Sunday, July 17, 2011

super natural every day

super natural every day
{orzo salad}

super natural every day


super natural every day


super natural every day


super natural every day
{super natural every day}

I have a bad habit of spending any birthday or holiday gift cards immediately upon receipt. My brother kindly gave me a gift card from Amazon for my birthday (a great gift, as far as I'm concerned), and this is one of the books I bought -- Super Natural Every Day by Heidi Swanson. I actually don't have her other cookbook because I consider it too "high end" for me, but this one is ideal--very down to earth with lots of possible substitutions if you don't have or can't find exactly what's called for.

I'm the first to admit that I often buy cookbooks more for beauty and inspiration that to actually cook out of, and I'm fine with that, but on the other hand I like them even more if I find myself using the recipes. To that end, I jumped in and made something from this book right away--the orzo salad.

Do you you have the book? Make this! It's delicious! And so easy! Basically you make a broccoli pesto and toss it with cooked orzo, additional broccoli, lemon zest, and avocado. So, so yum. I used almonds instead of pine nuts and greek yogurt in place of creme fraiche, but still, so yum!

The book is full of veggie heavy, healthy looking dishes and lots of gorgeous photography. Am enjoying it so much!

5 comments:

flying tortilla said...

I have been reading your blog for a while now, but never commented. I have this cookbook and I love it! So far I've made the baked oatmeal and the little quinoa patties. Both were great, but the baked oatmeal was the whole reason I bought the book and totally worth it!! I really enjoy reading your blog. You have a lovely way of celebrating the everyday with your family. I am getting the happiness project book and will be working on some of my own projects in the upcoming months.

Jen said...

I have never commented but I have been reading your blogs for some time. I just wanted to say hello and thank you. Thank you for the glimpse into your lovely family and world!!!!

Mary Beth said...

Hello Jen and Flying Tortilla--

It's so nice to hear from new commenters. Welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying the blog--I have fun doing it. Flying Tortilla--good luck on your happiness project. I love that book!

Julie said...

I don't have it but those dishes look yumym! I had looked through her other at the library and I agree about it being 'high end'. I may give this one a shot, though.

Anonymous said...

i have this one too and it is really beautiful. that orzo salad was my first try, so tasty.