Summer Salad Composition...

There is nothing I love more than a sunny summer morning and an outing to my local Farmers Market. Yum. The possibilities for the evening meal are always an inspiration and a delight.
I am impressed by the heirloom varieties of most vegetables, however recently carrots have caught my fancy. Did you know carrots come in many more colors than plain orange? Such as pale yellow, maroon with an orange interior, a creamy white and even a subtle orange. Each color even tastes a bit different. Indeed these are not the carrots of our youth or even the produce aisle of the supermarket!
Summers in Maine are much cooler than the rest of the country, the lettuces, peas, and herbs do not "bolt" (rush to flower, rendering the lettuce especially, bitter) and seem to last longer due to the lack of heat and humidity. So selections for interesting salads are readily available this time of year.
This Summer Salad Composition is easy.
Mixed Greens (about 3 cups)
Nasturtium Greens & Flowers (From the garden) about 1-2 cup
Basil, Dill, Parsley (one or all of this combo) a small handful
Young tender Snap Peas, gently sauteed to a bright green. about 1 cup
Many colors of heirloom Carrots about 3-4
Dried Figs, a large handful
Spring turnips (sliced thinly) These are small, about 7 or 8
Roasted Beets (Golden, Ruby Red or Orange) about 1 cup chopped
Artisan Goat Cheese (York Hill-Garlic & Dill if you can find it) about 1/4 of a cup
Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

Grab a large platter and cover with the mixed greens
Next tear the Nasturtium leaves and scatter over mixed greens
Julienne the Carrots, scatter artfully
Scatter Beets and Sliced Turnips and Nasturtium Flowers
Crumble the goat cheese place sprinkle on top
Drizzle the Balsamic Reduction vinegar.
Yummy, you now have a salad for 4.
This is excellent with some grilled, Fish, Chicken or any roasted meat.
We had a family dinner last night and enjoyed this salad last night with Lobster, which at 3.99 per pound is 1/2 the price of organic Chicken!

Orchids, Easy As 1, 2, 3...

I am a fan of Orchids and once you figure out how SIMPLE they are
to grow, you will be too. There are a long list of Orchids that are
not only easy to care for but easily purchased. You can walk into almost any Grocery Store and find them sitting in the flower department waiting for you to take them home. I also find my Orchids at Big Box Superstores and the occasional Nursery. Orchids are mass produced and relatively inexpensive. Typically I will pay 15-20 dollars for an Orchid. I expect them to bloom for several months, they never disappoint me.
Here is the deal, they love morning sunshine or a bright, bright light filled room. In nature they grow in steamy jungles attached to sides of trees, catching streams of sunshine and rain filtered through the canopy of leaves from above. The best part is this, at home the only required effort is to put them in the sink every few weeks, soak them with warm water and gently water the leaves. The rest of the time they hang out just enjoying the day and look lovely. I have never had bug problems or mysterious die backs. I believe it is because I do not "over love" them, I give them their space and pay attention to them only a few times a month. They are the perfect choice if you travel and like to come home to flowering beauties.
My favorites are Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids), Cymbidiums and Oncidiums. All are hardy, inexpensive and beautiful.
My Orchids bring me joy every day.
When they are not blooming I put them together in long cachepots so they can rest and recharge. The best part of resting is 6 months later when they burst back into bloom. Oh happy day!
Give Orchids a try you will be happy you did.
To learn more, click here.