Italian Marinated Vegetables

We had a neighborhood International Night (non-nutritarian) featuring Italy. While others made tortes, cakes, foccacia bread and meaty ravioli, I chose to showcase some simple vegetables.

1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
5 carrots, sliced
5 celery stalks, sliced
1 cucumber, slied
1 c. white vinegar
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. agave nectar
1 Tb. Italian seasoning mix, below

Steam the cauliflower until just barely tender. Mix with remaining vegetables in a 2-quart container with a lid. Combine vinegars, nectar and seasoning mix. Pour over vegetables. Stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serves 8

Italian Seasoning Mix
1 Tb. each of garlic powder, onion powder and parsley flakes
2 Tb. oregano
1 tsp. each of black pepper and dried basil
1/4 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. salt (optional)

Combine and store in an airtight container

To your health and happiness,
Hailey

Cauliflower Celebration Salad

It's time to celebrate the glory of late summer and its rich, hearty vegetables. Here's a salad that is very satisfying as a meal. Amounts have not been specified because quantities depend on your harvest and your family.

Steam cauliflower and toss with a little smidgeon of butter, salt, paprika and parmesan. Spoon onto a bed of dark leafy greens, such as chopped kale or chard. Dress with Sundried tomato dressing and garnish with nuts or pumpkin seeds.

SUNDRIED TOMATO DRESSING
1 c. cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 c. red wine vinegar
1 Tb. dijon mustard
1/4 c. sundried tomatoes
4 fresh basil leaves

Whirl in your blender until smooth, adding a little water for thinning if necessary.

To your health and happiness,
Hailey