Celebrate Strawberry Season with a Delicious Spinach Salad. Ah, strawberry season – that wonderful time of year when nature blesses us with one of its sweetest gems. It’s a time to savor the juicy goodness of strawberries. Whether you venture out to a farm and pick some, find them grown locally, or grow your own: ripe strawberries smell and taste delicious. And what better way to enjoy them than in a refreshing spinach salad? We use a bed of fresh spinach leaves, topped with slices of ripe, juicy strawberries. But this salad isn’t just about the strawberries – it’s a delicious medley of flavors and textures. Start with the crispness of the early summer spinach, then add some crunchy cucumber pieces. Next, toss a few toasted or candied pecans on top for that nutty goodness. Lastly, add several thin slices of Parmesan cheese, to add a savory kick to the mix. And the dressing? It’s the cherry on top. Well, not cherry, but strawberry! Our homemade strawberry vinaigrette is made with fresh strawberries, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, and dehydrated strawberries. It’s sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious. Every bite of this easy-to-make salad is a burst of flavors – sweet, crunchy, tangy, and savory all at once. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of strawberry season and enjoy a light and satisfying meal. It’s strawberry season, so, next time you’re craving something fresh, healthy, and tasty, whip up this spinach salad with strawberries. It’s a simple yet delightful way to embrace the joys of spring and indulge in the deliciousness of strawberries. Note: We love this dressing over a Spring salad of fresh spinach, strawberry slices, cucumbers, toasted or candied pecans, and parmesan cheese slices.
Cooking
The Allure of Cheesecake…
Cheesecake, with its rich creamy texture and heavenly taste, stands as a testament to culinary excellence. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or simply someone with a sweet tooth, there’s something about the allure of cheesecake that draws you in and leaves you craving more. This dessert is what we refer to as a “fussy recipe.” It’s not hard to make, but it’s involved. The best cheesecakes require following very specific step-by-step instructions. Making cheesecake is a labor of love, but trust me, it’s worth it. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of cheesecakes, some better than others. From lemon curd to pumpkin to ricotta to hazelnut, I’ve sampled a wide variety. One of my favorites was a Bourbon Praline Cheesecake that my son made for me. He based it on a recipe from Southern Living, and it was wonderful. When you are the primary baker in the house, it’s such a treat when someone else makes a fantastic treat for you. What makes cheesecake so irresistible? Well, for starters, there’s that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine. Then there’s the crust – whether it’s graham cracker or cookie-based, it adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth filling. And the flavor possibilities are endless! Whether you prefer classic vanilla, tangy lemon, or rich chocolate, there’s a cheesecake flavor for everyone. But what truly sets cheesecake apart is its decadent texture. But let’s be realistic, making a cheesecake takes time and can be a bit of a production. From whipping up the filling to carefully baking it in a water bath to prevent cracks, it’s definitely a labor of love. But when you take that first bite and taste the creamy perfection, you know it’s all worth it. So, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, invest in this fantastic cheesecake pan by Lloyd and gather the necessary ingredients to bake a fantastic cheesecake. It is the perfect time of year to top with fresh berries. Follow the recipe, take your time, and don’t skimp on the ingredients. Trust me, your guests will thank you later. And who knows, you may just discover the allure of cheesecake makes it your new favorite dessert! This recipe is an adaptation of several recipes but my take on the EPIC NEW YORK CHEESECAKE FROM BraveTart.
