Some Twists On Old Favorites

I love summertime eating -- the fresh vegetables and fruits that make simple dining come alive. Right now, I'm putting big, ripe blueberries in nearly everything. Yum! But I'm also experimenting with summer salads. And that inspired me to ask you all to share your favorite twists on classic summer dishes. 

One of my favorite salads is the classic insalata caprese, that flavorful tomato and mozzarella dish. My twist, which has less fat, is to use very ripe tomatoes sliced and dressed with low-fat feta cheese, dried dill, and sea salt. Some of you purists will say that's nowhere near the same dish. True! But it is a tomato-cheese-and-herb combo that is easy to make with just the right tangy taste.

I also picked up an idea from my friend, Jennifer, who puts vanilla bean pods in her sugar bowl. The sugar absorbs the vanilla flavor and provides a smooth, rich taste in your coffee. Much better, in my opinion, than the artificial vanilla of many coffee creamers. But you just have to explain to your guests what that black thing is in the sugar bowl before they recoil with distaste! 

What summer cooking secrets or favorite dishes do you have? 

Comments

[allyson watt]

my aunt makes a variation of the caprese dish using mango instead of tomato (obviously a big change). she lays out a thick slice of mozzarella cheese with a basil leaf and a slice of mango. i don't think it's even dressed with anything. it's always a hit.

[Shannon]

Right now I am sipping on a "virgin" version of a mimosa: orange juice mixed with Sprite. Very refreshing in this heat! You can use whatever juice you want, too, and add a little variety. Yum!

[Alicia]

Wow. I love the vanilla in the sugar idea. I don't typically like artificially flavored vanilla things, but this sounds great. Thank you!

[bonnie]

I serve in India, and we are in the midst of mango season. I have a mango smoothie each day, sometimes with banana or other fruits as available. With temps over 100 each day, it is a wonderful cool blessing.

[KS]

For an easy slaw, I use shredded cabbage slaw mix, Trader Joe's poppy seed dressing, and Craisins.

I love your salad idea. I'm growing dill in a pot from a seed card on the Triscuits box, so I could use fresh dill in place of dried.

[Jackie]

I recommend making a yummy Greek salad with tomatoes, cuc, green pepper, olives, feta cheese...and perhaps some spices. No olive oil necessarily required.

Also oven roasted veggie wrap - zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, garlic, peppers (fave colours) - tossed with a bit of olive oil, S&P in oven at 425C for 15 mins (or on a grill if you have the luxury). Serve inside a tortilla with cheese (feta recommended) and fresh mint! :) Mmmm

[April]

We put a little cinnamon in our ground coffee before it goes through the coffee machine! This is a little more of a "fall" taste but it is also a good alternative to creamer!