Tomato and Halloumi Cheese

This salad was or is in part inspired by a very good friend who showed me many years ago when I was visiting her that she would fry Halloumi cheese and eat it as a snack. I know fried cheese isn't the most healthiest ingredient to add to a salad. However it is quite lovely. It is saltier than feta and has a cheese curd like consistency. 

I sliced yellow and red tomatoes arranging them on a plate. Then I thinly sliced some red onions and then some radishes. Arranging them with the tomatoes. Then topped the salad with three pieces of Halloumi cheese. I had already made a dressing of basic oil and vinegar with herbs which was drizzled over the top. Very simple. Very fast. Easy and delicious. Enjoy! -JW  

What Is In The Garden...

A pleasant surprise in the garden as the chocolate mint, I planted last year, came back very strong. I can not wait to pick and dry the leaves for some cooking and baking over the winter months. I honestly didn't think it would survive the winter. 

The radishes are a little slow this year. I think in most part due to the rhubarb. It seems to be taking over most of the garden space. You can tell by the big green leaf in the right hand corner. The rhubarb is massive and is ready to photobomb any chance it can get. 

We started the yellow beans in planters. They have sprung up quite quickly. My daughter was excited to see her effort come to fruition. They certainly enjoy the early morning sunshine. 

I know peonies are not edible however I just had to share this photo. As always they are blooming beautifully. The ants are furiously attacking the buds for their sweet nectar.   

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! And to all my Canadian followers Happy Canada Day! - JW  

roses are red and so are radishes

Something I have reintroduced myself to is the radish. It wasn't until I was at a dinner party and noted the brightly coloured root in the salad. Until then, I did not realise how much I have missed this little wonder. Radishes are rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid and potassium. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and calcium. Normally radishes come with a bit of a spicy side however the radishes that I am currently buying seem less spicy and more sweet.

This is my salad: One bag of mixed field greens, some chopped cucumber and one bunch, approximately 11, radishes. mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar together with a pinch of salt and toss or individually drizzle dressing over served salad. If you don't want to make your own salad dressing then use which ever pre-made dressing you wish. I would avoid creamy dressing as I find that it takes away from the radishes. keep it light and fresh.

Here is my salad rounded out by a dinner of chicken meatloaf and oven roasted baby potatoes and carrots. A nice French red wine accompanied the meal. - jw