Strawberry Spinach Salad

I've been meaning to post this one as it is oh, so delicious and I eat about half a bag of spinach (yes--that much fresh spinach) in one sitting when I eat it. I can't get enough!



Bag of fresh baby spinach
Fresh strawberries, sliced
feta cheese (I used reduced-fat, if you are pregnant, I'd steer clear of the feta)
Brianna's Home-Style Blush Wine Vinagrette Salad Dressing (essential!)

Put spinach in a bowl, add some strawberries until you think it is enough, crumble some feta on top and drizzle with dressing. Go nuts.

Cold Chicken Satay Noodles

This is a great recipe for those warm spring and summer nights. I saw Rachel Ray make it on TV the other day and I tried it. We loved it! It is especially good for those who like chinese food. Anyways, it makes a ton and is pretty cheap. Most of the ingredients I keep around the house. Hope you enjoy.

• 1 lb. whole wheat pasta
• 1/4-1/3 cup smooth or chunky peanut butter, soften by putting in the microwave
• 2 T honey
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup tamari (I just used soy sauce, since that is what I always have in the pantry)
• 1 clove garlic, grated
  
• Juice of 2 limes, zest of 1
• 1 t hot sauce
• 3 T vegetable oil
• 2 cups chicken (shredded)
• Handful of shredded carrots (I just chopped mine small)
• 4 scallions, thinkly sliced
• 1 cup spinach greens, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 T chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley (I didn't put any in mine and it was still great)
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, salt water liberally, then drop pasta in and cook to al dente. Run cooked pasta under cold water to cool. Drain well and reserve.
• While the water is coming to a boil and the pasta is cooking, whisk together softened peanut butter, honey and warm water in a large bowl. Once combined, whisk in the tamari, garlic, lime juice and zest, and hot sauce. While whisking continuously, pour the oil in a steady stream to complete the dressing. Add noodles, veggies and peanuts to the bowl and toss until everything is mixed well. Place noodles in shallow bowls and top with chicken and cilantro or parsley.
• Can be served as is or chilled.
  

Sausage and Black-eyed Peas

I just got a hold of my mom's recipe book, and I have been retyping a bunch of old recipes for her - you know the ones that you can barely read cause they've been used so much. So, anyways, here is one of the recipes I have found. I grew up on this one. I made it for Adam last week, and he and I loved it. I remember not liking it as a kid, though. Funny how your taste palate can change over time. It is so easy, makes a ton, and is really cheap. Hope you all enjoy!

• Brown and drain 1 lb. ground sausage (I used the cheapest kind HEB has and it tasted great)
• Add and cook until limp 1 chopped onion and 1 clove minced garlic
• Add 2 cans black-eyed peas, 1 t chili powder, and 1/4 t pepper
• Simmer for 20 minutes
• Serve over rice. Serves 6.