In the Kitchen Pt.1

Hello again dear blog, how is everyone doing this Monday? I hope all is good in blogland as well as real life with all of my readers! Anyways, I decided that around once or twice a month I am going to do a post on different dishes I make, and or find pretty. So today, having in mind that I wanted to do this post, I decided to make a fresh garden salad for lunch after I watched this show, and saw a delicious looking fresh and light dressing. I just love her show, whenever I find time to catch it I always feel like inviting people over and making some delicious Italian dinner. I myself love to entertain, and I believe I received that "gene" from my grandmother, who is an amazing cook as well as a lovely entertainer.
...duh.... I almost forgot, sorry for this quick topic change, but I just remembered how I was going to tell you about the graduation party on Saturday. It was hectic, like I had said, but everyone enjoyed themselves, and enjoyed the food. I myself only had to prepare the chicken, which I browned about 50 pieces in a pan with some white wine, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper as well as EVOO, and then put it in pans to bake in the oven. It turned out delicious, and while that was cooking, I assembled the fruit kabobs, which had watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapples, and grapes. I also had time to make my hazelnut blondies, which were also a hit, and whose picture you can see at the end of the post. Okay, now back to my salad which I named L'Insalata di Estate semplice (Simple Summer Salad in Italian.) I started with a few leaves of basil, some EVOO, salt, pepper, thyme, Dijon mustard, and lemon peel for the dressing which I blended and put in the fridge. I then cut up a head of romaine, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes and added some pre-grilled chicken. Finally I assembled it all in a really pretty white bowl I have, chilled the salad for a few minutes as well as the dressing & then enjoyed it with a nice cup of cherry selzter. Yummmo!!! It was so light and delicious, that I highly recommend you try it! It’s very simple too, and easy to clean up, so even if you can’t cook (which I am sure you can!!) it will turn out beautifully! Okay, just wanted to do a quick post today, I'll tell you more about the party on Wednesday or Thursday. Until next time, wishing you some enjoyable time whipping up L'Insalata di Estate semplice!

Lemon Basil Dressing


Preparing the Salad


Hazelnut Blondies