FOLEY'S FOLLIES

Sunday, July 19, 2009

GARDEN PARTY


I didn't think I would be able to make this event, and I didn't want to let Susan down after she was so gracious in hosting this lovely Garden Party. Make sure you stop by her blog Savoring Time in the Kitchen to see all the links to some fabulous Garden Parties!!

I started off with a salad I make all summer long... Strawberry Spinach Salad with the one exception since I didn't have strawberries I substituted Ranier Cherries! They were finally on sale and I HAD to grab them up. The cherries tasted great with the salad...




Strawberry Spinach Salad

Juice of 1 lemon or 2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
⅓ Cup of sugar (or less to taste)
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp poppy seeds

8 oz (1½ C) strawberries ¼’d
½ med cucumber sliced and cut in ½
¼ Cup small red onion - sliced thin
1 pkg (6 oz) baby spinach
¼ Cup toasted almonds

Whisk ingredients for dressing and refrigerate.

Place spinach in a “large” bowl, add strawberries, cucumbers & onion, Whisk dressing, pour over salad, gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve.

My sister,Laurie, turned me on to this recipe for "Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs" from All Recipies! Make sure you read the reviews and DOUBLE the sauce...you won't regret it! What's great about this recipe is you actually substitute whatever you want for your kabob. Personally I love mushrooms, so I added big, juicy fat ones! Added a nice ear of summer sweet corn and the meal was perfect.





Sorry this is so short but I'm rushing as is...BUT..have to show you a photo of my helper..who had his annual "beauty appointment". Louis loves his new summer "DO" and struts around showing it off....



THANK YOU SUSAN....

14 comments:

Cynthia said...

Barb, Rainier cherries sound like a great substitution for strawberries in the spinach salad. I think I would prefer it that way.

I didn't read all 700+ reviews on All Recipes but read enough to know with your endorsement that the kabob recipe is a winner. I love mushrooms ... wouldn't eat a kabob without them. We always have beef kabobs. It's time for a change. Thanks for the recipe ... these sound and look wonderful.

Louis looks adorable ... maybe he will pose on the sofa with his new haircut for an updated header picture.

Marsha said...

I just bought Ranier's on sale this weekend too and never thought of using them in a salad - thanks for the idea. I just love grilling kabobs and will head over to get the recipe soon.

Louie sure got a "buzz" cut! I don't think I've ever seen a cat shorn like that before ;) I imagine it is much cooler though.

Mary Bergfeld said...

This looks great. I love the combination of ingredients used in the salad and you just can't go wrong with those kebobs. Your pictures are fantastic. I'm sure your friend will be delighted with your effort.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Barb, you caught me by surprise! I am so happy and honored that you made it to the Garden Party in light of what you've had going on lately!

I've never thought of using cherries in a salad and but what a great idea. I love cherries and the Raniers were wonderful this year.

I can't wait to try that chicken kabobs recipe. What a perfectly summery and garden-grilling recipe.

Louis makes me smile - and so do you :) Thank you!

Carol said...

Barb, the kabobs look fantastic! Love mushrooms, too! Great idea to use cherries, instead of strawberries, they look delicious! Glad you made it to party!

Louis looks very cool!

Kathleen said...

It looks great, Barb!
I have never had ranier cherries, they are 5.00 a lb here!
Love the kabobs too!
Glad you made it to the party..
Now about that cat..:)

Four Paws and Co said...

Yummm, this looks so amazingly delicious! What a great idea! ☺ Diane

ps Love Louis's new summer DO! He's adorable with or without fur!

Suzy said...

What a yummy looking meal Barb! I love the substitution of Raniers in your salad! I am going to give it a try. Not sure if you read but there is a bumper crop on Washington cherries this year so you should be able to find some good deals. I love Raniers the best! Those shishkabobs have piqued my interst. I will have to give them a try. Louis looks so soft!!! I'm glad he likes his new do. So glad you were able to join. I know you are a busy busy lady. I am pulling up the rear so don't feel too bad about being late.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

You are amazing Barb! I was thrilled to see this post and glad you were able to join despite your busy schedule.

Love the Raniers in your salad, and the yummy honey chicken kabobs are going on this week's menu.

I love seeing Louis sporting his new "do".

Cathy said...

Using Raniers in a salad is a wonderful idea. They are so juicy and full of flavor. I usually gobble them up before I have a chance to use them in anything. Must remember to save out a few to try this before the season is over.

Yummy kabobs too.

Vee said...

Oh that summer do is the best...I wrote about one today, too.

Beautiful salads and those kabobs look marvelous!

Brenda Pruitt said...

That's some good looking food you've got there! And a cool looking cat as well!
Brenda

A Grain of Salt said...

Barb, glad you made the party... I'm finally making my rounds and Louis makes me smile! I can't imagine my Kit would ever stand for that. Food looks yummy!

Joyce said...

Those Kabobs look delicious:) I love your baked alaska post. I have only eaten baked alaska once on a cruise ship and it was delicious.
Joyce