PICNIC PANZANELLA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATO & WATERCRESS

picnicpanzanella1

picnicpanzanella2

picnicpanzanella3

picnicpanzanella4

I don't know what it is about panzanella that I love so much.  I constantly forget it exists and then remember and become in awe of it's delicious simplicity.  For this Fourth of July, I'm opting for a picnic instead of a bbq (not by choice, let's be real), but a panzanella works wonderfully for either.  It's the perfect summer sandwich disguised as a salad.  Eat this immediately, share with others and let it soak up some of your day drinking.  Happy 4th!

picnicpanzanella5

picnicpanzanella6

BTW -- For all you people who use RSS feeds, I'm sorry for your loss (Google Reader), but please follow me on BlogLovin' instead!  

Picnic Panzanella with Heirloom Tomatoes, Cannellini beans, Watercress and Garlic Dijon Dressing (Gluten-free, Vegan) Serves 4

  • (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained
  • 2 small garden cucumbers, cubed
  • 2 heaping cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 5 bread slices (gluten-free or otherwise)
  • 2 garlic cloves, one whole + one minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz heirloom tomatoes
  • 1 cup watercress
  • 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
  • Maldon sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh ground pepper, to taste

Preheat over to 400 degrees.  Add bread slices to foil-lined baking sheet and bake until charred and browned.  Rub with raw garlic clove and sprinkle with sea salt. Set aside to cool.

 In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed cucumber, 1 garlic clove (minced), tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, and white beans.Cut charred bread into cubes and add to large bowl.  Fold in bread, watercress and dressing, making sure to coat everything well. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Serve immediately!

Everyday Garlic Dijon Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon maldon sea salt
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

 In a small mason jar or bowl, whisk together dijon, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and sea salt. Add minced garlic and stir very well, or if using a mason jar, shake very well until emulsified.

BUTTERSCOTCH, CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES WITH SEA SALT

seasaltcookies1

seasaltcookies2


One of my first memories in the kitchen was of baking cookies. Even though my baking endeavors often involved a Betty Crocker box mix, I was always proud of the achievement.  Despite not doing any "real" baking, it was my first experience with the accomplishment that comes from cooking.  I know I'm not the only one who feels like a more legitimate and powerful human being after making a pie or conquering an especially difficult recipe.  This is why failed recipes hurt...so bad.

seasaltcookies3

seasaltcookies6

The challenges of the kitchen are my favorite kind.  Although I've had failures (many) and infamous defeats (bagels), I believe the gluten-free battlefield is one that makes us stronger.  We can try to avoid mistakes, but sometimes the dough doesn't rise.  So, when I experience those baking-disasters or recipe heart-ache, I turn to this fail-safe recipe that never lets me down.  There's nothing butterscotch and sea salt can't fix.

seasaltcookies7


BUTTERSCOTCH CHOCOLATE CHUNK SEA SALT COOKIES (Gluten-free)

1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour (I used Bob’s)
2/3 cup oat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon xanthum gum
1 teaspoon maldon sea salt (and more for topping)
1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
6 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or 8 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate

1/3 cup butterscotch chips, chopped

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Whisk together both flours, baking soda, and xanthum gum.  Once mixture is combined well, add the sugar, salt, chocolate chips, nuts and butterscotch.  Mix well.

2.  In another bowl, combine agave, butter, egg and vanilla extract.  Mix well before combining with dry mixture.

3.  Since there are so many “chunks” in this recipe, you may find it a little dry, but don’t panic.  Mixture should be moist enough to pack into shape and bake.  Use a measuring spoon or your hands to shape cookies and add to baking sheet lined with parchment paper .  Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until they are golden brown and hold their shape.  This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.