Fennel and Apple Salad

This is one of my favorite salads.  It is super fresh and crispy and oh so good.  The fennel has a slight anise flavor and paired with the crisp apple and the tart juicy dressing with orange essence.. it's simply delicious.  Super easy to make, too. 

Fennel is a super healthy! Come on, you know I am going there.  Real quick with a link if you want to read more about this super food.  

Great source of vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium.  In addition, it is a phytonutrient. Shown to reduce inflammation and to help prevent the occurrence of cancer.  There is a biological mechanism that shuts down the intercellular signaling system called tumor necrosis factor.. alright, I don't know how to explain all this.  Go here and read about it. 
Now for the recipe. 

Recipe notes:  
If you don't have orange marmalade.. you can sub honey and splash of orange juice.  

Fennel and Apple Salad

1 fennel bulb, sliced thin 
1 apple, sliced thin

In mason jar..
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup grape seed oil
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 t. dijon mustard
1T. orange marmalade
S + P

... Shake til emulsified and pour over the fennel and apple.  Toss together and serve.  
(This makes more dressing than you will need but it's great on any salad)

Super yummy additions that take this over the top:  
Orange sections
walnuts
blue cheese crumbles

Avocado & Balsamic : : Favorite things

This is how I know my 2 year old is mine genetically. I mean beside the fact of 10 hours of labor I endured which I remember all too well.  This is one of those things that seem to have been carried down.  She loves balsamic vinegar.  I have never seen a young child like vinegar.  And the combination of it with an avocado is one of her favorite things.  

1st time I had this, I died and went to heaven.  The juxtaposition of the creamy avocado and the syrupy tangy balsamic vinegar.. is just that to me. Heaven.  

Now you can fuss here and add a sprinkle of chopped red onion, tomato or whatever else you want.. and sometimes I do.  But more than not, this is it. Simplicity at it's best.  Fresh ingredients, good quality ingredients.  

So, here's what you do.. 
Cut avocado in half, removing pit. 
Pour good Balsamic vinegar into the vacant hole creating a dark little pool. 
Using a spoon.. scoop and eat.  
Delicious. 
Easy peasy!! 

and I must add.. I have impressed more people serving this at a dinner party.  Even though it's simple, it's one of the combinations that sky-rocket into amazing. Hope you try it.