salad tools

Lettuce Knife

 made of plastic, it is safe and no metal to cause browning of the lettuce, available in most kitchen and supermarkets for $4-10.

The gadget on the right is a vegetable peeler that fits on your finger, I love it and think it works better than any other I have ever used. I found it at Bed Bath and Beyond for $5. The blue peeler to the left, I am afraid I don't know the official name, but it Julianes vegetables wonderfully! I found it at a local Asian market for around $6, if you know its official name, please comment.

Salad Bar

Having guests? Do they all have different tastes? Maybe different dietary needs? How about a build your own salad bar at home. Have all the ingredients and keep them all separate so the gluten free person can steer clear of the croutons and blue cheese,and the vegan/vegetarian can have all the veggies and fruits they can eat.

Start with the greens; 

iceberg, romain, endive, arugula, chard, spinach or mixes

Throw in the veggies, use bowls, Tupperware and relish trays;

cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli, cauliflower........

Fruits:

chopped apple, mandarine oranges, strawberries, dried cranberries

Nuts and seeds:

almonds, pecans, walnuts, shelled sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, flax seed

hard boiled eggs

meat; chicken, ham, pastrami, bacon

cheese- shredded or chunks, any kind, how about a sharp cheddar, a mild mozzarella, and an asiago wedge

Don't forget the olives and the breads

hard rolls, croutons, crackers

Now be sure and have a good variety of dressings, including olive oil and a good balsamic vinegar.

Healthy and individual, your guests should have a wonderful time.

Brownie mix

Brownie Mix

I love brownie mix, it is the most versatile quick dessert there is. Quick and yummy. Bake up a batch, mix in nuts, chocolate chunks, marshmallows or caramels. Sprinkle with coconut and chocolate syrup or a dollop of cool whip and a cherry.
Why not slice them in half (chill first) and spread a little raspberry jam or peanut butter, place the top back on and enjoy.
How about making a couple batches, cutting and freezing them. For drop in company or a family dessert layer them in a bowl with some ice cream, or make a chocolate fondue and dip them with assorted fruit.
Layer them in a trifle bowl with instant pudding, canned pie filling and whipped topping. 

 I love to use the silicone baking cups, just spray and make individual brownie cupcakes, you can top each with a different topping, good if you like nuts and the rest of the family doesn't. Be sure and cool completely before removing if you use these or you will have a brownie mess!

Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/4 c softened butter

3/4 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 c four

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

3 c rolled oats

Optional 

2 Tbs. flax seed

3/4 c dried cranberries

1/2 c chopped walnuts

Cream butter and sugars, add egg and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, soda and spices, add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats and any or all of the optional ingredients. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 min or until golden brown.

This is my all time favorite oatmeal cookie recipe, they have even won a blue ribbon at the local fair.