Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Asparagus, Shopping, Toaster Oven vs. Air Fryer,

I was horrified to discover, on Monday evening, that they had been selling fresh asparagus all day at the farm and I didn't know. They apparently had lots. I plan to dash over there first thing in the morning. I got hold of the farmer and they still have lots. I was originally told they would be picking Friday and that would be it, but apparently they have now cleared the field and had a lot of asparagus as well as rhubarb and strawberries. I've been bemoaning the end of season when it wasn't quite here yet. I need to go and return before I have to pick up  my groceries in the afternoon. Funny, I wish I had know earlier because I have spent most of today twiddling my thumbs. Bored out of my tiny cotton pickin' mind. I am reading a book of course, but that can only take up so much of one's day.

I mentioned the other day that my toaster oven had gone kaput and that it was being replaced. However, I used it every day and really miss it. But I have an air fryer, whooppee. I can make toasted crumpets and toast my lunchtime bun without any problem. Did the crumpet today and it turned out a tad overcooked but still tasted good. I think I will try some fried chicken soon too, sounds simple.

My shopping list is rather huge this week as there are several dishes I want to try. The one I am posting today will have to wait a bit. I mainly have ordered things for Spring Rolls but also an Avocado for the Hasselback Tex-Mex Avocado recipe which I really thought sounded great. I will definitely be trying this Seven Bean Salad soon too, not quite sure how Snow Peas fit into a bean salad, but it looks great.

 Seven Bean Salad

While a three bean salads are fine and five bean salads are swell, there’s nothing as spectacularly
simple and delicious as this (Lucky) Seven Bean Salad. This quick, easy and healthy salad, a combination of tasty beans tossed in a tangy Lemon Dijon dressing, is guaranteed to become a staple at your table.

Lemon Dijon Dressing
6 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs champagne vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Seven Bean Salad
2 cups fresh green beans, ends snipped
1 ½ cups frozen edamame, thawed
2 cups snow peas
1 cup fresh green peas
1 ½ cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups baby lima beans, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups white (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained
1 Tbs chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp kosher salt, or more to taste

1. For the Lemon Dijon dressing, in a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, mustard seeds, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Pulse 2-3 times, until well combines. Set aside.

2. For the salad, bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add green beans and edamame. Turn heat to low and cook 1 minute. Add snow peas and fresh green peas and continue cooking 1 minute more. Drain and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Once cold, drain again and dry out completely. Place in a large bowl along with chickpeas, lima beans, white beans, parsley, thyme, lemon zest and salt. Pour dressing over salad, toss well and refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Servings: 8
Yield: Serves 8-10


Have a great day
 

14 comments:

  1. You are the second person I know who can't stop talking about their air fryer. I may have to look into this again. Glad you are getting more asparagus.

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    1. I am delighted with mine Denise even though I haven't been able to "play" with it much.

      Yes, leaving in a little while. To think I nearly missed it.

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  2. We have a Breville oven, which is a convection oven, air fryer, and toaster oven all in one, that we really like. Not sure if you've actually got a toaster oven in mind, but if not, you might want to give the Breville a look.

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    1. I've heard of those John, but I am getting the toaster oven replaced for free. And I have an air fryer anyway.

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  3. Russell loves kitchen gadgets....I'll have to look into this air fryer. We have a NuWave oven that works beautifully on everything. But it doesn't fry or toast.

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    1. Well it is great for frying as you can use little or no oil reduces the calories a lot JoJo.

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  4. Hope you got a bunch of asparagus this morning.
    The air fryer is good for a lot of things.

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    1. Yup, I got about 4 lbs Alex. Then that really is it, boo hoo.

      It certainly is. Got all the goodies for egg rolls now.

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  5. I've been thinking about getting an air-fryer but haven't invested yet. That bean salad looks good and good for you.

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    1. I am enjoying mine Susan. There are lots of videos about them on Youtube.

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  6. Bored? What is this bored you speak of? LOL

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    1. I hope you never get to find out Diane.

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  7. I went for coffee this morning with some ladies who raved about their air fryers. No doubt my husband will cotton on to the trend soon since he does all the cooking now.

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    1. They are certainly popular over here Pinky. They are good for cooking fish in too.

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