Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pear & Feta Salad and Trader Joe's Cornbread. Yum.

We had a great BBQ this past weekend.  And I'm very excited because I contributed to the menu.  Since most of you don't know me, you would not know that I don't really cook. I would like to, and the few times I have, I've enjoyed it and felt great satisfaction when my items have turned out and tasted good!  I guess I think either it's overwhelming to cook or I don't feel like I have time.

So, I didn't exactly "cook" for the BBQ but I made two delicious items - salad and cornbread. And both were big hits! Very exciting for me.  Let's start with the salad.

I knew I wanted a salad with feta, and thought the addition of a fruit and nuts would make for a nice light salad.  After considering green apples, strawberries, mandarin oranges and pears, I opted for pears.  Feta and candied walnuts seemed like a nice fit with the pear, and my new signature dish was created.

Pear & Feta Salad

Ingredients:
One pear
Feta Cheese
Candied Walnuts
Mixed Greens
Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in large bowl
2. Add dressing & toss
3. Serve

And here is a look at the finished product:


Yum. I love the mix of sweet & salty. And the feta and candied walnuts offset the pear and balsamic so nicely.  And for someone who doesn't cook much, you can imagine how thrilled I was when both of my sister-in-laws asked me for seconds - and declared it delicious!  So proud, the next day I recreated the salad for our sitter, and she too asked for seconds! 

And now, on to the cornbread.

Trader Joe's Cornbread

Ingredients:
One egg
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup milk

Directions:
1. Beat egg, milk and oil together.
What kind of oil? What kind of milk? Good questions. I used whole milk and olive oil.
2. Add cornbread mix and .... mix!
3. Pour into desired pan/tin and cook for 35-40 minutes
I used a muffin tin.
4. Take out, cool and serve

And here is  look at the finished product:

Tasty Cornbread!
   












I really want to commit to "cooking" more. Whether it's preparing from a mix, making a salad, baking or serving up a dish uniquely -- I want to do it more.  So if you have any great recipes, or easy to make (or prepare) dishes, I'd love to hear about them!

In sum, I really recommend making (& eating) the pear & feta salad. It really was so delicious.  I think you'll love it.  And go to Trader Joe's for the cornbread mix too!

Enjoy.

11 comments:

  1. looking yummy! I am a new follower from La Vida Buena
    http://lavidabuenaschool.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Melissa! It is yummy - try it!! I'll stop by your site!

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  2. Hello Julie, the salad looks great. Since my teen daughter came home and declared herself a vegetarian I am always looking for new recipes to try. I am now following you via 'Mingle With Us'. If you would like to follow me back you can find me at http://thebargaingame.blogspot.com/

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angela, Thanks for following! I'll stop by your site also....You should try this recipe for your daughter! And the cornbread!

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  3. This salad looks delicious!!

    New follower from the blog hop :) Can't wait to catch up on your posts!!

    I hope you get a chance to check out my blog.

    xo, Jersey Girl

    hairsprayandhighheels.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy! I will check out your blog for sure - Julie

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  4. I just made my first salad with pears and it was terrific. I'm a big TJ fan too. Please share this on my foodie friday party today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so excited that you asked me to share this on your blog! For someone who RARELY cooks, this is a big compliment and confidence booster! :) Love TJ's. Especially Joe-Joe's Cookies!!! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Good for you for starting to cook! Its a big money saver, and in my opinion, it's mighty fun too! That salad looks delicious! I love cheese and fruit in salad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It was So much fun! I need to commit to cooking more and if I come up with a recipe beforehand and get the ingredients, it won't be such an undertaking on a whim! Thanks for stopping by!

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