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!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

57. Apple Crunch Salad





















This salad should be called, “Fall is just around the corner!”  It’s packed with crunchy apples, pomegranates, walnuts, dark greens and a little hint of cinnamon.  Thanks to my sister, Karin Sawhill, for the recipe.  I switched it up a bit, but the basic yumminess is all there.


Ingredients

2 cups shredded Lacinato kale
2 cups shredded purple cabbage
2 cups micro greens
2 cups thinly sliced fennel root 
(or any combination of 8 cups of crunchy vegetables)
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
2 sweet apples, cored and thinly sliced (I used Pink Lady apples; you could use Gala, MacIntosh, or any sweet apple)


Pomegranate Vinaigrette

5 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp pomegranate vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp each kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon


Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and toss.  

Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Dress the salad and toss again.

Serve immediately.  Serves 4-6

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