Now that I have changed my lifestyle and eat a leaner and healthier diet, I am always on the outlook for good recipes and dishes to enjoy. I am especially interested in dishes that have a lot of fruits and vegetables, in them because of their high nutrient value. When I go to a restaurant or out to a friend’s house, I have my antenna up for just the right ones.
Sunday night I attended a dinner party at the home of Nancy J. Miles, of one of my students. I teach publicity to aspiring authors, those who have already written a book and anyone interested in learning more about media placement. Nancy came out last year with a wonderful cookbook titled In Good Taste. Besides having over 600 of her favorite recipes, Nancy has developed a concept to encourage people to gather their favorite dishes from their relatives and preserve them. When you buy her cookbook, you also get access to a website that gives you templates to use to insert a photo of that person along with their recipe. Many recipes are in the person’s own handwriting. These become family heirlooms and treasures.
She served this recipe for Russian salad that meets all of my qualifications. It is very delicious and nutritious.
Nancy advises not to let this long list of ingredients stop you from trying this great salad. This is her own version but taken from a young woman who served a mission in Russia for 18 months – Kirsten Anderson. Use any fruits or vegetables together. That is what makes it so unusual. Dice all the ingredients the same small size, as this is what gives its pretty presentation.
Russian Salad
Use any of the following ingredients:
Fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped
Sweet red, yellow and green peppers, diced
Carrots, diced
Green onion, sliced (including the green tops)
Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
Fresh cilantro, parsley and dill (optional)
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh or frozen corn
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Celery, diced
Cucumber, seeded and diced
Fuji apple, cored and diced
Fresh Asian pears, cored and diced (Asian pears are firm like an apple. Don’t use regular pears.)
Drizzle lemon juice
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Drizzle olive oil
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
– When ready to serve, drizzle a small amount of Russian Salad Dressing in salad. Do not use too much dressing. You want to be able to taste the fruits ad vegetables.
Dian has taken her ideas and shared them throughout the years in her many books. This month she is offering a 35- year Johnny Carson Anniversary special. Get 6 of her best books — a $95.00 value — for only $35.00. They’re great for gifts or just a wonderful library for you. These books contain the ideas that Dian has used on the NBC “Today Show”, Good Morning America and the ABC “Home Show” over the years. Check out this wonderful special at www.dianthomas.com. You can also preorder her new book on weight loss there.
