Pizza Toppings & Heat: The Secrets to the Perfect Anti-Salad

Salad is not exactly everyone's favorite dish, especially some fussy children, so how can you spice it up? Check out "Pizza Toppings & Heat: The Secrets to the Perfect Anti-Salad" below for the answers!

Salad. Just saying that word is enough to make a child's heart sink — especially if coupled with "is for dinner." We associate the word with boring and bland. But salad, poor old salad, doesn't have to be. It can be fun, it can be good, and it can be something you enjoy for dinner. You just have to know the secrets to making the perfect anti-salad.

To make an anti-salad you need all the stuff that you normally wouldn't put on a salad, but might put on everyone's favorite food since 4th grade...pizza!

That means cured meats, cheese, and peppers. Coincidentally enough, these ingredients also typically make up an antipasto. But nobody really thinks those are fun either — apologies to Italy.

Why is that? Because there's another missing ingredient. Warmth.

There's something about heat that makes things seem more like a meal and less like...well, a salad.

Here are some ingredients you can grill, roast, and throw in your salad to make it an anti-salad everyone will enjoy. Just add greens, balsamic vinegar, and some croutons — or try some grains or garbanzo beans and ditch the greens altogether.

• Sautéed onions
• Roasted eggplant
• Roasted bell peppers
• Roasted olives
• Grilled tomatoes
• Prosciutto
• Pepperoni
• Parmigiano Romano
• Feta Cheese

Try out some of these other warm salads from our archives...

• Citrusy Millet Salad with Roasted Fennel and Kalamata Olives
• Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Fontina
• Warm Chickpea Salad with Cumin & Garlic
• Warm Golden Beet Salad with Greens and Almonds

(Images: 1,3. Megan Gordon 2. Chris Perez)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/12ThhK3

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Berry Crumble Ice Cream & Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad

We're almost certain that one of these four awesome recipes is right up your alley! Whether it be the ice cream, fruity drink, or whichever check out "Berry Crumble Ice Cream & Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad" below!

A tower of bread, honey, and figs, and a caipirinha cocktail with strawberries in today's Delicious Links. 

• Berry Crumble Ice Cream - Take a Megabite.
  
• Strawberry and Passion Fruit Caipirinha - Vintage Kitchen Notes.
  
• Capsicum and Fennel Pearl Couscous Salad - Chew Town.
  
• Figs and goat cheese honey tower - Sabrina Sue. 

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/10MXoXC

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4th of July: Fun Events

Tomorrow is Independence Day! If you need some ideas for how to celebrate, check out the list of events below to make your 4th of July spectacular!

Note: Celebration plans are subject to change, especially fireworks displays (many communities around the state have already canceled fireworks over drought concerns and fire risk). Be sure to check websites for the most up-to-date information.

Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center

Evening:The 4th annual celebration will feature a free concert by the Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the City and County building and a fireworks finale. Bring a picnic, plenty of park seating available. July 3, 8 p.m. Free.Civic Center Park at Broadway and Colfax, civiccenterconservancy.org

Independence Day at Elitch Gardens

Day:Ride the roller coasters at Denver's downtown amusment park followed by a fireworks display at dusk. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., see website for ticket prices.Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, 303-595-4386, elitchgardens.com

Independence Day at Coors Field

Day/evening:Watch the Rockies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a three-game series, July 2-4. Fireworks following the July 3 and 4 games, see website for tickets prices.Coors Field Stadium at 2001 Blake St., 303-292-0200,colorado.rockies.mlb.com/

Commerce City 4th Fest with the Colorado Rapids

Evening:Community festival, a 7:30 p.m. match between the Rapids and New York Red Bulls, and a fireworks display. 4thFest Family Activity Zone is free, ticket prices for the game vary. 5 p.m.Dick's Sporting Goods Park 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City.coloradorapids.com/4thfestcolorado

Celebrate with the Outlaws at Mile High Sports Authority Field

Evening:Watch Denver's professional lacrosse team the Outlaws versus the New York Lizards. After the game, fireworks and a pyrotechnics show. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m.,Sports Authority Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., 720-258-3000, denveroutlaws.com

