Snappy Green Salad: beyond leafy greens

My Snappy Green Salad: beyond leafy greens was perfect for our Summer Kick-Off, Chesapeake Bay Adventure. The old-fashioned fun of board and yard games made me nostalgic for all things Summer, and the Snappy Green Salad fit the theme perfectly by requiring a little bean snapping. Both bean snapping and corn husking are romantically nostalgic tasks from my childhood that take me to July in Wisconsin- long summer nights- watching the diamonds on the water, and helping mom make dinner. This time, I was in charge, and I got to hand off the corn-husking and bean snapping to my trusty sous-chefs. They were reclined in their Adirondack chairs and sipping Racer 5, so they didn’t mind a lick. Just like I never did as a child. And if no one was watching, I tended to eat the inevitably extra ear of corn raw, sweet as it was in the summertime. I noticed my sous-chefs keeping the tradition alive by enjoying raw green beans when they thought no one was the wiser. Aside from the nostalgic tasks associated with my Snappy Green Salad: beyond leafy greens I can vouch for its simple deliciousness. I love salads to have lots of stuff … Continue reading

Green Bean Casserole

No proper Midwestern Potluck would be complete without Green Bean Casserole. The most common version features canned green beans, canned mushroom soup and of course, French’s Fried onions and is shared at church picnics and Thanksgiving tables all over; there’s a reason it’s so popular, it’s really easy, the ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and with all that salty goodness, people always eat it up. While I’m not saying the shelf stable version doesn’t serve its purpose, this particular menu is about elevating some classic potluck favorites. And don’t worry, I’ve kept the French’s onions. And since I’ve had many versions over the years, I feel quite confident when I say that this version of Green Bean Casserole definitely takes the prize. I’ve substituted in fresh green beans and homemade cream of mushroom soup, but not to worry, it’s still quick and easy and the extra effort of the modifications will speak for themselves. The fresh green beans make it bright in color and are a serious upgrade from the canned version. Making the mushroom soup makes it much more flavorful and a bit healthier. Of course, the element that stays the same is our signature old school … Continue reading