Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Not too long ago my adoring husband went for his annual physical exam.  He’s a pretty healthy guy and was surprised when his doctor notified him that his vitamin D was on the low side.  We eat plenty of the foods known to provide vitamin D

Figs Stuffed With Goat Cheese and Fennel Pollen

Having an abundance of honey in The Orange Bee kitchen I’m looking for ways to add it to more recipes.  I don’t know that I’d call this a recipe as it’s just a little something I threw together.  I was prompted to create this recipe not simply for the use of the honey but more so as I was given a tin of fennel pollen by a friend.  

Honey Harvest 2013

IT IS DONE!  Honey Harvest 2013 is finished for the most part.  I still have one small hive up the road which I will check on when the next “good” day rolls around.  I may get a few more jars of honey from hive Queen Bella.  

Coctel de Camarones – Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This is without a doubt one of my absolute favorite dishes.  Until I recently made this I’ve only ordered it in restaurants.  I was first introduced to this amazing “shrimp cocktail” in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sometime in the early 80’s.  I hung out there for a few months, living in a rented apartment, with breathtaking views of the azure sea, tropical foliage and daily visits from parrots.  Small and colorful parrots, flitting from limb to limb, free entertainment at best.  It was a little bit of paradise for a short moment in time.

Peach Muffins

One of the vendors that supplies Enjoy!, the store I manage is a Texas company called “Wimberly Valley Gourmet.  Of the products they make we carry their avocado oil, pecan oil, Mexican vanilla, and balsamic vinegar.  A few weeks ago we were throwing a party and invited the owners to join us and educate our customers about their products and how to best use them.

Red Raspberry Beet Brownies

In early June I attended the BlogHer Food Conference in Austin.  I had a blast! I mingled with  some interesting, creative, and friendly bloggers from all over the country, sampled some yummy food from the sponsors, brought home bags full of goodies from the sponsors and BlogHer team, and had assorted conversations about blogging, food, bees and so much more.  

Grilled Eggplant and Pesto Panini

My mouth is still watering from the yummy pesto I shared with you in my last post.  Miss “T” made more than enough to make another meal using her “Italian Parsley Pesto”.  I bought some baby eggplant at the farmers market

Miss “T’s Italian Parsley Pesto

Miss “T” is home from college and bored as she can be.  She has looked and looked for a job but to her dismay no one has hired her.  Personally I think the jobs were filled by time she was home and able to apply.  I’ve made an effort to encourage her to kick back and relax, reminding her that she’ll be back on campus and in class again before too long.  That suggestion was met with disdain

Spinach & Blueberry Salad With Yogurt & Herb Dressing

It’s hotter than “blue blazes” in Texas, already!  The heat and humidity make me want to eat lighter meals with lots of fruits and veggies.  The blueberries at Saturday’s farmers market looked plump and juicy so I brought home a basket for snacking and to put in this healthy yet yummy salad.  Low in calories, just 100 in an entire cup, blueberries also rank the highest of any fruit for their antioxidant properties.  Besides their sweetness and cuteness those are two good reasons to munch on some blueberries this summer.

Spinach, also chock full of antioxidants is rich in fiber, aiding in a good digestive tract.  As for the cucumbers; cucumbers are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminate toxins. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. The dressing made with greek yogurt, herbs de Provence and a splash of lemon juice are all you need to round out this healthy summer salad.

Personally I can’t think of any reason not to eat this delicious and healthy salad.  Quick and easy to throw together, healthy and pretty to look at.  Now, I’m hungry!  Off to munch on a handful of those low cal berries!

Enjoy!

Spinach & Blueberry Salad

Ingredients:
Fresh baby spinach
Sliced organic cucumbers
Fresh blueberries

Wash and pat dry spinach and berries.  Toss ingredients together.

Yogurt & Herb Dressing

Ingredients:
6 ounces greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. herbs de Provence, or any mixture of your favorite herbs, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. lemon zest

Whisk all ingredients together and spoon over salad.

Farmers Market Fare

One of my favorite events that takes place in the summer is the farmers market on the square in downtown Rockwall, Texas.  It’s small but growing each year.  I manage the gourmet kitchen store on the square, so every Saturday morning I venture over to see what the farmers have for sale.