Park Hill 4th of July Parade

Day:The Denver Fire Department kicks things off at 1:30 p.m. with two engines. The Red Sax Trio plays music, the Platinum Divas cheer squad brings the spirit, and the Cupcake Truck and Pie Truck bring the sweets. Route runs down 23rd Ave. from Dexter to Krameria.Info: parkhillparade.com

Chase'n The Dream Concert at Green Valley Ranch

Evening:Chase'n The Dream covers R&B, Motown, dance, reggae, jazz, pop and blues, followed by a fireworks show. 8:00 p.m. Free.Green Valley Ranch Amphitheater, 4890 Argonne Way, 303- 595-8747, mygvr.org/story/oakwood-homes-summer-concert-series-2011

Ralphies Independence Day Blast in Boulder

Evening:Performances by Monarch High School Marching Band, Open Space & Mountain Parks Rangers and Mad Hops. Fireworks. Gates open at 8 p.m. Free.Folsom Field, 2400 Colorado Ave., Boulder, 303-541-1928, boulder4thofjuly.com

Cheesman Park Kids' Bike Parade

Day:Bike decorating, face painting, balloon art, a fire truck and bagpipers at this event, which kicks off at 9 a.m. on the east side of Cheesman Park in Denver.cheesmanparkadvocacygroup.wordpress.com/

Aurora's 4th of July Spectacular

Evening:Family-friendly event with food and more. Fireworks kickoff at 9:30 p.m. with music simulcast on studio 1430 KEZW. Festival starts at 6:30 p.m. Free.Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., 303-739-7756, auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/Events/index.htm

Olde Town Arvada Spirit of America 4th of July Festival

Day/evening:DJs and live bands, a kids park with, games and activities, craft booths, a mini classic car show, food and more. Festival begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks after 9 p.m. Free.Stenger Sports Fields at West 58th Ave. and Oak St., 720- 898-7400,arvada.org/arts-and-culture-/fourth-of-july

The Great American Picnic and Fireworks in Broomfield

Evening:Activities include 7th annual Great American Bicycle Parade, pony rides, food and a free concert with FACE and Soul X followed by a fireworks display. 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Free.Commons Park 13200 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield, 303-464-5530, broomfield.org/index.aspx?NID=611

Thornton's 4th of July

Day/evening:Beer garden and food vendors plus concerts by Syke 96, Thornton Community Band and more. Fireworks display after dark. 4 - 9:30 p.m. Free.Carpenter Park Multipurpose Fields at 108th Ave. and Colorado Blvd., Thornton. 303-538-7282, cityofthornton.net

Golden Lions Club Celebration

Day/evening:Celebration and fireworks at Lion's Park (along Clear Creek). Includes music, food, activities for children, a raffle and more. Starts at noon. Free.1300 10th St., Golden, 720-253-6328, goldenvisitorsbureau.com/events/july_fourth.php

Englewood Fourth of July Family Festival

Day/evening:There will be field games, entertainment, food and children's activities during the day and fireworks after dark. 4-10 p.m. Free.Belleview, Cornerstone and Progress Parks located near the intersection of Belleview Ave. and Windermere St., Englewood, 303-795-3720, englewoodgov.org/englewood-happenings/4th-of-july-festivities

Independence Day with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Day/evening:A grand relaunch of Colorado Springs' traditional "Fabulous Fourth" celebrations with live music, food and more. 5 p.m. Free.Memorial Park, 1315 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, csphilharmonic.org/summer/independence/

July 4th Family Festival in Northglenn

Day, evening:Festivities kick off at 6:30 a.m. with a Boy Scout pancake breakfast. Throughout the day there'll be a bkae sale, parades, a car show, live music and more.northglenn.org/july4th/

Fort Collins Independence Day Celebration

Day/evening:Parade in Downtown Ft. Collins and at the Firecracker 5k Race during the day,with live music and fireworks in City Park during the evening. Free. Check web site for times and locations.Downtown Fort Collins and City Park, 1500 W. Mulberry St., fcgov.com/july4th/

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department

Day:Family-friendly celebration includes gunny sack races, face painting, hula hoop contest, a bounce house, 5K and one-mile Fun Run, live music and more. Times vary, the reservoir will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.The Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St., Boulder, 303-441-3461, bbscrti.com, BoulderRez.

