French Potato Salad

I've come a long way baby.

Let me explain.  Growing up, I had a very loose, slightly on, mostly off, relationship with potato salad.  And considering that most of the potato salad I came across at family meals, barbecue's, cookouts, and the like, contained their fair share of mayonnaise, I was simply not a fan.

It's never easy to convey why you don't take to a particular food--especially when it seems that most you know and come across are fans.  But there I was--the girl, now woman, with a distinct disdain for this favorite dish and its main dressing.  However, I'm fortunate that as my natural development continued, so did my palate's evolution, and I ultimately came to like--not love--traditional potato salad.  Nothing major, but I could handle a serving or two a few times a year.

And then I was given the gift of discovering what seemed to be a recipe created just for me and my fellow non-mayo cohorts: an herb-y, vinaigrette tossed, and beyond delicious, French Potato Salad.  Made of tender red and white potatoes, with accents of fresh herbs, a luscious champagne vinaigrette, and a few other flavorings of white wine, chicken stock and green onions, it's one of my favorite side dishes for any occasion and my definite go-to when I'm on potato salad duty.  It's a lighter, elegant spin on the classic American-style and suits me (and my taste buds) perfectly.

I brought it back to life in my kitchen recently for a family gathering, and let's just say the bowl was empty at the end of our time together (humble brag -:) ).  It serves up beautifully warm or at room temperature, making it extremely versatile and picnic friendly.  Make it for yourself and I'm certain you'll be coming back for more.

Happy Eating!

French Potato Salad >>> Get the recipe here!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus

This past weekend was abuzz with the anticipation of Easter.  Besides my focus on worship on the holy holiday, my agenda also entailed the making of goodie baskets for some special little people, and, as you might have guessed, deciding on my contribution to a family Easter dinner menu.  I also managed to score the perfect "Easter Dress" recently, which is undoubtedly a delight to the fashionista in me. :)

Back to the menu... My thoughts ranged from baking a cake (eclipsed by a cousin's announcement that she would be bringing cupcakes), to savory scones, to deviled eggs, to finally--a roasted vegetable dish (with some added umami) and the fixings for Arnold Palmer sips.

Asparagus are a delicacy--and especially when you're buying them in-season.  With my mind--and menu addition--finally settled, I roasted up some gorgeously green and fresh asparagus and finished them with a blanket of the umami goodness I mentioned above, i.e. salty, yummy prosciutto.  Simple. easy. elegant. and most importantly, delicious.

Beyond the ease of preparation and taste factors, this dish is also a star because it can be served as almost any course you like, making for appetizer, salad, lunch, or side dish heaven.  And it's spring eating as its best.

Happy Eating!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
1.5-2lbs. fresh asparagus
1/2 lb. prosciutto, thinly sliced
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Rinse, dry and trim asparagus stalks (break off the woody ends; they will snap at the natural breaking point).  Place asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until tender, but not overly cooked. 

Wrap cooked asparagus with strips of prosciutto.  Serve and enjoy!    

Homemade Applesauce

I'm an apple lover, so apple "anything"--pie, crisps, tarts, candy (you get the picture)--has always been a welcomed part of my eating repertoire.  Applesauce is no exception and, in fact, has been a favorite since my earliest childhood memories.

While I've done my fair share of apple dishes over the years, last year's Thanksgiving dinner was the first time I decided to make homemade applesauce.  Where had I been all this time?  It was every bit as scrumptious and satisfying as I anticipated--pairing beautifully with my roasted porkloin--and easier than most apple creations that come through my kitchen.  It was clear: this recipe was a keeper.

As wonderful, seasonal dishes go, this is one that belongs in your fall/holiday repertoire, for sure.  I like the mix of sweeter red and tarter green apples, but you can use whatever you like--or happen to have on hand.  Although simple, it's a stunner of a dish with the taste to match.

Happy Eating!

Homemade Applesauce

Ingredients:
4-6 lbs. of apples, peeled, cored and cut into slices
1 cup apple cider
Juice of a lemon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Heaping teaspoon of cinnamon
Pinches of allspice and nutmeg

Method:
Combine all ingredients into a large pot and cook over a medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking/scorching, about 25 minutes.

Once apples have softened and begun to dissolve/melt, remove from heat and blend to desired texture and consistency with an immersion blender or in a food processor.  Serve warm or chilled--and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman