Kitchen Stories, Family Time and a Recipe


I've spent too much time in the kitchen this past week.  You see, my son arrived on Wednesday afternoon and is staying a few weeks before he goes back to Boston to finish off the last weeks of his school work.  Then he'll be starting school at Penn State University mid August, we will be helping in the "big move".  His new apartment is on the third floor with no elevator... eep.

As much as I love my boring life where every day could look exactly the same, I enjoy the busyness of having him home.  Making dinners that he loves and doesn't cook for himself.  Yesterday we had a winter meal of baked chicken thighs, mashed potatoes and gravy.  It felt weird to be eating with summer in full swing.  He was quite happy though.  I come from a long line of family members that show love through food.  Lots and lots of food.  I like that kind of tradition.


Today my sister and her husband arrive for the holiday weekend and later tonight my nephew and his wife will arrive as well.  My house will be full!  I have made so far:  rice chex treats -  potato salad - chicken is marinating - and I'm whipping up the spinach rice salad as I type this up.

Here is the loosy goosy version of my spinach rice salad:

chop up a bunch of spinach and place in a big shallow pyrex dish -
make 1/2 cups of rice with some broth (I'm using chicken today)

when the rice is cooked spread over the spinach to wilt and place timer on for 20 minutes

mix together the dressing recipe below in a separate bowl:

-1/4 cup and 1/8 cup of olive oil
-1/8 cup of lemon juice
-1 tsp of oregano
-1 tsp of italian seasoning or basil
-1/4 tsp of black pepper

When the rice is done wilting the spinach pour dressing and mix all together.

add whatever chopped vegetables you'd like - celery, red pepper, cucumber and black olives. Refrigerate and serve cold. I sometimes drizzle more olive oil for the final toss.

Also feta cheese added before serving is super yum!  Enjoy!



My house is clean (sort of) and I'm ready (sort of).  I am looking forward to some family time :)


Have a wonderful weekend and for all of my fellow Americans, may you have a blessed safe Fourth of July!

Weekends post might be on Monday instead of Sunday.

Comments

  1. kristieinbcJuly 1, 2016 at 8:50 AM

    I"m from a food/love family too. :-)

    Enjoy your house full of guests, and Happy Fourth of July to you. Today, July 1, is Canada Day. It's our equivalent of your fourth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BonnyJuly 1, 2016 at 8:52 AM

    I know just what you mean about food; my sons have learned to cook for themselves but there are things they just don't make. Sometimes I long to head to CO or TX to make them mashed potatoes or lasagna.

    Thanks for the spinach rice salad recipe. I've got spinach in he garden and now I know what we're having for dinner tonight! Hope you have a wonderful long weekend with your son and the rest of your family!

    ReplyDelete
  3. elizabethJuly 1, 2016 at 8:54 AM

    it's wonderful to have family over! my cousin and her son are coming soon! :))))

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 1, 2016 at 9:17 AM

    Isn't it just the BEST when our kids get to visit. Sounds like you are taking GOOD care of him.

    Enjoy your family and have a very HAPPY Independence Day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. mamasmercantileJuly 1, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    I am from a food/love family too and have passed it on though my own girls. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family, I have my eldest daughters and the two boys here so I am a little excited and have made lots of food too. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AsKatKnitsJuly 1, 2016 at 11:04 AM

    Sounds like you have a full weekend - full of family, food, and fun! XO

    ReplyDelete
  7. margeneJuly 1, 2016 at 11:52 AM

    My family (70 members) are arriving today and tomorrow for my dad's memorial. We will have a wonderful celebration! Your salad will be a perfect to serve no matter the time of year. Thank you for the recipe. Happy 4th to you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JanetJuly 1, 2016 at 12:25 PM

    Sounds like a fun weekend ahead for you and your family. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Andrea @ This Knitted LifeJuly 1, 2016 at 2:11 PM

    What a blast! You got room over there for me? Sounds too fun and comforting to miss...

    ReplyDelete
  10. kathy bJuly 1, 2016 at 7:12 PM

    Mmm thanks for the recipe !!! I finished my book and may start another.....probably not though. I want to knit knit knit.
    Happy 4th to you and yours. Our weather is so lovely....low 80s no humidity.
    Hope you get fireworks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kim July 1, 2016 at 9:30 PM

    Have the most wonderful weekend Karen!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ZetaJuly 2, 2016 at 11:12 AM

    I hope you're having a wonderful time with all your loved ones gathered there!
    Glad you like feta cheese :-)
    It never misses from our table!

    ReplyDelete
  13. sustainablemumJuly 2, 2016 at 4:51 PM

    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJuly 3, 2016 at 5:07 PM

    Ooh! I want to come over and chow down.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Judy S.July 4, 2016 at 12:20 AM

    Family time is the best, isn't it? Have a wonderful Fourth! BTW, that recipe sounds yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  16. GraceJuly 7, 2016 at 11:33 AM

    What an amazing weekend you had, Karen! I love having family visit. : ) Is your son enjoying Penn State? We loved our time there as students! xx

    ReplyDelete

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