Summer Herbs

In summer you can get freshness not available the rest of the year. It's a great time to take advantage of what your local farmer's markets offer. I tend to go heavy on the herbs during the summer, they are better tasting and less expensive than when the snow flies. This salad is easy to make, delicious to eat and even keeps well for a day. Serve as a main course with a grain on the side or as a side to anything you desire. I always make extra, pack it up and take it for lunch the next day!



Fresh Herb Salad with Chickpeas

6 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

2 large vine ripe tomatoes, 1/2 inch chopped
1 cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, 1/2 inch diced
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil


Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. Pour dressing over salad and mix gently.

Note: If you want to change up the dressing a bit, a teaspoon of dijon mustard added is nice, or a pinch of powdered garlic.

Health Bars or Cookies???

I get tired of paying between $2-3 for various 'bars' at the grocery store just so I can have a quick fix when I need it.  So I decided to make my own.  After reading too many labels to count I decided to keep it simple for a first try and I think these are pretty darn good.  Almonds, Medjool dates, coco powder, dried cherries and vanilla are it...super simple. You can use any dried fruit to make your own!

 

Almond Date Bars

15 Medjol dates, pitted

1 c. raw almonds

1/2 c. dried cherries

1/8 c. cocoa powder

2 t. vanilla extract

Place almonds in food processor and start by pulsing.  Run for a minute until finely chopped, not butter. Add the pitted dates, dried cherries, cocoa powder and vanilla extract.  Run the processor for approximately 3 minutes until chopped and blended well.

Line a 9' x 9' pan with parchment paper and pour the date mixture into the pan. Press down firmly. Cover with more parchment paper and place in refrigerator until cool. Pull entire square out of pan by edges of parchment paper and cut with a sharp knife into desired size bars.

I carry them around for a snack in those brown wax paper bags you can find at most stores.