i can’t do it…i can never show up empty handed when invited to an event or get together. i love to show thanks by bringing a small something to give to the hostess. it doesn’t have to cost a lot…handmade or hand grown is always appreciated:) and in this case….the hostess gets both :)

i grow a vegetable garden…love having fresh veggies to pick. i am a HUGE salad lover and grow an over abundance of lettuces. it also makes a great hostess gift for a summer time bbq, outdoor party, or a just because. and today i am going to share with you a favourite recipe of ours that always goes over well at any party and just screams summer!!!

so using the label side of the webster’s “let’s celebrate” paper in the blue ribbon kit i cut out the champagne cider label. added some blue scallop edging and covered the champagne cider title with a strip of paper stamped with what is filling the bottle…apple cider vinaigrette. tied a ribbon around it, filled it with my vinaigrette, and done!! then fill a basket with the ingredients needed to complete the salad and you are good to go. don’t forget to include a recipe card with the recipe for your hostess to enjoy another time!!

garden salad with apple cider vinaigrette

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups grapeseed or salad oil
• Salt
• Freshly freshly black pepper
• 6 cups loosely packed mixed torn greens such as romaine, red or green leaf lettuce, or radicchio, washed and dried
• 2 cups assorted berries: blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced

• 1 1/2 cups crumbled blue  cheese

In a bowl or jar with a tight fitting lid combine cider, vinegar, honey, cinnamon, oil, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss lettuce, berries, apples, and blue cheese with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

enjoy!!

This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm by jessi and is filed under inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.