Rosemarried

sides and salads Archive

Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Herb Aioli + My Favorite Labor Day Grilling Recipes!

 

I don’t post a lot of grilling recipes here. That’s mostly due to the fact that my husband is the primary griller in our home, and I have no idea how he does what he does. Therefore, I cannot share these recipes and tips with you. His grill methods are a mystery to me! (I will say, however, that he helped me develop a recipe for Grilled Flank Steak with Charred Green Onions and Hazelnut Romesco, which can be found in my new cookbook! Just sayin’.)

However, I do occasionally dabble in grilling from time to time.

There’s something about grilling that is just so satisfying. Cooking food over an open flame (or coals) in the great outdoors is a bit of a challenge, but it’s also a ton of fun. And, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to grill up some grub and soak up the last bits of summer.

A few weeks ago, we decided to grill up a few artichokes with dinner. It was a fantastic decision. Honestly, I cannot begin to express to you how delicious they were. We gobbled up the artichokes in moments, leaving behind a big ole heap of artichoke carnage. It was awesome. I usually steam or boil artichokes, which is also delicious, but grilling brings them up a notch. The grill imparts just a bit of char and a slightly smoky flavor. It’s perfect.

So, then, I’ll share with you my recipe for Grilled Artichokes with Garlic and Herb Aioli. In addition, I’ve posted a whole list of my favorite grilling recipes, all of which would be perfect for your Labor Day BBQ.  Whatever your plans may be, I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend and that you enjoy these last lovely bits of summer.

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Grilled Artichokes with Garlic Herb Aioli

Ingredients

  • 4 artichokes
  • 2 lemons, halved
  • Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme

Instructions

  1. First, trim the artichokes. Clip the thorns (the sharp tips of the artichoke leaves) with scissors and remove any small outer leaves near the base of the stem.
  2. Place the artichokes and a couple of lemon halves in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook for approximately 30 minutes. (To check and see if the artichokes are done, stick a fork in the stem of the artichoke. If it’s tender and the fork pulls out easily, they’re ready!)
  3. Drain off the water and allow artichokes to cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, prepare your grill.
  4. Once your grill is hot and the artichokes are cook enough to handle, prepare the artichokes for grilling. Using a sharp knife, cut the artichokes in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon or paring knife, remove the choke (the fuzzy bits in the center). Brush artichokes with olive oil and place on a plate.
  5. Place artichoke halves on the center of the grill, directly over the heat. Grill for 10 minutes, or until you get grill marks.
  6. To make the aioli, mix together the mayo, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs. Serve the grilled artichokes with the aioli and slices of fresh lemon.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/08/31/grilled-artichokes-with-garlic-herb/

 

labor day grilling recipes | rosemarried

 

A few of my personal favorite grilling recipes: 

Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Whole Grain Mustard

Grilled Corn Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Avocado

Grilled Zucchini Bruschetta

 

A few of my favorite grilling recipes from a few of my favorite blogs: 

Grilled Pizzas – 101 Cookbooks

Grilled Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Cherry Salsa – Sweet Peas & Saffron

Grilled Watermelon with Jalapeno, Feta, and Honey – Domesticate Me

Grilled Zucchini and Corn Pasta with Parmesan – The Scrumptious Pumpkin

Grilled Halloumi with Strawberries and Herbs – The Turntable Kitchen

Grilled Kale & Fig Salad – Local Haven

Grilled Apricot and Burrata Salad – PDX Food Love

Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Whipped Cream and Caramel Sauce – Spicy Southern Kitchen

 

Happy Labor Day weekend, y’all!

xoxo

Lindsay

 

The Best Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing

 

I will make no apologies for my love of a good wedge salad. No, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of here – just crisp iceberg lettuce, drowning in blue cheese dressing and adorned with a myriad of tasty toppings.

Sure, a wedge salad is a little cliché. This is nothing new, people. But you know what? A classic wedge salad on a hot summer day is damn near perfect. It’s good old-fashioned deliciousness.

