New Twist on Caprese

Cherry-salad-close-up
This unique twist to an old classic pairs balsamic-infused cherries with ripe avocado and just a splash of fresh lime juice – definitely an exotic flavor profile!

This beautiful and flavorful salad was the result of seeking more ways to enjoy fresh summer cherries. I was delighted to find that they add an amazing depth of flavor to traditional caprese. Unfortunately, fresh cherries are only available for a very short season. So if you’re like me, you may find yourself over-indulging in this delightful salad while supplies last!

What to do when cherry season ends? Simple! Just toss in some fresh organic strawberries instead – also fantastic!

cherry-salad

New Twist on Caprese

Yield: Four 3/4-cup servings

New Twist on Caprese

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh organic basil leaves, cut in thin strips
  • 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 20 fresh organic cherries, pitted and halved
  • 8 oz. sweet grape tomatoes, halved (I used yellow for fun!)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Optional: 4 oz. pearl-size fresh mozzarella balls, or diced fresh mozzarella

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, add chopped basil, lime juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Combine well.
  2. Remove stems and pit cherries. Then slice the cherries, as well as the grape tomatoes, in half and add them both to the basil mixture; toss well.
  3. Drain mozzarella balls and also add to the basil mixture; toss well to coat.
  4. Caprese is best served at room temp. However, if you prefer it cold, place it in the frig for no longer than one hour.
  5. When ready to serve, gently fold in the diced avocado; do not overmix, especially if avocado is soft.
  6. Serve solo, or over a mix of fresh mesclun greens. So flavorful!

Notes

This delightful version of caprese is so fresh and delicious, but it doesn't keep well, so be sure to enjoy it within an hour or so of making it.

http://thenourishinghome.com/2012/06/new-twist-on-caprese/

 

You Might Also Like:

Fabulous Fruit-Filled Crepes (GF)


These slightly sweet, fruit-filled crepes may be small and delicate, but they pack a solid nutritional punch! That’s because they’re made with high-protein, high-fiber coconut flour along with lots of other delicious, wholesome ingredients!

As shown in below, we like to fill our crepes with homemade whipped cream and fresh organic berries. However, when cherry season arrives, you’ll find us with cherry-stuffed crepes drizzled with fresh cherry puree! Mmm!

Filling a crepe is as easy as 1, 2, 3 …


1. Once the crepes have cooled, add a small amount of fresh whipped cream along the center of each crepe. (If you’re dairy-free, substitute with whipped coconut cream, or spread a thin layer of all-fruit jam on the crepe.)


2. Add a small amount of mixed berries, or fresh fruit of your choice.


3. Then, gently roll each crepe. To keep the crepe rolled up, use a toothpick in the center to secure it. (Just don’t forget it’s there when you go to eat it!) Then, drizzle the crepe with fresh fruit puree and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Beautiful and delicious!


My youngest shows us how he does it, with his favorite summer fruit  – fresh ripe cherries! Yum!


Time-saving tip:
Using a griddle, rather than a small skillet, allows you to cook more crepes in less time. “But what about that pan-swirling thing?” you might ask … By simply using the back of a spoon, and working from the center outward, you can gentle spread the batter into a nice round shape without having to perfect the more difficult technique of swirling a hot pan around in a circular motion.

Fabulous Fruit-Filled Crepes (GF)

Yield: 8 five-inch crepes

Fabulous Fruit-Filled Crepes (GF)

Ingredients

    Crepes
  • 3 tbsp organic coconut flour
  • 1 tsp arrowroot powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup raw whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 tsp pure honey (I prefer sage honey due to its mild flavor)
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Crepe Filling
  • 2 cups of your favorite fresh fruit, such as ripe berries, cherries, peaches or banana slices
  • 2 cups fresh whipped cream (If you're dairy-free, substitute with whipped coconut cream or all-fruit jam, as noted below.)
  • Fruit Puree Topping
  • 1 cup diced organic strawberries (or fruit of your choice)
  • 2 tsp pure honey

