Nothing is better than spring to me!! I've always loved it...love the blooming flowers and trees...the gorgeous roses that don't last long enough and I especially love making "spring time" food! Good pasta salads, grilled veggies and kabobs...its' such fun! I love entertaining in the spring because we can sit outside and eat! In Alabama you can't do that very often because it's usually so HOT!!!
Anyway...just thought I'd post a few spring like pictures and some yummy, easy recipes! I didn't serve these two together...just thought you might like them!
My Favorite Pasta Salad
Dressing: 1/2 C sliced green onions
1/3 C red wine vinegar
1/3 C olive oil
1/3 C canola oil
1 t basil
1 t dill weed
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 t dijon mustard
1 1/2 t oregano
1/2 t sugar
1 t salt
pepper to taste
mix well in jar and pour over rest of ingredients
small bunch of broccoli, blanced
1 package cheese filled tortellini, cooked according to package directions
feta cheese ( a good amount! )
1/2 C or more parmesan cheese
small can black olives, drained
small can sliced mushrooms, drained
toss all with dressing...best if made a day ahead!
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breast cut in chunks or cubes
2 bell peppers or any veggie you like
1 lb whole mushrooms, stems trimmed
Marinade:
1/2 C olive oil
1/2 C lemon juice
lots of Cavendars greek seasoning
2-3 T Dales and or worshectershire sauce
2 T sugar
1/2 t ground red pepper
mix well and put all ingredients except mushrooms in large zip lock baggie and marinate overnight or atleast 8 hours: add mushrooms the last hour or so before grilling.
Thread all on skewers and grill, basting often.
When done, baste once with
Lemon Butter:
1/2-3/4 C melted butter
2 T lemon juice
2 T fresh parsley
1 t salt
pinch ground red pepper
2 T dijon mustard
1/2 t ground thyme
1/4 t garlic powder
pepper to taste
mix well and baste kabobs at end of cooking reserving the rest to spoon over kabobs on top of a good rice pilaf.
(You can also do some corn while grilling the kabobs!)
5-6 ears corn, husks and silks removed,
5-6 ears corn, husks and silks removed,
place each on a piece of foil that is sprayed with Pam: mix 1/2 C mayo, 1/2-3/4 C parmesan cheese, 1 T chili powder, kosher salt and pepper. mix well and spread completely over corn. wrap tightly and grill for about 20-30 minutes turning often! So yummy!
Let me know how you like this!