Now, the following is not exactly what I’d call a “recipe”. A wedge salad is not a difficult thing to assemble, and there are a million different variations on the classic wedge. So, I’m including a list of suggested wedge toppings (mix and match to your heart’s desire!) and an incredible recipe for homemade blue cheese dressing. I got this recipe from my co-worker at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market. She and her husband have been in the restaurant business for 20 years, and this is their tried and true blue cheese dressing recipe. Let me tell you, it’s perfect. I heartily encourage you to make a big ole batch of this buttermilk blue cheese dressing today, and then douse some iceberg lettuce in the creamy blue cheese goodness.

Here, in no particular order, are my favorite wedge salad toppings. Feel free to comment with your favorite toppings as well!

*Bacon

*Pancetta

*Hard boiled egg

*Tarragon

*Pickled beets

*Heirloom tomatoes

*Crispy fried shallots

*Sunflower seeds

*Croutons

*Avocado

*Chives

*Pickled red onion

Really, the possibilities are endless. You can even swap out the iceberg lettuce for another type of green, such as romaine, radicchio, or butter lettuce. Get creative with it. The wedge shown here is topped with heirloom cherry tomatoes, avocado, chives, sunflower seeds, and freshly ground black pepper.

And, without further ado, here is a recipe for the BEST blue cheese dressing of all time.

 

classic wedge salad with buttermilk blue cheese dressing | rosemarried.com

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The Best Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • A couple dashes Tabasco sauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the garlic and spices. In a larger bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, sour cream, mayo, and buttermilk.
  2. Stir in the garlic and spices, until combined. Gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. Refrigerate dressing for several hours (or overnight), to allow flavors to meld. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/08/12/best-wedge-salad-buttermilk-blue-cheese-dressing/

Zucchini and Corn Skillet Sauté

So far, I’ve craved the following things during pregnancy: apricots, deli macaroni salad, blueberries,  cookies n’ cream ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, macaroni and cheese, french onion dip (and potato chips), grapes, s’mores, brownies (from a box), peaches and cottage cheese, and cereal. (I’ve been eating a lot of cereal.)

Sadly, there have been zero vegetables on the cravings list. If it weren’t for my garden, I probably wouldn’t be eating any vegetables whatsoever! It’s not that vegetables sound bad, I just don’t have a strong inclination towards them. I could take them or leave them. (I just want fruit. And ice cream. And cereal.)

Thankfully, my garden won’t let me get away with a fruit/cereal/ice cream diet. My garden is exploding with summer produce right now – cherry tomatoes, zucchini, basil, snap peas, lettuce, spinach, cilantro, carrots, green onions, etc – and I can’t let it all go to waste. So, when I do finally get around to cooking and/or eating vegetables, I am reminded of the fact that I really do love them. Especially in the peak of summer season, there are just so many wonderful vegetable options. They’re bright and crisp, full of flavor and nutrients.

So, even if I don’t particularly crave veggies, I’ll keep eating them because I know they’re good for me and the baby (and my garden keeps pumping out more of them!). And you know what? It’s dishes like this zucchini and corn sauté that will keep me coming back for more.

(A quick note about the recipe: while I prefer making this in a cast iron skillet in the oven, you could totally cook this on the stovetop. I just like the way the veggies caramelize and cook evenly in the oven. But, it’s really hot outside and you might not want to turn on your oven. In which case, I think it’s totally fine to cook this recipe on the stovetop!)

zucchini and corn skillet sauté with parmesan and basil | rosemarried.com

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Zucchini and Corn Skillet Sauté with Parmesan and Basil

Serving Size: 4-6 (as a side), 2 as a main course

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into small cubes
  • 1.5 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat. Once skillet is hot, add in butter, shallots, and garlic and give a good stir. Place back in the oven for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Remove skillet form oven and toss in corn and zucchini. Stir to coat, and add a bit more butter if needed. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Place skillet back in the oven and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  3. Once zucchini and corn are just starting to brown, remove from the oven. Stir in cherry tomatoes and sherry vinegar. Top with thinly sliced ribbons of fresh basil and a healthy sprinkling of finely grated parmesan cheese. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/07/28/zucchini-corn-skillet-saute/

 

Spring Strawberry Salad with Lime Poppy-Seed Vinaigrette

This is such a simple and pretty spring salad. I won’t pretend this salad is anything new or revolutionary – let’s be honest, we’ve all seen spinach and strawberry salads before – but I think the simplicity of this salad is what I love most about it. It’s chock-full of gorgeous spring produce – strawberries, spinach, fennel, radishes, and snap peas – and the veggies are perfectly complemented by a bright and balanced homemade lime and poppy-seed vinaigrette.

