Who Is Anastasia?

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New Castle, Indiana Zone 5, United States
When I was 55, I decided to embrace the things I love and hold precious and dear, regardless of anyone else's thoughts and opinion. I am a visual folk artist who loves flowers - my own flowers, grown and/or painted by me. I love good, hearty, exotic foods, and I love to prepare them myself. I love the secret garden situated in my backyard, regardless of how overgrown and wild it gets. No longer able to afford a vacation, this will have to be it for the time being. In the winter months, I still enjoy it. Anyway, here I am sharing my art, favorite recipes, cocktails, gardening tips, and just my usual vents and bantering. After all, I'm old enough to say whatever the heck I want to now ...

JEWELS OF MY SOUL

JEWELS OF MY SOUL
My Book Available on AMAZON

August 6, 2009

Spinach Melon Salad


Sometimes in the early morning hours when I have left Dreamland, I wander the web in search of a delicious new treat. This summer, I've made it a point to try and live healthier and happier. While I have never been diagnosed with diabetes, it seems to be more and more common among people my age (older than 40/younger than 70). However, I am a little familiar with their food plan, and the recipes are beneficial to most anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle -- most are much tastier than I anticipated too.

This morning, I came across this Spinach Melon Salad (a link is provided to give nutritional value - click on the title above).

So, here try this refreshing dish, which can be served as a side salad, appetizer or main dish. And, as always, perfect for the backyard gathering!

8 cup fresh chopped spinach, torn
1 cup Watermelon, fresh, balls
1 cup Melon, honeydew, fresh, balls
1 cup Melon, cantaloupe, fresh, balls
1/3 cup Cucumber, with skin on, fresh, sliced, thinly sliced
1/3 cup red onion, sliced, thinly sliced

Combine spinach with melon balls, cucumber, and onion. Toss with dressing.

Honey Dressing
1/2 oz honey (up to 1 oz)
1 tbsp Vinegar, red wine
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp orange juice (up to 2 tbsp)
1 tsp fresh lime juice (up to 2 tsp)
1/2 tsp ground tarragon
2 pinch salt (2-3 dashes)
2 pinch black pepper (2-3 dashes)
3 Whisk together all ingredients and chill until ready to serve.

* How I tweaked it? You know, I added a bit of smoked turkey. Yeah, I know, probably sent the nutritional value off the charts ... But, I could have really done damage if I suggested the smoked barbecue chicken that I wanted to add. You didn't hear that from me ...

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot
A simple garden meal in the shade. No, it's not my backyard, but it looks identical to the one I grew up with at our home in Queens. Looking for an original pic of it to post soon!

Old Fashioned Tips