A mid-summer food dream: light, simple, non-traditional, international, and, refreshing.
1. What's for dinner on a hot day? Cold soup! I've made both traditional (with tomatoes) and non-traditional gazpacho soups, including the one pictured above, Cucumber and Almond Gazpacho. (tip: use macona nuts marinated in oil and salt).
2. What's better than teriyaki chicken? Teriyaki sauce made with bourbon! Homemade teriyaki sauce is always better than bottled, and with bourbon? Do I need to say more?
3. Spring rolls with a twist! Making your own spring rolls (cold, stuffed rice paper rolls) are fun, tasty, and healthy! The usual stuffing includes, cooked, cold shrimp, sometimes pork, raw vegetables and herbs. This non-traditional recipe adds peach!
4. Another cold dish idea, cold noodles! Prepare as a side dish, main dish, or snack. Soba (buckwheat) noodles have a nice chewy texture. They can found in both popular supermarkets and at an Asian grocer.
5. A north African dish for breakfast. This is one dish I have not made-but will! I selected this dish because I love tomatoes and eggs. And did you know that African food is the next new food trend!
6. Homemade mouth refreshner. Just flax seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and fennel seeds. Mix, place in container or bowl and take anywhere!
7. An extraordinary smoothie. I love avocado smoothies! Thick, slightly sweet, and refreshing. The color is the only hint that this smoothie is made of avocado.
8. Shaved ice Malaysian style! What makes this dessert different than other shaved ices are the toppings! This popular dessert often includes sweet corn, redbeans, and condensed milk. It may sound unusual but the texture and taste works quite well, try it! This link also has other refreshing Malaysian desserts, including banana fritters!
9. Oregon's treasures revealed. A magazine dedicated to exploring Oregon's culture, including travel and food destinations, and so much more! There is also 1989 Washington Magazine. Check them both out for an in-depth exploration of Oregon and Washington's riches.
10. A food enthusiast dream summer festival. At the end of summer, Portland Feast, a special summer festival, is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Oregon's regional food communty (and all the proceeds go to support local organizations fighting food insecurity. Explore Oregon's food bounty thru food tasting, food workshops, and so much more!