Labor Day? Really?
I dont' know about you, but Labor Day came so fast this year! I guess part of it is 'cause my kid's started school before the Holiday weekend. UGH.. Whatever it is, it defintely feels different this year...could be that here in the NW, we have had such an amazing summer. It could also be because the fact that all of a sudden I woke up to this Fall like weather!!! I literally woke up on the 1st and it was brisk and the leaves were falling...MUHR.
With that being said, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday weekend. I don't know if you have big plans or you are staying close to home like us. Whatever it is, you can use these delish recipes to help you say good bye to Summer.
-I am always up for some good chips and salsa, so my salsa is of course, on my mind. I have wrote down both the red and the green for you to make.
Green Salsa:
-5-6 Tomatillos- Leave skin on
-5-6 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced (you can add more to your liking)
-one sweet onion, cut in pieces
-3-4 serrano pepper, again you can add more if wanted, sliced
-2 cups of vegetable oil.
-Kosher salt if desired
I probably add closer to 3 cups of oil in a deep pan, wait for it to boil and then turn heat down to medium. Add the tomatillos, seam side up. Add the onion, garlic, peppers and salt. Cover over med heat til the tomatillo skins start to peel away from the fruit (apx 8 mins).
Then, remove skins carefully, you don't want to burn yourself. I use tongs and a fork. Dump all the items into your blender or food processor and pulse until it has a creamy consistency. Add oil as needed...this is probably where I add that extra cup. Serve it hot preferably with a dollup of sourcream on top.
Red Salsa:
- One large can of Whole, peeled Tomatoes- don't drain
- One Sweet onion, peeled and sliced
- 4-5 Cloves of garlic
- One bunch of Cilantro, cleaned, stem removed
- 4-6 Serrano peppers, cut
- One Lime, squeeezed
- One tsp to your choice, of Kosher Salt sprinkled in
Place all in food processor and pulse til your desired consistency.
-You also have to drink a good beverage for the weekend. My staple is of course the Four Graces Pinot Gris, but if you really want to go wild, try this new tequilla that I am loving. Casamigos. It happens to be owned by George Clooney and Rande Gerber-(Cindy Crawfords gorgeous husband).
Check out this amazing Margarita I came acrossed.
Fresh Kumquat Margarita
(Makes 1 drink)
- 7 fresh kumquats, sliced
- 2 oz. Agave tequila (I am OB-SESSED with Casamigos
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz Agave nectar
- 3 cups crush ice
-1 tablespoon coarse salt for rim (optional)
- Slice the fresh kumquats and remove the seeds.
- In cocktail shaker, add sliced kumquats and muddle thoroughly. Add tequila, nectar, lime juice with ice and shake, shake, shake! If you prefer frozen, add all ingredients together and blend with crushed ice.
-Wet rim of glasses with kumquat or lime for salt (or sugar) and serve.
-You also have to have a good salad of some sort to either make for your family or bring to the Labor Day party. I have this easy, but very tasty one that is always a big hit.
CAPRESE AVOCADO SALAD
-1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-2 boneless, skinless thin-sliced chicken breasts
-Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
-6 ounces ovaline fresh mozzarella
-1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
-1/4 cup basil leaves, chiffonade
-To make the balsamic reduction, add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slight boil and reduce by half, about 6-8 minutes; set aside and let cool.
-Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat.
-Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, to taste. Add to skillet and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.
-To assemble the salad, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl; top with chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, avocado and basil. Pour balsamic reduction on top of the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately.
Hope this helps with your plans this weekend.
Enjoy and be safe.
-Erin