Delicious Mayo free potato salad

Summer is the season where we get invited to numerous barbeque's and there is one dish that always seems to make an appearance....potato salad. I love potato salad however there are times I like to switch things up and make a lighter version. This version excludes mayonnaise and uses a mustard vinaigrette instead. The results are just as great if not better than the traditional potato salad. Try it and you might like it too!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb's mini red potatoes cut in halves

1 tbsp grainy mustard

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

2 green onions thinly sliced

1 handful Italian parsley chopped

1 tbsp fresh chives sliced

salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

-  Boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Make sure not to over cook and set aside to cool.

- While potatoes are cooking, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl, remember to leave some fresh herbs for garnish. 

- Once potatoes are cool pour dressing into potatoes and gently mix. Let salad stand for at least 30 mins before serving to allow flavors to combine. 

- Sprinkle remaining herbs over salad and serve with your favorite grilled meat. 

Your comments are welcome, I would love to know your thoughts on the mayo free potato salad.

Store Review: My Russo's experience

In my last post I mentioned trying out a popular produce Market named Russo's and boy am I addicted to this store. This fresh fruit and veg market has become one of my go to stores in addition to Whole foods and Trader Joe's which I now call the fabulous trio.

The quality and wide selection of produce in this store is amazing. The moment you get out of your car you will see an array of beautiful fresh flowers for sale, take a few steps and you are in their organic produce section.....heaven. 

I went a little crazy shopping in their organic section as I love to use organic produce for my daily juices, only to realize 20 minutes later that I hadn't ventured inside the store. When I entered the store I couldn't believe they had even more fruit and veg....this place is huge. At the entrance I grabbed 3 large grapefruit for $.95 a lb and I thought I was losing my mind when the pint of blueberries I got cost only $1.98. 

An hour later my cart was filled with all sorts of fresh goodies from yummy wholegrain bread to bok choy. Did I mention they make pasta in the store! I got some freshly made cheese tortellini and next time I will try their spaghetti.

I could write about this store all day so I will conclude by recommending you visit this store if you are in the Metro west area. Russo's is located at 560 Pleasant street , Watertown, MA .... Happy shopping

It all started with a salad

Hi Everybody! Its good to be back blogging after my little hiatus. 

While visiting France last month I ordered a Chicken Salad which included delicious tender chicken on a skewer served with an array of greens, corn and an unbelievable dressing. I was so impressed at how they turned a simple meal into one of the best salads I have had. I have always known the french to be great cooks but the salad experience taught me that fresh ingredients and good seasoning are key to good meals. 

Since my french salad encounter my cooking has changed and I am glad to share with you my kitchen experiences. First, my mission is to find a good produce store and one of my workmates has been raving about a place called Russo's near my work area. Cant wait to try this place and I will be sure to tell you about it.

All about the denim jacket

One item that will never go out of style is denim, This blue material has been around for years and will continue to be a staple in every body's closet from fashionistas to your grandpa . Everybody just loves it and so do I !

After spotting a stylish girl wearing a cute denim jacket at my local grocery store I immediately went to get myself one. The way she layered it with a long summer dress and flats looked super chic and comfy. Below are a few of my fave denim jackets.

 

 

A few celebs have been spotted rocking this cool look.



 

I love how Jessica Alba paired her denim jacket with a maxi dress .



 

Stylish Rihanna wore hers with camouflage pants for a more edgy look

.All about the denim jacket by agnesvazhure featuring a jean jacket

                                                   Aéropostale jean jacket / Jean jacket / Jean jacket

Cilantro Lime Rice recipe

I recently decided to try some food from the restaurant Chipotle and I was pretty impressed that this semi fast food joint was able to deliver on its promise of tasty food. I also love that they use fresh and organically farmed ingredients, a plus in my book.

I ordered the burrito bowl with grilled chicken, fajitas, black beans, salsa and guacamole. I loved the cilantro lime rice they served it with so much that I decided to try it out at home. The results were pure deliciousness. See below for my interpretation of the recipe.

 

Ingredients

1 cup Basmati rice rinsed

1 cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup water

2 green onions

2 cloves garlic

1 handful fresh cilantro leaves

2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves
juice from 1/2 a lime

Virgin Coconut oil 

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

 

directions

- Place washed rice in a rice cooker with a little salt, 1 tsp coconut oil and mix to make sure rice is coated in coconut oil.

- Pour water and broth in the rice, cover and turn on rice cooker.

- Meanwhile puree herbs, green onions and garlic in a food processor then add olive oil, lime juice and set aside.

- Add herb mixture to rice right before serving. Adding it too early will cook the herbs and they will turn brown.

Serve with your favorite grilled meat or veggies. I served mine with grilled shrimp, black beans and a avocado salsa.  

 

What is your favorite restaurant inspired dish?