Archie and I have just started to be a little more adventurous in dining in new restos - despite almost 8 years of being together (4 yrs dating + 3 yrs and 8 months of being married) - I guess we we're just kinda lazy to do that. Or maybe just too happy with the usual? Anyway, I am just so glad that it's never too late. And yes, we're having fun! :P
As you noticed, we're late bloomers in Greek food appreciation. On our first CYMA dinner last March of '09 (Thanks to Madame, Russel, Kate and Noel for taking us there!), we definitely liked everything we ordered, especially their Roka Salata. After that night, we came back for it a couple of more times. I guess that's how we are when we really like something from a resto.
Archie is an avid salad eater so after much thought he said - the base dressing is a simple vinaigrette but it has a fruity twist. It took a while for us to discover the right additions to finally figure it out! Thanks to Sheila, of course! :)
The ideas for the dressing is inspired by the recipe from Yummy Mag Jan/Feb 2010 Ish page 76. Some sweets have been added to achieve the fruity twist in it.
Using romaine lettuce only is just fine, just as I did, but if you can mix it with arugula, go ahead if you can grab some in the market or grocery.
For the dressing, mix:
1/2 tbsp of garlic powder (for fresh finely minced garlic, use about 2 tsps only as it is too strong, unless you want it that strong, add some more)
1/4 cup of Balsamic Vinegar
3/4 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Whisk them altogether in a bowl, then add the sweets:
5 heaping tbsps of honey
2 tbsps of Raspberry Jam*
*Sheila said CYMA's got raspberry in it besides honey. So, I went to the grocery and grabbed a jar of Smuckers Raspbery Jam. Swak!
Mix them well until you see that the mixture becomes thick. Pour it over your salad greens, toss and top with the following:
Sun dried tomatoes
Candied walnuts
Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Fresh ground pepper
It was my first time to make candied walnuts and it was no joke! I used this as my guide. Whew!
It's great to know that I still have room for learning and appreciating new dishes and more room in my tummy for eating!
After the holidays, I know, I SEE and I FEEL that I have gained weight. Now my OPLAN is to TRY to eat salad only at night. Goodluck! :)
Happy weekend to all! Valentine's day is coming! Heart! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment