Summertime Fun

Hazelnut Pear Salad

I was tasked with bringing a salad to June's book club, and this is the one I choose. Not sure why, seeing as Hazelnuts and Pears aren't in season or anything. Therefore, it wasn't technically a "hazelnut pear salad" that I made. Yes, I was able to buys pears, but I couldn't find hazelnuts anywhere. I ended up buying a trail mix that had almonds, cashews, and raisins to add to the salad. 

As for the dressing, I already had Green Goddess dressing and thought that would be good enough. I think it was, but I'm sure it would have been more tasty with whatever the recipe called for.

Next time (if there is a next time) I'll make sure to cut the pears up immediately before serving, because they are a little brown as you can see in the picture. The gorgonzola was delicious with the spring mix and the dressing that I chose. I probably should have added more nuts because I don't think I got any in the bites that I took of it.

I'm going to say thumbs to the side. Perhaps I could try again when hazelnuts are in season and I can actually find them at the store?

recipe

---

Watermelon Spritzer

What better drink to sip on in the epic heat of St. Louis than a Watermelon spritzer? Okay... I'm sure something with alcohol is a little better, but this drink was delicious for sure. Thank goodness my friend had a small strainer, because I wasn't about to cut up my own watermelon and couldn't find seedless ones already chopped up for me. 

I'm not 100% sure I had the proportions correct with the carbonated water and the melon/lime juice, but I think it worked. The lime juice really added some sourness to the drink, which I'm not sure is a good thing or not. But once I added a tad more water it calmed down and was great!

Next time I make this, it is going to be with champagne for sure. I'll give it a thumbs up recipe, but recommend getting that seedless watermelon even though it's going to get strained regardless. 

recipe