Happy Rosh Hashanah to all those celebrating. I’ll be back tomorrow with a very fun recipe!
(Isn’t this a great party favor idea??)
My Weekend, According to My iPhone Cam
In the photos: Swimming in yellow at Buttonwood Farm’s Sunflower for Wishes where we were surrounded by acres and acres of gorgeous sunflowers (much more today on Love Them Madly as she worked the event!); Jodie and me a tad bit over-dressed for the farm; my nephew scoring perfect 10s from the “Olympic” judges for his pencil dives and cannon balls; purple hydrangeas continuing to overtake my parents home; Watch Hill docks at sunset.
And while the above certainly made for a great weekend, my thoughts were consumed by the horriffic events in Aurora, Colorado on Friday. My greatest sympathy to the family and loved ones of those in that movie theater. As the President said, words are inadequate at times like this. I only wish that someday you can stand in a field of sunflowers and see brightness again.
Too Hot to Mess Around: Simple Salad Secrets
It’s too hot out to mess around. I won’t dilly dally today. Grilled cheese croutons are major game changers. Why did it take Mark Bittman of the NY Times so long to share it? Add them to any salad you would want normal croutons on (which is every salad for me). He suggested it with tomato and basil. I added some corn and a dressing made of equal parts olive oil and red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. That’s it. If you need proof that it’s good, ask my sister, Melanie. I could not pry her plate or the serving bowl out of her hands.
Oh, one other salad secret. Salt any salad prior to dressing it. The dressing will adhere to the ingredients much better and you’ll need far less dressing.
Salad Recipe #44 of 101: Make a crisp grilled cheese sandwich, with good bread and not too much good cheese. Let it cool, then cut into croutons. Put them on anything, but especially tomato and basil salad. This you will do forever.
The Who, What, Wear of a Picnic Club
Picnics are awesome, there’s no doubt about that. Ours are usually spontaneous and end only when we are too sweaty, too thirsty, or too itchy from the grass. Here are some ideas to help you plan a picnic that will only end with a plan for another.
1. Make it a party!
Bring your dinner party to the park. Even dare to send actual invitations with this free download from Eat, Drink, Chic. I’m also obsessed with the idea of a Picnic Club. Rotate the “planner” who is in charge of organizing the place, date, and menu assignments. And the best tip? Leave your cell and computer at home.
2. Perfect Picnic Bites
Take-out is just fine. Bread & Cheese. Sushi. Pizza Pies. Rose.
Or…you can always cook…
Love Them Madly’s Roasties as a snack
Nectarine, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Turkey Caesar Sandwich (Martha Stewart)
Marinated Flank Steak Sandwich (Martha Stewart)
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3. Wardrobe and Accessories (click on any of the photos for brand and price info)
Weekend BBQ Menu Ideas
Though I envy the chef that can just throw things together, I need a little more organization to get through a big holiday barbecue. Luckily, my partner in crime feels the same way. Here’s a few Memorial Day menu ideas from previous Madly posts and a few new ones I’m looking forward to trying. Feel free to mix and match or let us know your ideas!
Menu 1:
Menu 2:
Menu 3:
Avocado Corn Soup (served chilled in shooters or stemless glasses) Portobello and Grilled Peach Burgers, Beef Burgers w fixins, Corn
Here are some of my favorite dips to have out:
And, let’s not forgot dessert:
Twix Trifles, Peanut Butter Swirl Cups via LTM (make with kids earlier in day), Ice Cream Sandwiches via the kitchn
