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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Fresh Summer Eats and Treats

Hello, friends!  Thank you so much for stopping in to visit!

Being that California weather has now succumbed to its typical ninety-plus temperatures, today I thought I would again share two posts from my other blog Parsimonious Pabulum.  These two recipes, the first being a fresh Summer or Spring salad (including a sidebar recipe for candied nuts) and the second, my homemade frappuccino recipe, are a couple of favorites for my family this time of year.  I hope you enjoy the post!  Have a lovely weekend!  


Sweet Spring or Summer Salad
When the weather changes, so does the palette. I reserve winter for heavy foods such as roasts, stews, and the like. Spring and Summer are seasons when I prefer a lighter, fresher menu. This recipe offers an interesting alternative to the typical Cobb summer salad.

You will need:  
Non-bitter lettuce of your choice (such as iceberg or romaine)
Baby spinach leaves
Strawberries
Crumbled Feta cheese
Candied Walnuts or Pecans (recipe follows)
Semi-tart fruit such as kiwi or grapes

I have decided to use grapes off my own vines for this recipe. These grapes are a tiny bit underripe, which gives them a mellow tart flavor.  

I begin by washing all the vegetables and fruit. 

Pat dry. Remove stems. 











Hull and quarter the strawberries. 







Remove stems from spinach. 



Arrange the leafy greens in a bowl. 



Garnish with the fruit, cheese, and candied walnuts.  Enjoy!!  This salad is truly so lovely it doesn't need dressing. If you love dressing, I'd suggest something light and sweet such as a red raspberry vinaigrette.  

       




You may also add grilled chicken breast as a variation. 


Candied Nuts


You will need:
Walnuts or pecans, one half cup
1/4 cup brown sugar
Dash cinnamon 
1 tablespoon water
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan. Add water. The water helps the dissolution process as well as making cleanup easy!



Cook over medium heat until the mixture is melted. 
       


       

Place onto parchment lined baking sheet. 
      

Bake at 350 for approximately 5-7 minutes.

Allow to cool. Remove from parchment paper and serve!


Tea-dyed Doilies, see The Crafting Table Blog in my profile archives


Homemade Starbucks Frappuccino 
With the summer and its unbearable heat impending, it makes a gal like me want to run, not walk to the local Starbucks to indulge in mocha frappuccinos. This can become an expensive habit, however; especially with five munchkins clamouring for the decaf version. Last summer, I came up with my own version....prior to this post I searched the net, and I found lots of recipes for homemade frappuccinos, but none specifically how I do it. It still isn't a Starbucks; but it definitely is a pretty good knock off.
  



The cost of a Tall Mocha Frappuccino at Starbucks is $3.52. In my recipe, I use store-bought Starbucks doubleshot espressos. A four pack costs $4.49
Each doubleshot makes approximately two 8 ounce or tall sized sized mocha frappuccinos. In essence, I estimate my version in total costs under $1.00 to make: The coffee costing $0.59 for each tall size, the syrup and ice I'd guess costs much less than $0.41
You will need:
Starbucks doubleshot espresso (small can)
Chocolate syrup
Ice



Start by pouring the espresso into your blender.


                                              




Add approximately 4-5 tablespoons chocolate syrup.




Add two cups ice and blend thoroughly

                                   
 


Serve with whipped cream and garnish with syrup or chocolate powder if you prefer.


                                        


I like my drinks very sweet; you can also add two tablespoons sugar along with 1-2 tablespoons milk for a creamier, sweeter version. Or, you can add different syrup flavors. I buy mine at Cost Plus World Market. They are now available in smaller sizes at Walmart.  Add syrup according to your own specific taste, and add it prior to blending.





If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 
Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

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