Frontier Fourth Celebration at Bent's Fort

Day:Includes a parade, flag giveaways, speeches, debates, period games, a piñata break and cannon firings (conditions permitting) to show how the holiday was observed at an isolated trading post on the plains, 1:30-4:30 p.m.Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, located eight miles east of La Junta or 13 miles west of Las Animas on Colorado Highway 194, 719-383-5010, nps.gov/beol

Elbert County Museum's Pioneer Fourth

Day:Games, local crafters, live music, pie baking contest and more for all ages, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Kiowa, ourjourney.info

July 4th in Georgetown

Day/Evening:Festivities include a 5K Fun Run and Stroll at 8 a.m., a parade at 11 a.m., barbecue in City Park at noon, Bucket Brigade Races at 2 p.m. downtown, fireworks at dusk (conditions permitting). Proceeds benefit various local nonprofits.Georgetown, 303-569-2888

4th of July in Lafayette

Day/Evening:Face painting, balloon sculpting, pony rides, food and veer vendors, live music and more, 4-10 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.Waneka Lake, 1600 Caria Drive, Lafayette, 303-666-9555, lafayettecolorado.com

Compiled by Nicole Nejad, The Denver Post

Read more:2013 Fourth of July celebrations and events: Colorado highlights - The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_23546681/2013-fourth-july-calendar-colorado-highlights#ixzz2Y0uTnJzh
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
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Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/18kl2zf

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Recipe: Nutty Arugula Pesto with Penne

This recipe is one of the more unusual ones that we've seen lately, so if you're feeling creative in the kitchen check out "Recipe: Nutty Arugula Pesto with Penne" below!

This past February, I had the extreme good fortune of accompanying my family (or, really, inviting myself) on a vacation to St. Barthes. February in Seattle is one of the darker months, so this was a most welcome break. Since St. Barthes is an island with limited produce deliveries from the mainland, it was a common occurrence that restaurants or grocery stores would be out of a dish or ingredient "until the next boat comes." There was little urgency about it; people just made do. And one of the ways restaurants made do was to swap ingredients in and out, as was the case with this pesto. 

Originally meant to be a more traditional pine nut and basil pesto, the cooks at our favorite beachside cafe had to get creative when they had neither. They whipped up a garlicky arugula pesto instead. I loved it so much I had to replicate it at home. 

This recipe has a good hit of garlic and lemon — the juice and the zest add a brightness and a zip that I find so many pestos lack. The arugula is slightly spicy and the walnuts add an earthy toastiness, so it's extremely well balanced. 

If pasta isn't your thing, spread it on sandwiches instead, dollop it onto morning omelets, or spoon it into warm grains for something interesting and different. 

The nice thing about making pesto at home is that you can adopt the St. Barthes island mentality — use the quantities below, but reach for ingredients you have on hand. I've made pesto with walnuts, hazelnuts and pine nuts alike. I've made amazing spinach and kale pestos, too. Each are different, to be sure, but wonderful in their own way. So feel free to experiment with the greens and the nuts as you see fit — or as needs be depending on what you have at home. 

I made this pesto this afternoon for lunch — the second time I'd made it since being home from St. Barthes and I'd forgotten how good it was. I'm not sure if it simply conjures up memories of lazy beach days or if there's something about the bright lemon and zip of garlic that somehow brings me back there. Regardless, it made for one fine lunch. 

Nutty Arugula Pesto with Penne and Parmesan

Serves 6 to 8

1 1/2 cups arugula
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, quartered
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about about 2 tablespoons juice)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to salt pasta water
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus extra to serve
Freshly ground black pepper, to season
1 pound penne pasta

In the bowl of a food processor, blend arugula, basil, toasted walnuts, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt and a few grinds of pepper until well combined and smooth. Feel free to add extra olive oil if the pesto feels too thick or chunky.

Place a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add pasta  and to cook to al dente. Drain and place back in pot.  Fold in pesto. Serve hot in your favorite bowls with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan over the top of each bowl. 

(Images: Megan Gordon)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/18gcDNf

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Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes

Doesn't that look delicious? These little bakes can fit right in your hand (careful, they'll be hot!) and take less time than you might think. Check out "Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes" below!

