Snacks!

I had an impromptu Artists' Play Date yesterday afternoon with my dear friend, Lilly. Her patio was the perfect setting for a creative outing; the sun was warm on my back, there was a beautiful breeze gently billowing our pages (em, along with the occasional flying-off-the-table of plastic paint dishes, which resulted in some hilarity while Lilly wrestled the water hose for clean-up), and Pandora fed our creative souls with pieces from George Winston, Tuck & Patti, and Eva Cassidy. It was just lovely. And THEN... Lilly comes out with our snack! Just look at how yummy! That dip for the apples is almond butter - delicious! Red pepper hummus for the carrots and assorted crisps. What a truly delightful afternoon!

For dinner last night I made Massaged Kale Salad (recipe below) and had leftover quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts from the other night, and a couple clementines for dessert. Successful day! :)

This salad is SO GOOD!

MASSAGED KALE SALAD
(from Aarti Sequeira, "Aarti Party" on food network)

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale (black kale is especially good), stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 mango, diced small (about 1 cup)
• Small handful toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), about 2 rounded tablespoons

Directions

In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while you make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes.
Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas. Toss and serve.