Salad Days . . .

Naturally, with the onset of summer weather, dinner ideas are likely to include salads. I don't know how many times I've purchased wonderful salad greens, come home, wash them, and then discover we are out of salad dressing.

After doing more label reading, however, I have been into home creation salad dressings. Not only are they less expensive but I, personally, know what is going into the food I'm setting before my family.

A popular 'gourmet' dressing is raspberry. If you have raspberry jam (seedless variety!) on hand, you can soon have just enough dressing to fix your salad and save yet another trip to the store. This is a try and taste proposition. Start with a tablespoon of the jam. Add some lemon juice, salt, pepper, a smidge of cayenne and you have a something different and tasty. This is just a basic premise. You can make it as thick or thin as you like it, as spicy as suits you, and as exotic. A touch of dried Chinese hot mustard really perks it up. That is why I'm not setting out definite recipes. For one thing, mine never turn out the same. For another, I don't know you and your family's tastes. I'm giving suggestions and, hopefully, some inspiration!

Apricot or orange marmelade can be thinned out with some salsa for either a strong dressing or a basting sauce for chicken.

Plum jam/jelly can be turned into an Asian sauce with some grated ginger and braised, chopped garlic.

Grape jelly can be changed beyond recognition.

I guess what I'm trying to share is that you have the ingredients in your cupboard to create and you don't always have to rely on a bottled item to put a great salad on the table.

In addition, don't forget the add-ins of grated cheeses, Feta cheese, chopped olives, mayo, etc. If you use good ingredients, you will get something tasty in return.

Always gets the last word . . .

My husband enjoyed his Father's Day especially the homemade cheesecake. I usually make a low-fat version and although there is no taste difference, my husband insists the fat makes the dessert. In honor of Father's Day, he got the full-fat version. I made a small one that would cool down in time for dessert last night and a larger one to enjoy today.

Before he went to bed, last night, my husband posted a note on the refrigerator for my son who get up before everyone else in the morning that said: "Cheese cake is for dessert, not for breakfast or lunch". This morning, a post it note was found attached to the first sign that said "What is your policy on midnight snacks?"

Awakening Kittens . . .

 There is nothing sweeter than watching kittens wake up in the morning. The orange tiger cat looks like the baby of the bunch but he is all boy and is just waiting for a chance to escape the confines of the box to strut around the floor and pounce on unexpecting siblings. The gray one has a fanstatically soft fur coat and very sweet disposition - perfect for the convent life where she is heading. The black and white one is the runt of the litter but a feisty kitten ready for games or a wrestling match. You have to be careful reaching into the box as they have all learned to jump up on your arm as a means of escape.

Some Side Kick Dishes . . .

Here are a couple of pasta dishes that make great side dishes or can be a fast, light lunch on a hectic day. They are also great for Lenten meals and meatless Friday dinners. I like the fact that you probably have the ingredients on hand so it takes the worry out of too much planning ahead.

Buttered Poppy Seed Noodles
16 ounces spaghetti
1 stick butter (margarine won't work as well here.)
2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds

Prepare your pasta to taste. Drain thoroughly and place back into warm pot. Melt the butter and add the poppy seeds. Simmer very slightly for a moment or two to blend flavors. Pour over the pasta, toss gently and serve.

Walnut-Garlic Pasta
16 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, diced
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter with the olive oil. Throw in the garlic and cook gently until softened. Toss with the chopped walnuts, cooking two or three minutes longer. Be careful not to burn the butter/oil mixture. Pour over now cooked and drained spaghetti, mix together and serve. A crisp, green salad goes well with this. And there is always your fresh bread to consider!

Some Sunday Morning Quote to Grin About . . .

"Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying."
-- Fran Lebowitz

"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow."
-- Woodrow Wilson

"Stoop and you'll be stepped on; stand tall and you'll be shot at."
-- Carlos A. Urbizo

"When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President. Now I'm beginning to believe it."
-- Clarence Darrow

Just saying . . .

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.

President Ronald Reagan

Almond Sour Cream Pound Cake

For anyone still wondering what to bake for their loved one on Father's Day, this recipe looks extremely good and not complicated. As always, I plan to try it but will tweak it a bit for my own tastes but have to admit, that just as written, it sounds pretty good.

http://www.cooking.com/recipes-and-more/recipes/Almond-Sour-Cream-Pound-Cake-recipe-