What's for Lunch

I have to share this yummy salad dressing I've really been enjoying:

via

I found this Sesame Ginger Dressing in the refrigerated salad greens section in the Whole Foods produce department.  Here are the ingredients: Filtered Water, Sesame Tahini (Ground Sesame Seeds), Pear Juice Concentrate, Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt), Orange Juice Concentrate, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ginger Puree (Ginger, Water), Chives, Xanthan Gum.

I was looking for a pre-made dressing with Asian flavors because I have been eating a LOT of Chick-fil-a's Asian Salad w/ Honey Sesame dressing.  While it is a better choice than the fried chicken sandwich loaded up with mayo (mmmm), I knew I could make something healthier & cheaper at home.  (And I would be eating it WITHOUT a side of waffle fries dipped in Chick-fil-a sauce!)

To be honest, I felt a little nervous about this dressing BECAUSE it sounded so healthy, but I figured I'd give it a whirl.  I am now officially addicted!  I actually look forward to lunchtime so I can make myself a salad of greens (I like the "I heart Baby Kale" mix from Organic Girl), topped with one diced apple, & some slivered almonds.  Dicing a whole apple actually makes this salad half apple/half greens, but I'm completely okay with that.  I love the way the sweet, crisp apple squares taste with the salty, gingery, nutty, dressing.

Hope you enjoy this nutrient-packed salad as much as I have!

This Week's Menu (July #3)

Anybody a Ranch Dressing fan?  I make mine loosely based on PDub's recipe, found here.  Enjoy!

Next week is....drumroll please...my birthday!  Therefore, you better believe some of my favorite things to eat are on this week's Frugal Foodie menu!  If you've been itching to try me out, this is your week!!  (Hurry, because quantities are still limited!)

This was my favorite family meal when I was growing up, and I often requested it for my birthday dinner.  The marinade originated in Ithaca, NY (near where I once lived) at Cornell University (hence the name).  The marinade is cider vinegar-based, and I am a huge fan of the tangy saltiness.  This meal will include organic marinated chicken thighs & corn on the cob for preparing inside or outside.  Hooray for summer!

Summer screams for homemade salsa.  These nachos will include the one & only Las Delicias chips as a base, with black beans, sour cream, cheese, & a mild, fresh salsa.  A laid-back, crowd-pleasing meal!

For my 30th birthday a few years back, my husband threw me a party at Trolley Stop with some of my favorite pizzas.  This one was at the top of the list.  This is my preferred make-at-home version, complete with fresh tomatoes, home-grown basil, & a pre-made (by me) mix for a homemade crust that will be unbelievably simple.  

This week's Simple Salad will include salted almonds & a DELICIOUS fresh peach vinaigrette that I can't wait to share with you next week!

This week's smoothie mix is Coconut-Lime and will include all the frozen & fresh fixins for this yummy green smoothie.

This Week's Delicious Choices:

Cornell Chicken w/ Corn $20.00 USD Nachos w/ Homemade Salsa $20.00 USD Margherita Pizza w/ Crust Mix $20.00 USD Simple Salad $15.00 USD Frozen Smoothie Mix $20.00 USD FULL ORDER $95.00 USD Delivery to your Doorstep $10.00 USD

Blackberry Vinaigrette (& This Week's Menu)

Every year, my first blackberry sighting at the farmers markets leave me feeling giddy.  It's like a sign that summer is definitely here (and that the freestone peaches, my ultimate favorite, are right around the corner).  My husband and I plan to make Jeni's recipe for Sweet Corn & Blackberry ice cream tonight to enjoy tomorrow on Independence Day.  For something a little less labor intensive...

Fresh Blackberry Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS:

Blackberries

Balsamic vinegar

Honey

Extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

This is a use-what-you-have recipe, complete with eye-balling for measurements. Add blackberries (a handful or two), balsamic vinegar (a couple of Tablespoons, depending on how many berries you have), honey (equal to the amount of vinegar) to a blender and blend well. If you want a thicker dressing, add the olive oil (1/4-ish cup) to the blender. If you want a thinner/runnier dressing, you can pour the blackberry mixture into a bowl & whisk in the olive oil by hand. This dressing is extra-delicious on a salad with fresh sliced peaches.

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July Week #2 Menu:
(All meals yield 4 servings.  Smoothie Mix includes 5 bags, yielding 2-4 servings each.)

Hating brussels sprouts is SO out of style, y'all.  Besides, nothing can fail if it includes bacon, right?  This meal requires cooking your pasta & a little stovetop action for frying up the bacon & sautéing/braising the brussels sprouts.

These fried green tomatoes use buttermilk & self-rising flour--don't hate, cornmeal fans.  Along with the ingredients, I'll include two mixtures for dipping, the oil for frying, & some homemade bread to turn them into the best BLT you've ever made.

A gluten-free super-easy recipe--pad thai sauce comes already mixed w/ uncooked noodles & peanuts for sprinkling on top. 

This week's salad greens come sunflower seeds & a customer favorite: Homemade Ranch Dressing!   

This week's Smoothie Mix includes frozen peaches, frozen strawberries, bananas, spinach, & chia seeds.  (You won't taste the spinach--I promise!)

This Week's Delicious Choices:

Pasta w/ Brussels Sprouts & Bacon $20.00 USD Fried Green BLT's $20.00 USD Simple Pad Thai $20.00 USD Simple Salad $15.00 USD Frozen Smoothie Mix $20.00 USD FULL ORDER $95.00 USD Delivery to your Doorstep $10.00 USD