tomato-onion-salad

4 large tomatoes, sliced
2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced and separate into rings
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Layer tomatoes and onions in a shallow serving dish. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/kale_caesar_salad_with_creamy_parmesan_dressing/#ixzz3cxcD017F

Easy kale and romaine Caesar salad with a creamy Parmesan dressing without egg. Great for a potluck! Note the kale is rather sturdy so you can make this a couple hours in advance. Pro tip: because ciabatta bread has big holes it makes great croutons! Light and airy.

Croutons:

6 cups of 1-inch diced rustic bread (ciabatta or Italian loaf)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vinaigrette:

1 clove garlic

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar (can sub apple cider vinegar)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup grated Parmesan (use vegetarian Parmesan for vegetarian option)

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad:

8 cups kale leaves (lightly packed), ribs removed and leaves torn into bite-size pieces

2 large head romaine lettuce hearts, cut in half lengthwise, and then cut in half again lengthwise, then cut crosswise on a diagonal, to 1-inch wide strips

4 Tbsp grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread bread cubes out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven and bake until golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Toss while still warm in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Place the vinaigrette ingredients into a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth. Place the chopped kale and romaine leaves into a large bowl. Add the dressing and massage with your (clean) hands until the salad is well dressed. (Massaging the kale with your hands helps soften the leaves.) Add the croutons and the Parmesan cheese.

Healthy Fresh Mint Chocolate Cookies http://makethebestofeverything.com/2015/06/healthy-fresh-mint-chocolate-cookies.html

3/4 cup of flour or king arthur’s gluten -free flour
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey or sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of milk – milk of choice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
7-8 fresh mint leaves or more

Method: Add all the ingredients to your food processor. Mix together with a blade to make the dough. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin and use a cookie cutter to make your cookie shape of choice. Bake at 300 for 10 minutes if you make a larger cookie or 6 minutes if you made mini cookies like I did.

Ideas to use Chocolate Mint:

http://www.thekitchn.com/what-are-some-really-awesome-ways-to-use-chocolate-mint-good-questions-203838

7 Things To Do with Garlic Curls (Scapes) from: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/06/the-crisper-whisperer-what-to-do-with-garlic-scapes-recipe.html

· Scape Pesto