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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Basil In The Breeze

If you look out on my grandmother’s patio you will see three huge pots just blooming with basil. The plants really do look beautiful and they emit the most intoxicating aroma with each passing breeze. With each and every sniff we start craving things like; pesto, eggplant parmesan or fresh marinara. Maybe we should have just stuck with roses and tulips it would be much easier on the waistline……who am I kidding, give me basil and fresh herbs any day. Here is a quick salad with very bold flavors that tastes even better the next day. We like to serve this salad over a bed of mixed salad greens.

Salami and Provolone Salad

4 oz. of sharp or domestic Provolone cut into chunks
1/2 lb. Swiss cheese cut into chunks
3/4 cup of fresh basil, lightly chopped
2 tbsp. shallots, minced
6 oz. sliced Genoa or Sweet Sopressata Salami
4 tomatoes, cut bite size
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of olive oil
Mixed Greens, optional

Mix oil, vinegar and shallots and pour over other ingredients. Make sure everything is mixed well and serve.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

We'd like to invite you to participate in our July berry recipe contest. All competitors will be placed on our blogroll, and the winner will receive a fun prize! Please email me, haleyglasco@gmail.com, if you're interested. Feel free to check out our blog for more details: http://blog.keyingredient.com/2008/06/06/key-ingredient-cooks-kitchen-recipe-contest/

Jill said...

I am right there with you on the herbs... My pot of basil is so full and beautiful, I look forward everyday to pick a few leafs when preparing for lunch!

Nic said...

I am a fresh basil lover, goes so well with toms and cheese!

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Mmm...anything with basil is heavenly in my book :)

Julie said...

I feel the same way Michelle

Julie said...

Hi Nic

Julie said...

Hi Jilli

Julie said...

Thank you for the invite Haley, I'll see what I can come up with.

Nikki @ NikSnacks said...

I am not a salami fan, but I might try this with Hormel turkey pepperoni.

Judy said...

It sounds wonderful and so easy. I'm definitely giving it a try. I too have loads of basil growing. I love it. I think I'm making pesto to freeze this weekend.

Julie said...

You will enjoy it Judy it is very flavorful.

Julie said...

Nikki, I love Hormel Turkey Pepperoni it's just as delicious as regular pepperoni with far fewer calories.

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie,

What a great blog you have. I have the russian/jewish connection to a degree as well so I appreciate the influence of your grandmother. Very fortunately I got to know mine before she passed. There are so many terrific food traditions that pass from that group of immigrants that lived in the US over the last 100 years. Her influence on my interest in food was significant, I can see why you are interested in understanding this part of your life more fully.

Glad you stopped by my blog, I'll visit yours often.

-- Marc

Julie said...

Thank you so much, Marc.
I look forward to visiting your blog as well, it is fabulous.

Kirstin said...

The best summer salads are the simple ones, like yours. Tomato, salami, basil, cheese. Fantastic. I'd be so happy sipping this with a Lambrusco. What do you drink with it?

Lutheran Lucciola said...

I just found your blog, and it's a great food lover's resource!

-LuLu

Julie said...

Thank you so much LuLu

Julie said...

The Lambrusco would be fine with me Kirstin. I lean towards the rich robust reds such as, Pinot Noir, merlot and Syrah.

Arlene Delloro said...

Oh, yum! Grandma knows what's good!

Julie said...

She sure does, Arlene