6.10.2008

Pasta Dill Salad

I didn't even think to check if Steph has posted this already. We both love it and love to make it...and espeically love eating it! (call me lazy to not go back and check) This is a KEEPER...it's the first menu item that comes to mind when I think of bar-b-que up the canyon. LOVE IT!

Pasta Dill Salad
1 C. Mayonnaise
2 T. Cider Vinegar
1-2 T. fresh dill or 1 tsp. dried dill weed
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 C. chopped tomatoes
1/4 C. sliced green onions, chopped, seeded
1 C. cucumber, cut in 1/4 slices
8 oz. pasta shells, cooked, rinsed & drained (and cooled)

Mix all ingredients together. Toss, cover and chill for a few hours. (Can make night before)

6.06.2008

Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Salad

Have you eaten at Pei Wei's before? It's the P.F. Chang's guy...a casual restaurant...not one here in Utah (that I know of) Anyhow, this is a salad from there. I've had it...and I've made this, both are unbelievable! I found this recipe online somewhere, can't remember...but I'm sharing it with you for selfish reasons. I NEVER want to lose this recipe again (I've lost and found it about four times). So, consider yourselves LUCKY!

Salad
1-2 heads Romain lettuce
2 tomatoes (chopped)
sugar snap peas (halved)
1 carrot (chopped)
3 sprigs basil (chopped) -*I actually didn't use basil, I used Cilantro...Yummers!
1 bunch green onions (chopped)

Spicy Chicken
Frozen Orange Chicken (can be found at Costco) Cook chicken according to package directions. Use the orange sauce provided in the box (it mixes nicely with the dressing to create the ultimate dressing)
Hot Sauce (totally optional. I did NOT use it...which made this salad not so spicy but totally delicious still)
Lime Vinaigrette
Juice from 2 limes
2 T. water
1 T. sugar
salt & pepper to taste
Oil

Combine lime juice, water, sugar and salt and pepper. Slowly add desired amount of oil while stirring.

As you can see the instructions are vague. But I'm sure you all can put together a salad. TRY THIS! You'll LOVE it! Next time I make it I'm going to add crushed won tons to it too!!! You'll have to let me know what little changes you make when you make it so as to perfect the salad!

Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Honestly, it's the yummiest light meal. I think I might make this TOO often and I have yet to get sick of it yet! I got it from my Sister in-law, Liz

12 oz. uncooked Rotini (spiral pasta)
2 C. cubed cooked chicken
1 C. halved red grapes
1/2 C. chopped red bell pepper
1/4 C. chopped green onions
2 oranges, peeled and chopped (I use a can mandarin oranges)

Dressing:
1/2 C. mayonnaise
3 T. orange juice (can use the juice from mandarin oranges)
1 t. curry powder
1/4 C. sour cream
2 T. honey
1/4 t. salt

Cook rotini as directed on package. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine cooked rotini and all remaining salad ingredients. In small bowl combine dressing ingredients, blend well. Add to salad. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving time. Makes 8 servings.

I like to make this and split it in half to make two meals. I don't put the cashews on it until it's READY to eat because I don't like the soft nuts. And I don't put it on the stuff I'm keeping in the fridge for later (until I eat it).

Jessica...You guys like Curry right? You'll LOVE this!!!

THE cookie recipe

I don't know where this originated BUT I'm the pickiest cookie eater. Most cookies don't even get ONE bite from me because they don't look good enough. These...are good enough! PROMISE!

1 C. Butter (softened)
1 C. Brown Sugar
1 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Flour
2 1/2 C. Oatmeal, blended (I don't blend mind to a powder, I like the little oatmeal chunks)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1-12 oz bad of chocolate chips (semi or milk)
1-4 oz. Hershey Bar (grated, FREEZE it first to avoid the big chocolate mess)

Mix Sugars and butters, add eggs and vanilla...then the flour and oatmeal. Then the Chocolate Chips..(you knwo the drill). When you put the chocolate shavings in, don't mix it too much. You don't want the shavings to MELT and then it will just become chocolate cookie dough. That's not what this is. I like to 'freeze' the shavings while I make the rest of the dough to make sure it's cold and has less chance of meltage.

Bakd at 350 for 8 minutes. This is an awesome cookie recipe where you can freeze your little cookie dough balls and have cookies on hand. If you do that, then bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Yummers!