By Bobbie Ames | Food & Entertainment Editor
Capers Special Summer Salad
INGREDIENTS
2 English cucumbers, diced and seeds removed
2 cans (13.4 ounces each) of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 head of purple cauliflower, shredded
1/2 head of purple cabbage, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons pistachio oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
5 tablespoons shelled roasted pistachios
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix together the first seven ingredients and toss gently to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the liquid ingredients and spices until blended.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well.
Store the marinated salad in a covered glass container in the fridge.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
• Serve the salad on individual plates garnished with pistachios for an inviting presentation.
• For added protein, marinate shrimp or steak in some of the leftover dressing, sear them in a hot pan, then serve on skewers atop the salad.
• This marinated salad is perfect for bringing along to a picnic; see our feature, Beyond the Dock!
• To make it even heartier for vegetarian guests, consider adding quinoa, rice, or other grains.
Granita: An Exotic Frozen Delight!
Granita is a delightful Italian treat that can Double as either a refreshing dessert or beverage. It consists of fruit juices and sugar, frozen and scraped with a fork to create crystalline ice.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups of assorted fruit
Juice of one lemon
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons water
2 cups sugar
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and gently heat over low until the mixture simmers for 5-7 minutes, allowing the fruit to break down.
Once cooled, transfer the mixture into a glass baking dish and place in the freezer for 24 hours.
Every few hours, scrape the mixture with a fork to create fluffy ice crystals.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
• Serve in martini glasses with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprig of mint, and a slice of fresh fruit as garnish.
• For a fun cocktail, pour a shot of chilled Deep Eddy Lemon over the granita in a glass.
• For an alcohol-free option, spoon the granita into a short glass and top it with tonic water for a refreshing mix.
Celebrate Summer with Flower Pops!
DIRECTIONS
Utilize small and large flower-shaped cookie cutters to create shapes from thinly sliced watermelon and pineapple. Alternate fruit types in the center of each flower and secure them onto popsicle sticks. Chill before serving.
For a charming presentation, slice the top off a watermelon and place it on a plate. Use blueberries to stabilize it. Insert the flower pops into this watermelon base and decorate with mint or basil leaves.
Summer Fun Suggestion:Contact Capers to plan a unique culinary experience at your home!
cooksandcapers.com | 214.912.0475
