Food and Features

Here is a recipe for one of my favorite summer side dishes. This goes great with ribs or steaks on the grill. You could also add an egg if you would like. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes, drained
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomato (optional)
1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground pepper.

In a large bowl combine the macaroni, celery, onion, parsley and tomato, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Store covered in the refrigerator and serve when chilled. Can be stored for up to 3 days.
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The tomatoes in our garden are still green with a few starting to turn red. Now is the time to make a piping hot batch of fried green tomatoes. Enjoy this with any dipping sauce you like. I prefer ranch dressing. [Full Story »] 

We have had an abundance of red potatoes this year from the garden. I can't think of a better way to utilize them than by making a wonderful potato salad. This recipe is easy and will go great with anything on the grill.
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Summertime is my favorite time of the year for food. There is always something fresh that needs to be grilled, sauteed or eaten straight from the vine. It will soon be time to have fresh corn from the garden. It is very rewarding to harvest a garden and eat the treats. This recipe is for corn that will soon be ready to pick. It calls for yellow corn, but my favorite is Silver Queen white corn. You choose your favorite.

Ingredients:

-5 large ears of yellow corn (3 cups kernels)
-1.5 cups of finely diced sweet onion
-3/4 cups of finely chopped flat leaf parsley
-3 tbsp. of lime juice
-2 tbsp. of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
-1/4 tsp. salt

Microwave corn in husks, on high, until they are steaming and tender (7-9 minutes). When cool, remove husks and silk. Slice kernels from corn. Combine corn kernels, onion, parsley, lime juice, oil and salt and refrigerate. Serve cold.
I always like to chop a tomato and add to it. [Full Story »] 

Chili-Lime Shrimp

With the temperature heating up, I always crave seafood. Especially fresh shrimp.
This recipe is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the water or in your backyard.

Ingredients:
-Cooking spray
-3/4 cup chopped green onions, divided
-1.5 lbs. peeled and deveined large shrimp
-1 tsp. chili powder
-2 tbsp. fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
-2 tbsp. butter
-1/2 tsp. salt

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1/2 cup onions to pan; coat onions with cooking spray. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and chili powder to pan; cook 4 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add juice, butter and salt to pan; stir until butter melts. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup onions.

Makes 4 servings.


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