Spring Greens are in Season

There seems to be plenty of lettuce to be found in the Northwoods this week.  We've found a few interesting ways to eat this delicious vegetable.  To start with though, we made this traditional salad:

The first fresh picked green salad of the season tastes like a little bit of heaven.  Here I just added some cherry tomoatoes, radishes, green onions, crumbled goat cheese and dressing. 

STRAWBERRY / WALNUT SALAD (with option to add a chicken breast)

1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
3/4 c. olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 inch ginger root sliced
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar

SALAD:

Mixed greens (bib, romaine, spinach)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast (strips)
1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
1 pt. strawberries
1/4 c. walnuts (or sunflower seeds)

Dressing: Mince garlic and ginger. Add remaining ingredients and shake to blend. Salad: Brown chicken strips in a little oil and butter. With chicken still in pan de-glaze with a few tablespoon of dressing. Set aside.
On individual salad plates arrange greens. Divide chicken and strawberries among plates. Add a few rings of red onion. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of dressing over and sprinkle with nuts.

Since the traditional salads have started to get a little old, we decided to experiment. 

SPRING GREEN SOUP

Here's the recipe:  http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/spring-green-soup
However, I wouldn't waste your time on the recipe (unless you like blended lettuce).  We didn't really love to recipe, but I did see a recipe for Spring Green Potatoe soup that might be better.  I was at my parents house when I made this, so this is my mom's awesome summer soup bowl.

Next we tried pesto with spring greens instead of with basil. 

SPRING GREEN PESTO

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/pasta/recipe-spring-greens-pesto-048795

While Greta and I both enjoyed the pesto, there's really nothing better than the traditional basil pesto, so I doubt I would make this again.

I love to watch out for the turtles in late spring and early summer as they crawl to the side of the road to lay their eggs.  Here's one we saw close to our house:

The flowers are also in full bloom around Seeley right now.  Once the first full day of summer comes along, it seems the sides of the roads are in full bloom. 

Here's a picture of Greta with some daisies and we found some more pink poppies on the side of the road:

Here's another picture of the poppy from the top:

The lupines are also still in full bloom in Seeley.

We saw the last of the beautiful purple iris' this week too.

Next up will be the strawberries!!  I'm taking the kids picking on Saturday.

Happy Cooking!!