Refrigerator Clean-Out Idea: Rice Salad

Grain salads are easy to prepare and a fast, one-dish lunch if you add the right stuff. Check out below how I cleaned out my fridge and pantry to make a healthy lunch for the next couple days. 

The simple recipe (and what I used) 

Cooked whole grain (brown rice and leftover corn) 

Protein (leftover canned chickpeas and chopped, cooked uncured bacon) 

Vegetables (red and green bell peppers, finely chopped)

Dressing of sorts (Dijon mustard + Red wine vinegar + tabasco + salt/pepper + carraway seeds--poured on while rice was still hot)

Summer (strawberry) Lovin'

It might be approaching 90degrees in NYC, but at least one GREAT thing is coming from this summer heat--BERRY SEASON! Check out my friends from Bradley Farms at today's 97th Street Green Market tasting the goods. They may have also "twisted my arm" to eat about half a pint while I purchased.

In case you need more reason that sweet deliciousness to buy them, strawberries are low in calories and an excellent source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant to help you fight disease and reduce signs of aging. So grab a pint (or 3 like I did!) and enjoy.

Danji

Last weekend I got to try Danji, a modern-meets-traditional, tapas-style Korean restaurant. The company, wine, and food were all wonderful in this small, 36-seater Hell's Kitchen Restaurant. Go before it gets too packed. We were talked into the "Tofu with Ginger Scallion Dressing"; after a 30-day vegan experiment last summer, I'm not one to talk up tofu, but if you're not a fermented soy fan, this dish WILL change your mind. The Gruner Veltliner was also a wonderful addition to the meal, and made a nice addition to my newly purchased wine journal! 

Tofu with Ginger Scallion Dressing(This picture does NOT do the dish justice!)

Salsa 3 Ways!

Salsa is a great party pairing to delicious cocktails. Skip the jarred stuff and impress guests with a fresh batch of your own--it's quick, easy, and better tasting especially with summer produce! Try any of the three variations below, or use the STARTER and get creative with your own add-ins!

START WITH:
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1-2 minced jalepeno peppers (depends on how spicy you like it!)
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & Pepper

ADD-IN #1: Mango-Avocado

1 mango, diced
2 avocados, diced1 Tbs red wine vinegar1/4 cup chopped cilantro






ADD-IN #2: Peach and Heirloom Tomato
3 Peaches, diced
1 large heirloom tomato
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 Tbs chopped fresh mint
Juice of 1/2 lemon

ADD-IN #3: Blueberry!
1 cups fresh blueberries, chopped
1/2 cup whole fresh blueberries
1  bell pepper (red, yellow or orange)
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbs fresh cilantro