Confetti Rice Salad

Beautiful, perfect for the holidays!

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice, cooked
1/2 English cucumber
1 cup carrot sticks
1 cup frozen English peas
1/2 cup red bell pepper cut into 1/4-inch cubes
4 ounces pimento, drained & chopped
1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Leaf lettuce, washed & drained
Carrot curls (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients except the lettuce. Allow to chill for at least 2 hours or longer.

2. To serve, fluff salad with salad tongs, and spoon onto salad plates lined with lettuce leaves. Garnish with carrot curls, if desired.

Servings: 8

Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 227 calories, 38 calories from fat, 4.4g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 319.9mg sodium, 247.3mg potassium, 45g carbohydrates, <1g fiber, 13.4g sugar, 3.1g protein

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Apple & Pear Waldorf Salad

Delicious & refreshing any time of the year. We had a similar version @ Deerpark Restaurant located on the property of the Biltmore Estate.

2 large tart red apples, unpeeled, cored and diced
1 large pear, unpeeled, cored and diced
1/2 teaspoon ascorbic-citric powder
1/2 pound seedless green grapes, cut into halves
1 cup walnut pieces, toasted
1/2 cup celery finely chopped
1/2 cup currants
1/4 cup Hellman's mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream

Place diced apples & pear in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with ascorbic-citric powder. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Servings: 8                          Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 235 calories, 116 calories from fat, 13.6g total fat, 5.7mg cholesterol, 66.5mg sodium, 337.6mg potassium, 29.4g carbohydrates, 4.2g fiber, 21.4g sugar, 3.4g protein.


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Celebrating 18 Wonderful Years Together



Gold & white were the backdrop for celebrating our 18th anniversary. Instead of going out, we decided to devote the entire day to us. 

A medley of vintage oil lamps assisted by the help of tea lights gave just enough light to look into one another's eyes as we listened to romantic music and enjoyed good conversation and a really nice meal.

We chose to serve our dinner in courses over about a three hour period, giving us ample time to talk with one another while putting the finishing touches on the next coarse. The grand finale was a fab dessert (recipe & picture in recipe section of this blog).

We toasted our special day with Billecart Salmon Brut Rose, one of the best champagnes in the world according to Decanter magazine, as we reminisced about our years together. 

Candlelit anniversary dinner at home.