Cooking while traveling can be a tough endeavor. You lose most of the control you usually have at home: who knows how the oven will work, who knows where the local grocery store is... and on. And on. These egg bakes are a good solution to a healthy, delicious breakfast while traveling. The ingredients are basic and easy to track down, and they're infinitely adaptable so you can toss in a little of whatever vegetables or cheese you have on hand. 

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it's essentially a cheater's soufflé. I don't often make real soufflés at home because they always feel a bit fussy to me. There's the proper beating technique and incorporating just the right amount of air — and then the risk of the whole thing falling in on itself. But with this cheater's recipe, the eggs puff up in the oven and become light and fluffy, giving them many of the characteristics I love about a soufflé without much work. 

When traveling, it's generally easy to come upon eggs, milk and some good melting cheese. For these egg bakes, I used a pretty standard recipe and a chopped ham steak from the store. The chives are in season now in Seattle, but obviously you could leave them out altogether if need be and use dried herbs instead. I've tried this recipe with leeks and corn instead of the ham and it's a wonderful vegetarian option. Obviously while on the road, ramekins aren't as easy to come by. But when staying with friends — as many of us are likely to do— this is a great go-to breakfast to make for hosts and visitors. They'll appreciate the gesture; you'll appreciate the simplicity. 

In short: this is a simple, delicious, and pretty breakfast that looks more time-consuming than it really is, and it's easy to bake up if you're at home — or visiting friends on the road.

Ham, Cheddar and Chive Egg Bakes

Serves 6

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup diced yellow onion (from 1/2 medium onion)
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 ounces cooked ham steak, coarsely diced into small cubes (about 1 cup)
1-2 tablespoons butter, to grease ramekins
6 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil, optional
3 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let it brown or burn. Fold the chopped ham into the saucepan and stir to combine.

Thoroughly butter six 8-ounce ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet so they’ll be easier to move to and from the oven.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, herbs and salt.  Fold the cooked onion mixture, chopped ham, and cheese into the mixture. Divide the mixture evenly into the ramekins. The cheese sometimes clumps up, so try to be sure it’s evenly distributed.

Place in the oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tops are golden and have puffed slightly. Enjoy warm; cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. 

Recipe Notes

• The basil is optional here; we had some in the garden that I chopped and used but I'd hate for you to buy a whole package just for a tablespoon in this recipe. The chives are the important part; the basil's an added bonus. 
• If you don't have access to ramekins, feel free to make these in full-size muffin tins instead. Just be sure to grease the pan adequately so they don't stick. 

(Images: Megan Gordon)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/190b5Ig

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Blueberry Bundt Cake & Chicken Kebabs

Summer is the perfect time to make all kinds of delicious fresh dishes, so we've found some for you. Try any and all of these recipes below and enjoy them with a refreshing drink while the weather is so nice!

Buttermilk ranch, shrimp crostini, and blueberry bundt cake — all very tasty...

• Buttermilk Ranch in a Jar - Food52.
  
• Blueberry Bundt Cake - Bakers Royale.
  
• Mustard-Glazed Shrimp Crostini with Bacon-Peach-Bourbon Jam - Life As a Strawberry.
  
• Tavuk Kebabi (Mint & Aleppo Pepper Marinated Chicken Kebabs) - Saveur. 

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/16d5PMV

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Summer Cocktail Recipe: Sweet & Sour Cherry Sparkler

Sometimes in summer you just need to find yourself in the sun with a fruity drink. If that sometime is now, then we've got something for you! Check out "Summer Cocktail Recipe: Sweet & Sour Cherry Sparkler" below!

Sweet & Sour Cherry Sparkler

Serves 1

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce room temperature cherry simple syrup (Recipe below)
Club soda
Fresh basil for garnish

In a small jam jar filled with ice, add the vodka, lemon juice and cherry simple syrup. Place the lid on tightly and shake. Remove the lid and fill with club soda.

Garnish with fresh cherries and basil, and enjoy.

Cherry Simple Syrup

1 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup ripe cherries, pitted

In a small saucepan heat the water, sugar, and cherries until the sugar has completely melted.  Using a potato masher, smash the cherries.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer and cool over an ice bath.

Recipe Notes

• If you are a flavored vodka drinker you may substitute vanilla, cherry, or whipped cream vodka in place of the traditional for a slightly sweeter cocktail.

(Images: Maureen Petrosky)

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/19rACrK

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