
green onions, sliced
shredded cooked chicken (great use for leftover rotisserie chicken)
strawberries, sliced
blue cheese
candied pecans
balsamic vinaigrette

Toss the lettuce in the vinaigrette until well coated (I usually use 2-3 hand fulls of lettuce per person and the vinaigrette is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, I just eye ball it).

Place the dressed lettuce on a plate or shallow bowl and sprinkle on the green onions, as much as you like I use about 1/4 cup (you could use red onion slices too I just find green onions to be milder and still impart an onion flavor).

Next add the pecans, I use about a hand full but it's all  up to personal tastes, and some chicken (however much you like).

Lastly top with straw berries and blue cheese (about 1/4 cup of each).

You could just add all of the ingredients together and toss in the vinaigrette, this would save some time, but usually all the toppings fall to the bottom of the bowl making it difficult to get proper amounts of everything in each serving (I'm just picky so I will do it my way...it's the right way after all).

Enjoy.

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