This is one of those recipes that can easily be changed and adapted, depending on what you have on hand (or what you’re in the mood for). You could substitute lettuce, kale, arugula, or any other type of leafy green for spinach in this salad and it would be equally delicious. Or, try using pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds. Whatever the case, you can’t go wrong with the combination of ripe strawberries, spring veggies, goat cheese, and a sweet and tangy vinaigrette.

spring strawberry salad | rosemarried

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Spring Strawberry Salad with Poppyseed Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • Several handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar snap peas
  • 1/2 fennel bulb
  • 3-4 french breakfast radishes
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tablespoons honey
  • Squeeze of fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • Pinch of yellow mustard powder
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and pat dry the fruits and vegetables. Remove strawberry tops and slice into halves or quarters. Slice the snap peas thinly, at an angle. Using a mandoline, shave the fennel bulb and radishes into thin slices.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients – oils, vinegar, lime juice, poppy seeds, and spices.
  3. Gently toss the spinach with the strawberries, snap peas, fennel, and radishes. Toss with poppyseed vinaigrette, to coat. Sprinkle chopped almonds and goat cheese crumbles atop the salad. Sprinkle a few fennel fronds on the salad, if desired. Add an extra dash of black pepper, for an extra kick.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/06/17/spring-strawberry-salad-lime-poppy-seed-vinaigrette/

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Oh, vegetables. I used to love you. Then, I got pregnant and everything changed. I no longer wanted vegetables. All I wanted to eat was chocolate chip cookies and grilled cheese sandwiches.

However, a girl can’t live on chocolate chip cookies and grilled cheese alone. (I mean, technically, I could. But I shouldn’t.) I’ve had to practically force myself to eat vegetables, and it hasn’t been easy. But, just when I thought I might never like vegetables again, I happened upon this kale salad. I don’t know what it was about this particular salad, but it completely snapped me out of my anti-vegetable funk. It just tasted so good. Frankly, I couldn’t get enough of it.

This salad happens to be incredibly good for you. It’s vegan and gluten free. It contains a whole bunch of super foods – kale, quinoa, and cranberries. And, most importantly, it tastes good to this pregnant lady. (For the record, my husband also loved this kale quinoa salad. He ate two bowls of it for dinner one night, and ate the rest for lunch the next day. I’d say it was a hit.)

Kale + Quinoa Tahini Salad | Rosemarried.com

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Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of black (dinosaur) kale
  • 1-2 small carrots
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 3 tablespoons tahini paste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Water, as needed
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • The juice of 1 lemon
  • 1.5 teaspoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional garnishes: red chili flakes or avocado

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. When the quinoa is fully cooked, set aside until needed.
  2. while the quinoa is cooking, prep the vegetables. Using a sharp knife, slice the kale into thin strips. (No need to remove the stems!) Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrot into thin ribbons. Toss the sliced kale and carrots together, along with the dried cranberries.
  3. To make the tahini dressing, stir together tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. The mixture will thicken and turn a lighter shade. Begin adding water, a little at a time. Stir until the mixture is light and creamy, and the desired thickness. Stir in honey, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
  4. Toss the kale mixture with 1.5 cups of cooked quinoa. Pour the dressing over the salad, and stir to coat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds atop the salad. Garnish with red chili flakes or avocado, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/05/06/kale-quinoa-salad-tahini-dressing/

Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Feta and Mint

You know what? Life is good. Life is really good.

As much as I’d like to complain, I really can’t. My cup runneth over. My freelance career is going splendidly. My husband is the best. I have an incredible network of family and friends to lean on. I have the cutest pets on the planet. Oh, and I live in a city full of talented people (and delicious food).

In addition, I recently started a job as the Marketing Director for the Beaverton Farmer’s Market. The job is a part-time and super flexible, which is a perfect compliment to my freelance schedule. It is a huge and thriving market, brimming with artisans, farmers, bakers, and makers of every sort. I love it!

