LEMON AND MINT COCKTAIL

Here's a simple and fresh cocktail idea for spring. My general rule of thumb for cocktails is alcohol plus citrus plus a filler, like sparkling water or (lately) ginger beer.

METHOD:
1. A shot or two of alcohol of your choice (in this case, tequila, but gin is also a favorite)

2. The juice of half a lime or lemon. (We have this squeezer and it's awesome.)

3. Fill the remaining with sparkling water, ginger beer, or a combination of the two.

4. Shake in a cocktail shaker if you have one, or if not just swirl with a straw. Strain over ice (if shaken) and add a sprig of fresh herbs.

Enjoy! This one is summery, light and refreshing. 

SIMPLE SPRING SALAD

We styled this salad last weekend at the Local Haven workshop, and I wanted to expand on it to share a simple idea for a spring salad and my foolproof, inexact (as always) dressing. 

GREENS: Any will work! This salad has a blend of spinach, fraise, and arugula. 

VEGGIES: anything you like. This one has sliced and whole radishes and carrots. Spring peas would also be lovely, as well as avocado.

HERBS: I love throwing fresh herbs on anything. I often use basil and dill, and this salad also has mint, which my husband isn't a fan of so I leave that one out. The herbs really add so much fragrance and flavor, I can't get enough. 

DRESSING: We often combine lemon juice and oil in a 1:1 ratio, but I like it more tart than most. You could also do balsamic and oil, whisked with a little dijon and salt and pepper. Divine. 

Enjoy! 

GIANT CHOPPED SALAD

I hardly ever make just a salad for dinner because I'm also feeding a 6'3" husband. But I filled this one up with so many hearty things it worked as a main dish for us (plus a side of crusty bread) for Daniel. 

As always, I used what I had and didn't measure, but here's the loose "recipe." Totally adaptable to your likings and what you have available. Enjoy!

GIANT CHOPPED SALAD

-Greens of choice (I used arugula)

-Herbs of choice (I used dill and basil)

-Chopped tomatoes

-Fresh mozzarella

-Sliced turkey

DRESSING:

-Oil and vinegar, plus lemon juice and s + p. 

Easy, summery, and filling. Enjoy!