No. 1 : Quick Recipe
Crunchy Sweet Cherry Cashew Farro Salad
- 1 Cup Pearled Farro
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
- 2 Cups Arugula OR Spinach
- ½ Cup Basil, chopped or chiffonade
- 3 Cups Pitted Fresh Cherries
- ½ Cup Salt and Pepper Cashews
- Easy Balsamic “Jar” Dressing
Step One
To prepare the farro bring a good amount of water to a boil in a pot, sprinkle with salt, reduce the heat to medium low and cover, Simmer for about 15 minutes or until chewy tender. Remove from heat and drain.
Step Two
Stir in the greens and cover again for 5 minutes, allowing them to wilt. Add the basil, cherries, and cashews. Drizzle on the dressing and toss, season with salt and pepper.
Salt and Pepper Cashews
- 1 Cup Raw Cashews
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400F. Place cashews evenly on sheet pan. Roast for 7 – 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove, spray or toss with oil and then lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool allowing cashews to “crisp” up.
Easy Balsamic “Jar” Dressing
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 TB Stone Ground Mustard
- 3 TB Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 Tsp Honey
- ½ tsp EACH Sea Salt and Pepper
Place all ingredients in a jar and shake well.
No. 2 : Kitchen Scoop
Not only are cherries luscious, juicy and beautiful, red cherries are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Cherries are much more than just sweet – they’re a powerful, bite-size health boost! Cherries contain anthrocyanins – the same red pigment in berries. Anthrocyanins are potent antioxidants under active research for a variety of potential health benefits.
No. 3 : Clever Idea
Most Farro we buy in the regular grocery store is “pearled”. This means the outer husk is removed, making it quicker to cook!
No. 4 : Wine FIND of the Week
Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot
Columbia Valley Washington
About $14.00
This Merlot shows good “typicity”with its luscious red cherry and berry aromas and a hint of herbs and cedar. (Typicity means that the wine is typical of the type of wine that is made from a specific grape in a specific place.) Columbia Crest is affordable and easy to find in grocery stores, a good wine pair for a weeknight!