“Everything that’s old is new again…” We’re always trying to put an innovative spin on healthy food chez Coconut Girl. Last month we created a salad bar at the dinner table. Rather than presenting our children with a finished meal, we invited them to put together their own plate of fresh ingredients and toppings. One of our kitchen commandments is Everything Looks Better in a Ramekin.
Below are recent repasts from the MealTicker. The abundance of fresh summer produce combined with scorching hot days led to many ‘ploughman’s lunch’-type meals. These are plates filled with a variety of simple offerings that require minimal cooking. Our children enjoy them because the food is clear–they know what they’re getting and can easily slalom around foods they’re still learning to like.
Top Row: Left: “Salad bar” with roasted beets, grated carrots, avocado, sesame sticks, red bell pepper, and snow peas. Center: peaches, cole slaw, and black bean & rice tacos with sour cream, salsa, cheddar and cilantro. Right: wild rice pilaf (Near East brand), grilled asparagus, deviled eggs, and a salad of fresh basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
Middle Row: Left: sliced red bell pepper, the beginnings of a pepper relish for quesadillas (White Dog Cafe ckbk). Center: Afternoon snack: grapes, avocado, olives, and Parmesean toast. Right: homemade pizza (Silver Palate ckbk) using fresh mushrooms and pesto from the farmer’s market.
Bottom Row: Left: broccoli and cheddar quiche with a crumble of feta for snap. Center: Rice, green beans, and black bean salad. Right: toasted, garlic-rubbed baguette with asparagus and crumbled Stilton; salad.
Okay, just got in from slogging through clay in the studio (a show coming up next month and I’m NOT ready) – it’s dark (gasp !) at 7:00 and nothing is bubbling on MY stove OR beautifully julienned in a ramekin. I am hongree, so I’m checking the box for the TOP ROW of things in the meal ticker — to be delivered pronto. thank you – in advance . . .