Ah summer. When I was a kid summer was THE BEST. School was out, the weather was great, there were more things to do and everyone had plenty of time. I grew up in Michigan, and summer was definitely my favorite time of year. I remember swimming and bonfires and camping and FOOD. It was magical. We even ate differently in the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, whereas they really weren't even available throughout the rest of the year.

As I grew older I somehow lost that summer magic. I moved to southern California with my husband and 3 kids, and summer became just another season, so much like the other seasons. I did my best to create the magic while my kids were young, but by the time they were grown it was gone.

Last year I caught myself dreading summer, and actually heard myself saying the words, "I hate summer." I realized it was time for an intervention. I made a "Summer To Do List" and forced myself to get out there and have fun. I went to the beach, enjoyed Shakespeare in the park, picnicked, swam, watched movies under the stars and ate homemade lavender ice cream AND recruited lots of friends and family to do it all with me. Summer was back! It was such a valuable lesson, as I learned that I have to continue to create my life, my fun.

So as June 21st approaches I've started my new Summer To Do List. I really don't need it anymore, but I'll keep it there as a reminder to create, to enjoy, to have fun.

This blog is part of that. Those of you who know me know that I love good food, and I love to share it with people I love. In an effort to try new things and eat healthily, I've challenged myself to make and share 60 Salads of Summer. My daughter Danica, who is a very creative cook, is helping me. And we're looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor. I can't promise they'll all be healthy, but I can promise they'll all be delicious. Enjoy!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

49. Waldorf Salad






















The Waldorf Salad originated at the end of the 19th century at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.  It was created by the hotel’s maitre de, not a chef, and contained only apples, celery and mayonnaise.  It was an instant hit.  It has evolved over the years to include grapes and walnuts and lettuce.  I thought I’d take it a step further.  

As a tribute to one of my favorite hotels, and almost exactly 4 long years since I’ve stayed there, I give you (drum roll please) my Waldorf Salad.


Ingredients

4 cups baby greens
1 granny smith, cored and chopped
1 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

If you’re a purist:  1 stalk of celery, chopped


Dressing

1/3 cup olive oil
1/6 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Arrange the salad ingredients in a large, shallow bowl.   Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.  Drizzle lightly over the salad, toss and serve.

Serves 4

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