French Potato Salad

I mentioned in my last recipe posting of Cold Cucumber Buttermilk Soup that I had taken a cooking class that offered an amazing menu.  This is another side dish from that class.  Now, I really don't care for potato salad, but I realized that I personally don't care for mayo based potato salads.  Actually, not a big fan of any salad that is mayo based.  I think I have been exposed to too many of them growing up - I'm from the midwest, and it's a staple around here, but it's something I just couldn't get behind. 

So, when I tried this French Potato Salad, my tastebuds danced!!  It is very good - I highly recommend you try it.  If you like the traditional potato salad, give this one a try too - it's a bit different, but well worth it!

French Potato Salad
original recipe by Lori Valenziano

2 lbs. combination of red and Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
6 T white wine vinegar
1 shallot, minced
3 T fresh chives, minced
1 T of any or all of the following herbs:
           - tarragon, mint, dill, thyme, parsley
2 T capers, drained
1 T whole grain mustard (I used 2 T to cut back on the vinegar taste)
6 T extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork tender - about 20-25 minutes.  Drain.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the vinegar, shallots, herbs, capers, and mustard.  Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly.  Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
3. While the potatoes are still warm, toss with the vinaigrette to combine.  Serve at room temperature.

We ate this with Flank Steak Sandwiches - my family swarmed on this meal so fast, I didn't have a chance to take a picture!  Thank God I was able to at least snap this for you!

Please click here for a printable version of this recipe - Kitchen Groovy

Enjoy and live with gusto!

Cold Cucumber Buttermilk Soup

A little over a month ago, I took a cooking class entitled "Summer Picnic with Lucia's" which was taught by local restaurant Lucia's head chef.  It was me a two dear friends, and we had a blast!  The menu was amazing, and the atmosphere even better. 

I made their Cold Cucumber Buttermilk Soup yesterday, and it was just as I remembered it that night.  It has just the right amount of tang, is crisp and fresh - and perfect for any hot, summer day!

Now, I just have to share it with you - since I can't really have you in my kitchen :-)  I cut the recipe in half since I basically made it just for myself!  My family is not really into the idea of "chilled" soups, so I have to slowly introduce the idea to them . . . mwuah haha!  They will be loving cold soups before they know what hit them!

Cold Cucumber Buttermilk Soup
Original Recipe by Lori Valenziano
Serves 8

2 lbs. cucumbers
Kosher Salt
1/4 bunch Italian Parsley
2 cloves garlic
1/4 C olive oil
2 C plain yogurt
1 C half and half
3 C buttermilk
White pepper, to taste
8 sprigs of mint (optional garnish)

1. Peel, seed and coarsely chop the cucumbers.  Sprinkle with salt, place in a strainer and drain for 1 hour.  Pat dry and set aside.
2. Pick parsley leaves and chop.  Crush garlic cloves with 1 tsp. of salt (or use a microplane). 
3. Place garlic in a large glass bowl, beat in olive oil.  Stir in the yogurt, half and half and buttermilk.  Mix well.
4. Add the cucumbers and chopped parsley.  Puree (I used an immersion blender).  Taste for seasoning; adjust with salt and white pepper.  Chill well before serving - a few hours.  Garnish with mint.

This was my lunch today.

Please click here for a printable version of this recipe - Kitchen Groovy

Enjoy and live with gusto!

Parmesan Crisps

A very dear friend of mine, whom I've known for most of my life recently had a baby - I was so honored to host a baby shower for her and her sweet, precious baby boy!  Not only did I get to hold him and hug him, but it also gave me a chance to cook and bake for a group of gals.  Woot woot! 

Here is what was on the menu -
Parmesan Crisps
Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts - recipe to come later!
Fruit, Meat and Cheese
Cupcakes

Today, here is the recipe for Parmesan Crisps.  It's a ONE ingredient recipe!  It was so elegant and light - perfect for an afternoon baby shower.  It pairs very nicely with sparkling wine, sparkling water and strawberries!

Parmesan Crisps

Ingredients
- 4 oz. Parmesan Reggiano Cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Finely grate 2 oz. cheese, set in a bowl.  Finely shred another 2 oz. cheese and mix together with grated cheese.

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, take 1/2 tablespoon scoops and pile on parchment paper.  I usually did 12 on a baking sheet.  place in oven and bake for 6 minutes.  Repeat until all cheese is used. 

Serve (can be made a couple of hours ahead of time). 

They were light, crisp, salty and very delicious!

And - here's a little peek of the cupcakes I made - those were also y.u.m.m.y.!!!

 

Please click here for a printable version of this recipe - Kitchen Groovy

Enjoy and live with gusto!

Vegetable and Feta Orzo Pasta Salad

A dear friend of mine asked me to provide dinner to a leadership meeting she is hosting at the end of the month - woop woop!  I'm honored and excited to do this for her.  She came over yesterday to help me prepare for a baby shower, and of course, I had to start testing recipes.  I made this yesterday for lunch and we LOVED IT!  We decided that for the meeting, we would add black olives - but it sure was great as is :-)

Actually, a few weeks ago, I was at a cooking class and we made something similar but I adjusted the recipe according to my friend's specifications.  At some point later, I'd love to post the original recipe as that was delicious, too!

Vegetable and Feta Orzo Pasta Salad
Original Recipe by Lucia
Adapted recipe by Kitchen Groovy

Kosher Salt

1 lb. orzo

½ C freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

Extra virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. asparagus

1 pkg. grape tomatoes

1 cucumber, seeded and medium diced

¾ lb. feta cheese, crumbled

Parsley, or any other favorite fresh herb!

1.       Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

2.       Place asparagus on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and kosher salt – roast for 10 minutes.

3.       Fill large pot with water, add 1 T salt and bring water to boil. 

4.       Add the orzo, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.  Simmer for 9-11 minutes.  Cook until it’s al dente. 

5.       Drain and pour into a large bowl.  Whisk together the lemon juice, ½ C olive oil, 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper.  Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

6.       Add asparagus to the pasta, toss in the remaining ingredients, adding the feta last.  Set aside at room temp for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight.  If refrigerated, taste again for seasoning and bring back to room temp before serving.

 Note: more salt is needed when serving dishes cold.



Doesn't it look absolutely refreshing??

Please click here for a printable version of this recipe - Kitchen Groovy

Enjoy and live with gusto!