Sarah's Culinary Adventure: 08/01/2012

"What is more refreshing than salads..." Alexis Soyer

Hello my fave followers!
Well, today's blog is going to be short but sweet, as I am getting ready to spend a relaxing day at the beach with my two best friends! We are packing picnic lunch and it's my job to make the salad. Since my sweetie and I have had quite the busy weekend and did not get a chance to do any grocery shopping, I'm limited to what's already here. No problem! I do consider myself to be the MacGyver of the kitchen, after all! Ha! So, after looking in the pantry, fridge and out in the garden, I have come up with a tasty offering!

Simple and Tasty Recipe:

White Bean, Olive and Ontario Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese and Herbs
(serves 6 to 8)

1x 540ml tin white beans, drained and rinsed
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup olives, pitted and rough chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup Ontario goat cheese, crumbled

Place all ingredients, except for the goat cheese, with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl and toss together. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Top with the goat cheese, serve and enjoy!

Easy to make and not that bad looking, either! Eat this salad as an appetizer, side dish or a great vegetarian main. I sure hope my friends like it! Okay my followers, have a great week and I'll be back soon! Bye!

"Between soup and love, the first is better." Old Spanish saying

How do you like today's quote, my followers? I certainly don't agree, but I do find it funny!
Well, once again I am back after being absent for a little while... Making the most of summer has been been top priority and since I was here last, I have been on a road trip to Ottawa and on a camping trip. Both were great times and don't fret, I will tell you more about Ottawa a bit later! First up I must tell you about a request for a recipe I recently received. I am always extremely excited when someone asks for a request and this time it came from my good friend Cheryl. She asked me for a roasted pepper soup recipe and with local peppers available and the recent cool, rainy weather, I finally had the chance to get down to work!

Simple and Tasty Recipe:

Roasted Bell Pepper Soup
(serves 4)

4 bell peppers, I used red and yellow
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, rough chop
2 garlic cloves, rough chop
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup 35% cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Roast your peppers until the entire skin is completely charred, you can do this either on the BBQ or under the broiler. Place the blackened peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a recycled bag (or a container with lid) and set aside for a half hour or so to cool. This will allow the skins to steam loose for easy removal. Peel the peppers, give them a rough chop and strain the juices. Put the peppers and reserved juices aside.
In a pot, heat the butter and oil on medium heat. Add in the onions and cook for 4 to 5 mins until they are softened, toss in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 mins more. Stir in the peppers, reserved juices, water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, turn down and simmer for 20 to 25 mins. Puree the soup, stir in the cream and chopped herbs, adjust the seasoning and serve. Enjoy!

What a tasty summer soup and as you can see, I served mine with some homemade croutons. Now, I would recommend using only red, yellow or orange peppers for this soup. Don't get me wrong, I love green peppers (especially grilled!), but I feel they would be a bit too bitter for this soup. I hope you like it Cheryl and remember followers, I always love getting recipe requests!

Okay, time to talk about Ottawa! My best friend Mary and I had a great time in our nation's capital! Our reason for going was to visit my cousin Melanie and her family and we had a fabulous time! The highlights of our trip were venturing into the Gatineau Lakes in Quebec to spend the day at beautiful Philippe Lake, wondering through the Byward Market area and staying at the historical Hotel Chateau Laurier. All in all, it was a fantastic trip! Have a great week followers and I will be back soon with another summer recipe using local ingredients! Bye for now!