A Stack of Dishes

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Gail Watson

“Laying Down Those Funky Beets”: Beet Salad with Horseradish

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Beet Salad ~AStackofDishes.com“Sometimes when I’m in a restaurant, I’ll order a beet salad just so that when the waiter serves them to me I can say:  Thanks man for laying down those funky beets! …………………….and I don’t even like beets…”

One of the best parts of this past Mother’s Day was to simply just kick back and hang out with my kids. When they were younger I used to refer to them as The Flying Wallendas. This was on account of their non stop acrobatics and general all around goofiness. They bickered and whined about each other during those young years {and occasionally still do}, but the truth is they are a pretty tight bunch. All these years later it warms the cockles of my heart to see the love they have for each other.

They’ve always been a gaggle of comedians. Honestly, the whole family is really. For instance, my Mother just started a blog about her quilting {she’s a legend it these parts and now teaches}. Her tag line is “I’m gonna keep you in stitches!” OK, OK, so I’m the one who bestowed this line upon her- but after a few minutes of knowing her, you would agree that this tag line suits her perfectly.

It was Saturday night, as we lay strewn about on my Mother’s couches watching comedy TV, when a comedian delivered the above joke. Olivia thought it hilarious (me too)- and so here you go my dears- I’m laying upon you my funky beets!

Enjoy! [Read more…] about “Laying Down Those Funky Beets”: Beet Salad with Horseradish

Frozen Yogurt: Basil and Cracked Black Pepper with Strawberry Sauce

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Basil Pepper frozen yogurt ~AStackofDishes.com

 

A few leaves of basil and some grinds of black pepper get stirred into store bought frozen yogurt for a sensational, and healthy, dessert for Mother’s Day.

You all should know me by now that I am not opposed to milking a cow for fresh milk for making ice cream- but some days… I get tiiiiired! My packing and sorting have already begun for my move, and though the spirit is crying out to cook and create, the flesh is getting to be a big fatigued.

In my family, Mother’s Day is a trio of celebrations. We have in addition two birthdays (Mom’s and daughter Olivia). It can get a little tricky as to who gets to lay back and enjoy the holiday, and who ends up being the hostess. Since we all love to cook and entertain there are no complaints, just the question of who is going to take the reigns. This year will be a combined effort, which really is the best answer of all.

This dessert is a wonderful last minute throw together also.  A good thing to know when the guest who promised dessert shows up empty handed (or you’re that guest who remembered last minute on the way to someones home). You can mash up the yogurt and herbs during dinner prep and let it re-harden as you eat. No one would push aside a nice dish of plain frozen yogurt- but you can get a real WOW reaction with little effort.

Then you can lay back and enjoy the celebration.

astackofdishes.com [Read more…] about Frozen Yogurt: Basil and Cracked Black Pepper with Strawberry Sauce

Fiddlehead Fern and Artichoke Freekah Salad

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Freekeh salad with fiddlehead ferns and artichokes~ astackofdishes.comBehold- the latest ancient grain to start popping up on menus- Freekeh. For those who are not in love with the texture of quinoa, you may have found something to get excited about. Freekeh has a similar consistency to wheat berries, but a slightly less chewy texture- and a delicious taste.

Compared to brown rice and quinoa- a half cup serving of Freekeh has slightly less calories, more than twice the fiber (6 grams!)  is high in protein and also offers calcium and iron. It’s also rich in lutein, which is important for eye health, and it falls into the low GI category. The glycemic index is only 43, compared to 83 for rice- making it an excellent grain for moderating blood glucose levels.

I had been hearing a lot about this new grain on the block from some of my dietitian friends, so I was excited to receive a sample from Freekehlicious (who has not compensated me, nor asked for this post).

chopped herbs- a stack of dishes.com

 

The grains have an interesting greenish color, which I found to be very beautiful. They cooked up easily and have great body and texture to them. For those dieting it can offer that nice chewy bite that makes you feel like you’re eating something substantial and tricks your mind into being more satiated. 

Now that we’re finally into Spring, the thought of hearty grains is less appealing, so I made a light and tangy dressing and piled on some herbs to give it a bright taste. [Read more…] about Fiddlehead Fern and Artichoke Freekah Salad