Cooking Method: Assembling

Asparagus Hazelnut Salad

Since it’s asparagus season (April - early June), when it's sweetest and most tender, I made this outstanding Asparagus Hazelnut Salad. The delicate sweetness of the fresh asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts. It's a simple yet sophisticated combination that truly lets the star ingredient shine.

By Leslie Blythe

Chicken Salad with Roasted Grapes and Almonds

I'm a big fan of incorporating roasted grapes into savory dishes; it truly elevates their sweetness and adds an incredible depth of flavor. This Chicken Salad with Roasted Grapes and Almonds was a perfect example—absolutely delicious! I enjoyed it for lunch the next day, tucked into warm pita bread.

By Leslie Blythe

Shaken Cucumber Salad

This Shaken Cucumber Salad recipe has taken TikTok by storm. It's a popular recipe that involves thinly slicing cucumbers, combining them with this delicious dressing, and then shaking everything together in a container to ensure even distribution. This is my version.

By Leslie Blythe

Irish Funeral Sandwiches

This recipe for Irish Funeral Sandwiches popped up in my inbox. It's sort of - if an egg salad sandwich (my favorite sandwich!) met up with a club sandwich. I literally made it 10 minutes later and let me tell you it's absolutely delicious. Apparently, Irish funeral sandwiches have been a staple at wakes and funerals across Ireland to offer comfort and sustenance to mourners during a difficult time. While the specific ingredients can vary depending on regional preferences and the availability of local produce, the core elements of an Irish funeral sandwich typically include hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, sliced ham or chicken, lettuce, and mayonnaise all chopped up.

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Pittsburgh Salad

The Pittsburgh Salad, a unique culinary creation featuring a bed of greens topped with crispy french fries, is a beloved regional dish with a somewhat murky history.
While there's no definitive answer to its origin, the most popular theory places its birth in the early 1960s at a Western Pennsylvania drive-in.
The Contenders
Two establishments lay claim to the title of Pittsburgh salad creator:
Jerry's Curb Service in Bridgewater, PA
Hilltop Grill in Rochester, PA (This restaurant seems to have closed down)

The story goes that a customer at one of these restaurants ordered a steak sandwich without the bread, adding fries to the top of a salad. The resulting concoction sparked inspiration, leading to the creation of the Pittsburgh salad as we know it today.
The beauty of this salad is its versatility. While the core components of greens and fries remain constant, the toppings and dressings can vary widely. All I can say is that this salad is brilliant in every way.

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Vanilla Ice Cream with Biscoff Cookies, Amarena Cherries & Sherry

Vanilla ice cream with Biscoff cookies, Amarena cherries (I use Trader Joe's), and sherry is a wonderful dessert that combines sweet, salty, and boozy flavors. The creamy vanilla ice cream is studded with crunchy Biscoff cookie pieces, juicy Amarena cherries, and a drizzle of sweet sherry, creating the perfect easy dessert.

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Brussels Sprouts Salad with Blueberries & Almonds

My husband and I are obsessed with this Brussels Sprouts Salad with Blueberries & Almonds. It is so delicious, healthy, and a great way to incorporate these cruciferous vegetables into your diet, which are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. The combination of sweet blueberries, crunchy almonds, and savory Brussels sprouts is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Even my father who hates vegetables of any kind, said it was delicious.

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Pistachio & Goat Cheese Apricot Bites

These Pistachio & Goat Cheese Apricot Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. They're simple, elegant, and an easy hors d'oeuvre for any party.

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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

My husband is a bit of a dill pickle fanatic. When we were dating a thousand years ago, I remember going to a market and he bought a jar of dill pickles. They were gone before we got home!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy summer side dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. The pasta salad gets dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad.

By Leslie Blythe

Creamy Pea Salad with Bacon

Frozen green peas, which are picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, are almost always better than fresh peas. This Creamy pea salad with bacon is a classic American side dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It is made with frozen peas, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and a creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and vinegar. The salad is typically chilled before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together.

By Leslie Blythe