Smell the roses and make salad… DRESSING
Hello dearies!
Wow the weeks are passing by. Every day feels like eternity and also like it’s one minute long. I mean, it’s about to be May. Whoa. Staying sane and positive through all this is a challenge, but I keep trying to accept that it is just going to be a series of ups and downs. I am forgiving myself for feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, and I am challenging myself to let the small stuff go and enjoy life a little deeper. I admittedly am struggling with the state of my house at the end of each day, but having a toddler at home and working all day (without childcare) means my OCD is just gonna have to cool it- so I am working on that. It’s just not normal life. And won't be for a while.
Jamie said something the other day that has really stuck with me. He said, “ In 2036, Ellie will (possibly) be out of the house in college, and we will look back on this time at home and reminisce how special it was to be together”. I am tearing up as I write this, cause man does the passage of time overwhelm my heart, and wowweeee does life move fast. This is it guys. You are living RIGHT NOW. THIS IS YOUR LIFE.
I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself to slow down- even now. I know that if I don’t stop and smell the proverbial roses, I will look back and regret not spending more time sitting in the backyard (as I am now), watching my toddler run through the hose while my husband waters the lawn (which scarily needs more hydration than the sprinklers provide). It’s the simple moments that make my heart explode with joy and they are the memories I know I will re-play when I am older.
One of my favorite family moments of the day is family dinner. I love cooking with- and for- my people and then sitting down and sharing a meal together. I am thrilled to switch gears for May and start bringing you some of my favorite- healthy- recipes.
Let’s get in the kitchen guys!! This week I am sharing some of my favorite salad dressings recipes below! Get those greens!! Tag me so I can see and share your yummy salads! And cause it’s my birthday week- I am going to be a proud 38 on Saturday- I am giving you one more workout video this month. Stay healthy, stay positive and #beyourbestself.
Xoxo,
Amy
Amy’s GO TO Vinaigrette [Download to print]
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp mustard (I use dijon or brown mustard)
1 clove garlic or shallot (micro planed)
1 lemon- juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup olive oil (I use Braggs or Brightland)
Option to add 1 tsp of soy sauce or liquid aminos, or tamari
Option to add nutritional yeast (personal FAVORITE of mine)
Option to omit garlic or shallot
Option to add chopped or macerated olives
Mix Vinegar, lemon, mustard, salt and pepper. Keep whisking as you slowly add olive oil. You want to make an emulsion as you mix. Toss with any kind of greens- or even quinoa. SO GOOD.
Vegan Caesar [Download to print]
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 tsp crushed garlic
4 tbsp capers
4 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
1-2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (I eyeball it....and add extra cause I love olive oil)
1/4 tsp white vinegar
1/2 seaweed sheet paper
Blend in Vitamix and serve over your fave lettuce or veggies- it serves as a great dip as well! I make it un-vegan and add some pecorino cheese at the end.
Lemon Creamy Dream [Download to print]
1 lemon
1 medium garlic clove
salt (to taste but at least 1/2 teaspoon
pepper to taste
3 tbsp mayo or mayo substitute
1/4 cup olive oil
I love it with raddicchio or romaine or even grilled romaine!
Wash lemon and zest then juice . Mince garlic then sprinkle it with salt and Macerate it with mortar and pestle or side of chefs knife in a scraping motion back and forth. You want to form a paste. Add to the bowl with lemon zest and juice. Add pepper. Whisk mayonnaise into mixture until smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Taste and adjust with more ingredients as needed!
*I got this recipe from FOOD 52 and have made a few alterations, but if you want the real recipe click here.