We had a blast on Wednesday with our latest Facebook LIVE video. Neatsmart owner Carrie Peebles presented some smart organizing tips, and I got to share a trio of super cool summer eats and the wine that pairs perfectly with them. If you didn’t get a chance to see the video – check it out on my Facebook personal page at https://www.facebook.com/nancy.waldeck#
Check out the recipes, organizing tips and wine pairs below!
Organizing Tip #1
It’s Summer so it’s time to tackle a larger organizing project. Why? You’ve got more daylight hours so use them to your advantage. Break down the project into smaller, 15 minute (or longer) tasks that you can complete each day. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done within you set your mind and intention to working diligently for just 15 minutes. Just do it every day. And reward yourself at the end with a glass of wine, walk outside, doing a happy dance, etc.
Creamy Avocado and Cucumber Soup with Dill
- 1 English Cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 2 Avocadoes, peeled and pitted
- Zest and Juice of 1 Small Lemon
- ¼ Cup Coarsely Chopped Dill
- 2 TB Chopped Green Onion, Green Parts Only
- ½ Large Ribs and Seeds Removed Chopped Jalapeño (about 2 TB)
- 1 Cup Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
- 1 Cup Cold Water
- 1 Tsp Sea Salt
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Chopped Dill for Garnish
Add all the ingredients to a blender and puree. Garnish with chopped dill.
AND PAIR WITH:
Gruet Blanc de Noir – a stunning sparkler from New Mexico! Made with Pinot Noir, a yummy match with the avocado lusciousness of the soup and the fresh crisp flavor of dill. About $20.
Organizing Tip #2
Organizing Tip #2Organizing product recommendation: the multi purpose bins from The Container Store. I have used them in every room in the house! They can also be used in the freezer for organizing frozen vegetables, fruits, and meats. Just don’t buy organizing products without properly assessing your space and needs first. There’s nothing worse than coming home with a “perfect” solution that doesn’t really suit your needs. The Container Store
Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- 1 Head Cauliflower (or 2 bags florets)
- 2 Large Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Cup Chopped Parsley
- ¼ Cup Chopped Mint
- 3 TB Lemon Juice
- ¼ Cup EVOO
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor, or chop them by hand, until they are small bits resembling grains. (OR buy a bag of cauliflower pearls from the grocery store.) Toss with chopped tomatoes, chopped parsley and mint, lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
AND PAIR WITH:
Burgans Albarino – Albarino is Spain’s answer to Chardonnay. Fresh and Lively and just a little herbaceous – which plays well with the mint and parsley in the yummy tabbouleh. About $15.
Organizing Tip #3
Everything in your home needs a home. Think of a room’s purpose when you’re deciding where things should be stored. Items should be stored close to where you use them. Things you use regularly should be at eye level or with the easiest access. Top shelves or distant closets are for things you don’t use frequently, like holiday decor or heavy coats in the South.
South of France Tomato Salad
3 Large Ripe Tomatoes, Cored and Sliced
1 Bunch Basil, Leaves Removed
4 OZ Crumbled Goat Cheese
Red Wine Vinegar and Your Favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I like California Olive Ranch)
Your Favorite Seasoning Blend OR Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Alternate your tomato slices and basil leaves on a round platter, top with crumbled goat cheese and drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning blend – or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!
AND PAIR WITH:
A Beaujolais Cru from one of the 10 Crus from a way under-rated part of Burgundy. The one we enjoyed was a Maison L’Enyoye Morgon Cote du Py. About $25. Total worth it for the match with the creamy tangy goat cheese and the umami flavor of the ripe tomatoes.