Even though I’ve only been with the market for a couple of months, I can already feel a difference in my cooking and eating habits. Each week, I come home with an incredible array of baked goods, fruits, veggies, snacks, sauces, and more. I can’t help but be inspired by the things I find at the market.

During my first week at the market, I stopped by the DeNoble Farms booth and purchased a couple of rainbow carrots. I’ve eaten a lot local and organic carrots in my day, but there was something particularly special about these carrots. They are vibrant, flavorful, crisp, and sweet. They are light years beyond any carrot you’ll find in a grocery store.

For the most part, I’ve been eating these carrots raw and unadorned, which is totally delicious. However, you really can’t go wrong with these carrots. A few nights ago a made a big roast chicken dinner, and decided to make a side of spicy roasted carrots. I made up this recipe on the spot, and I feel that it’s a winner. The sweetness of the carrots pairs so nicely with the spice and smokiness of the harissa, paprika, and cumin. The addition of salty feta and fragrant mint just add to the depth and flavor of the dish.

All of that to say, I love these carrots and I love this dish. Really, I love my life. I got no complaints and I’m gonna leave it at that.

Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Feat + Mint | Rosemarried

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Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Feta and Mint

Ingredients

  • 2 small bunches organic carrots (15-20 small carrots)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon harissa
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Wash and dry carrots. Remove carrot tops, if any, and reserve for another use. If you carrots are small and thin, you may leave them whole. If they are larger, slice lengthwise in half (or quarters).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa, spices, lemon juice, and honey. Toss the carrots with the oil and spice mixture and half of the chopped mint, then arrange in an even layer on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 20+ minutes, or until fork tender. (Roasting time will vary, depending on the size of the carrots). When tender, remove from oven and arrange in a serving dish. Sprinkle feta cheese and remaining mint atop the roasted carrots. Serve warm.

http://rosemarried.co/2014/03/19/moroccan-spiced-carrots-feta-mint/

Shredded Cabbage Salad with Orange Sesame Vinaigrette

If you happen to live in Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Fargo, Anchorage, Denver – or any other city that has a real winter – I have a new found respect for you. No, seriously. How do you do it?! The cold, snow, ice, wine, and freezing rain. I hate it all. We just had 4 straight days of snow in Portland and I feel exhausted and cold and tired and like I need a month-long tropical vacation.

When the snow began to fall on Thursday morning, I was immediately enamored. It was just so pretty and fluffy…and I didn’t want it to stop! I wished that we all could have a snow day (or two!). I wanted to cozy up with a good book, my bunny, my cat, and my husband. I wanted to watch bad television shows and drink red wine. I wanted my own little wintery staycation.

Well, I certainly got what I wished for. I was stuck in my house for 5 days, due to “extreme weather conditions”. It was novel at first, but quickly turned maddening. I cleaned my house. I did boatloads of laundry. I cooked a ton. For the most part, I cooked familiar dishes, such as meatloaf, mac n’ cheese, and harissa-stewed butternut squash. At some point during the storm, however, I decided to make something light and healthy. I raided my fridge and found a head of cabbage, a couple of green onions, carrots, and an orange. And thus, this salad was born.

This salad is the result of snowstorm and sheer boredom, but that shouldn’t deter you. The salad is bright and fresh and wonderful. Honestly, it tastes like sunshine. (And since we’re right smack the middle of winter, I think we could all use a bit more sunshine, don’t you?)

Cabbage Salad with Orange Sesame Vinaigrette | Rosemarried

SHREDDED CABBAGE SALAD WITH ORANGE SESAME VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients:

1 small head (green) Napa cabbage
1 carrot, julienned
3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
Small handful of cilantro (8-10 stems), finely diced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 large clove garlic, minced
The juice of half an orange, plus 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1 teaspoon honey
Salt & pepper, to taste

Method:
Using a sharp knife (or mandoline or food processor), slice or shred the cabbage into thin strips. Toss the cabbage with the sliced carrots, green onions, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing to coat, Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad and lightly toss. Serve at room temperature.