Instructions

    Step One: Make Fruit Puree Topping
  1. Place strawberries (or fruit of choice) into a blender or VitaMix and drizzle with honey. Blend until pureed. Place puree in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Step Two: Make Fresh Whipped Cream
  3. I recommend my quick and easy honey-sweetened fresh whipped cream recipe. (If you're dairy-free, see step 10 below.)
  4. Step Three: Make Crepes
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the coconut flour, arrowroot powder, salt and spices.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, honey and vanilla extract until well blended and slightly foamy.
  7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk well until no lumps remain.
  8. Set batter aside, so coconut flour can absorb some of the liquid, while you preheat a small skillet over medium heat. For quicker turn-around time, I like to use a griddle for making crepes. Whichever you opt to use, for best results, it’s important to be sure your cooking device is thoroughly preheated.
  9. Once your skillet (or griddle) is hot, lightly butter the surface (or use coconut oil). The butter should bubble and sizzle if your skillet/griddle is preheated well.
  10. Then, whisk batter again and add a large spoonful or two to the griddle. Using the back of the spoon, and working from the center outward, gently spread the batter into a thin, even layer to form a 5-inch round crepe.
  11. Cook crepe about 1-2 minutes until it begins to firm up. Then carefully slide a spatula under the crepe and gently flip it over. Cook on the second side for about a minute. Place crepes on wire rack to cool, while continuing to make the remaining crepes.
  12. Step Four: Filling Crepes (and eating them!)
  13. Once the crepes have cooled, add a small amount of fresh whipped cream along the center of each crepe. (If you're dairy-free, substitute with whipped coconut cream or simply spread a thin layer of all-fruit jam on the crepe.)
  14. Add a small amount of mixed berries or your favorite fresh fruit such as ripe cherries, peaches, banana slices, etc.
  15. Then, gently roll each crepe. To keep the crepe rolled up, use a toothpick in the center to secure it. (Just don’t forget it’s there when you go to eat it!)
  16. *Drizzle crepe with fresh fruit puree and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Beautiful and delicious!

Notes

*You can drizzle the fresh fruit puree using a small spoon, or by placing the puree into a small ziplock baggie, snipping one end just a bit, to create a pastry-style bag.

http://thenourishinghome.com/2012/06/fabulous-fruit-filled-crepes-gf-2/

This recipe was shared at: Homestead Barn Hop, Better Mom Mondays, Welcome Home Mondays, Modest Mondays, Monday ManiaMade from Scratch MondaysSoli Deo Gloria, Titus 2sdays, Domestically Divine, Titus 2 Tuesdays Link Party, On Your Heart TuesdaysTraditional Tuesdays, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tuesdays at the Table, Fat Tuesdays, Hearth & Soul, Kids in the Kitchen Link-UpLiving Well Wednesdays, Homemaking Link-Up, Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Gluten-Free WednesdaysPennywise Platter, Simple Lives ThursdaysBig Family Fridays, Fresh Bite Fridays, Feasting in Fellowship FridaysIngredient Spotlight

You Might Also Like:

Grilled Skirt Steak with Balsamic-Apricot Marinade (GF)


Make any day a happy day for Dad with this deliciously tender and juicy grilled skirt steak! It’s sweet-n-tangy flavor comes from an easy-to-make balsamic-apricot marinade.

This flavorful steak is delicious served with garlicky mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggie. Got leftovers? Dice the steak and add it to a quick and easy veggie stir fry.

Skirt steak is an economical cut of beef that is perfectly tender and juicy when grilled medium-rare and sliced against the grain. You can find grassed beef at most whole food type stores, or online via health-conscience companies like U.S. Wellness Meats. For easier marinating and handling on the grill, cut the steak into 3-4 shorter pieces.

Grilled skirt steak is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a tender, juicy steak dinner!

Grilled Skirt Steak with Balsamic-Apricot Marinade (GF)

Yield: 6 servings

Grilled Skirt Steak with Balsamic-Apricot Marinade (GF)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skirt steak, trimmed and cut into smaller fillets
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon homemade Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons apricot preserves (or homemade peach preserves)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

  1. In a 9x13-inch baking dish (or gallon-size ziplock bag). Add all of the above ingredients (except the steak) and combine well. Cut the skirt steak into 3-4 fillets and place in marinade, making sure both sides are well coated. Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. The key to juicy, tender meat is to bring it to room temperature prior to cooking. So be sure to take the marinated steak out of the frig about 30-45 minutes prior to grilling.
  3. When ready to grill, preheat grill on high heat. Remove the steaks from their marinade, making sure to shake off excess marinade.
  4. Grill steak over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium/medium rare depending on the size and thickness.
  5. Remove steaks from grill; cover with foil, and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes. Thinly slice skirt steak against the grain. Serve with your favorite sides.
http://thenourishinghome.com/2012/05/grilled-skirt-steak-with-balsamic-apricot-marinade-gf/

You Might Also Like: