Asparagus Salad

1 bunch Asparagus - trimmed, cut in 2-3 inch pieces
10-15 Cherry Tomatoes - halved
5-8 Mozzarella Balls - Pearl size - halved (optional)
6-8 basil leaves
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt + Pepper

1. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, depending on its thickness.

2. In a bowl, mix the asparagus with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

3. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat.

4. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish with mozzarella cheese (if using)



Makes 4 side dish or 2 main course servings.

Fat Freeing Your Broth or Stock

To make your broth/stock to be fat-free, chill it. The fat will rise to the top and firm up, which will make it easy for you to remove before using the broth.

Storing Wine

Store bottles of wine on their sides. This will keep the corks moist and prevent air from seeping in and ruining the wine.

The Secret of a Perfectly Dressed Salad

I do love salads, mostly for the countless options they offer either as a main course or a side dish; however I usually don't care for the dressing. To me if salad is fresh and crispy, it does not need to be wilted in ton of calorie packed liquids.

Occasionally I would use home made Raspberry or Strawberry Vinaigrette which goes amazingly well with spinach and can be prepared well within reasonable calorie budget but mostly a tad bit of balsamic vinegar will do the trick for me.

And for all those who feel the same way I have a little tip to share on how to dress your salad evenly using less dressing than you would usually use. The secret is simple - spray it on, DO NOT pour it on.

A while back while working on a craft project I came across a misting bottle made by Hero Arts. Once I was done with my project, I kept thinking of another use for this cool little thing and a idea was born... I poured balsamic vinegar in it and gave it a try. It quickly became my #1 dressing tool.



It does not work well for heavy creamy dressings but who would need those on a good salad anyway!

Chicken Vegetable Soup

In Czech Republic where I grew up soups are very popular. They usually start a meal before the main course is served. There are hundreds of different soup recipes available, some more sophisticated then others, however it's usually the simple ones that tend to become family favorites.

I like to call this one Super Easy Fridge Clean Up Soup. It's a great soup to make at the end of the week from leftover veggies. It's a great soup to make when you're busy or need a good healthy meal dinner fast. It also gives you great versatility as you can add nearly any veggies you have on hand.

I prefer to use home made stock as there's nothing that can beat it when it comes to richness of the flavor but if you don't have any available and don't have the time to make it, feel free to reach for a low sodium store bought one.


8 Cups Chicken Stock (Vegetarians might use vegetable one)
1 Cups Brussels Sprouts (whole or halved if they are too big)
1/2 Cup sliced carrot
1/2 Cups sliced celery
1/2 Cups sliced leeks

Salt, pepper and chili powder to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium/large pot. Bring to boil. Lower the heat and cook covered until the vegetables get tender.

Add spices as needed.

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Other vegetables you can use include corn, parsnip, green peas, or baby potatoes.

For even more nutrients add 1/2 cups cooked barley.

Baked Papaya with Lamb and Cheese

I have so many different recipes and meal ideas lined up that it is very seldom for me to make the same dish twice, unless it made it to the list of my absolute favorites. This one tops that list.

There is something absolutely magical about pairing the sweetness of the fruit with the distinct taste of the lamb, and even though some people find the combination little "unusual" at first, it really only takes that first bite to fully fall in love with the dish.


INGREDIENTS:

1 lb Ground Lamb
1 cup mushrooms - chopped into smaller pieces
1 onion - finely chopped
2 garlic cloves - minced
4 tbs fresh thyme


3 tbs tomato paste
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes

2 Mexican papayas (they are the ones that are about 12 + inches long)
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese


PREPARATION:

1. In a saucepan, saute onions, mushrooms, garlic and thyme for about 3-4 minutes. Add the meat and cook until browned. Drain the juice.

2. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Cook for additional 1 minute. Set aside.

3. Prepare papayas by cutting them lengthwise into 2 halves. Scoop the seeds out. You will need deeper hole in the middle to be filled with the meat mixture, so you might need to scoop some of the pulp out as well.

4. Fill papayas with meat mixture, place into a baking dish. Fill the dish with boiling water - you want the water level to reach at least 1.5 inches.

5. Bake covered for 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and put back to the oven until the cheese had melted.

Makes 4 servings.

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I really like the versatility of this dish. You can add, take away or adjust the ingredients to your liking. For example if you fancy spicier filling, dash of chili powder, cayenne pepper or 1 small jalapeno pepper will do the trick. If you're not a mushroom fan, simple leave them out. The dish goes the best with lamb but if lamb is not your favorite meat, use beef, veal, or even chicken instead.

Enjoy your meal!

or as we say back at my home country of Czech Republic

Dobrou Chut!

Godly Onions

This recipe is a must try for all onion lovers. The flavors of the onions delicately combined with the wine and capers will surely satisfy even the biggest gourmets. You can serve it as a classic with livers but they also can be deliciously paired with chicken or chickpeas as vegetarian alternative.

1 Tbs Olive Oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon coriander powder
4 Tbs of capers

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup white wine

Heat oil in a cast iron or any other heavy pan. Add the onions, garlic, lemon zest, coriander and olives. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the lemon juice and wine. Cook for another minute.