UNIQUE BOW TIE PASTA SALAD

Welcome to Foodie Friday friends!

Have you ever been hungry for a good pasta salad? I don't usually make a lot of pasta salads anymore, but since this was the last picnic weekend, I thought it was appropriate to make one.  I love using citrus juices in my dressings. They aren't calorie laden and seem so fresh and delish. 

I found this recipe on Cooking Light. It caught my eye because of the unique combination of ingredients. Stop over to the blog today and check out how all of these incredible ingredients all come together.........

UNIQUE GRILLED CHEESE JOINT

Welcome to Foodie Friday!

This week has been a real learning experience for us. We've spent several days with kitchen and countertop experts, and then had a little fun exploring some of the recommended restaurants of Southwest Florida.

Since today is Foodie Friday I'm sharing our unique experience at 11:Eleven Cafe in Fort Myers, Florida. Recently Alton Brown, the "Cutthroat Kitchen" host, stopped for lunch, and the Cafe has been bustling since. Tourists and locals alike are lined up on any given day to sample the delish "comfort classics." So hubby and I decided to stop by for lunch to see what all of the chatter was about.

The simple eclectic decor reflects the personality of Chef and Owner Christa Leigh.

The menu consists of childhood favorites like grilled cheese, savory waffles, Naan flatbread, and baked potatoes.....all with a twist. I tried "The Gabbi Mac & Cheese please." It's mac and cheese with your choice of cheese between 2 slices of bread! Yep, a sandwich grilled and pressed until the cheesy goodness escapes around the edges just a bit! YUMMY....but oh so filling. Hubby tried the Bacon and Cheese........which included 3 strips of bacon, added to an already oozing grilled cheese sandwich. YUMMY but deadly! You may customize your own sandwich. Also, served are made from scratch soups, vegan and vegetarian items. 

My Gabbi Mac and Cheese Sandwich------

Eclectic touches are everywhere......

If you are ever in the Fort Myers area stop by the 11:Eleven Cafe for a unique dining experience.

                                       Wishing you a wonderful Easter Weekend!

                                                         Kathleen

SUMMER--ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

There's nothing easier on a hot summer day than making a salad. I often switch up our meals in the summer by using a salad as our main course. I've been searching for new salad ideas.......boy there sure are lots of recipes out there!

Today's blog features an Antipasto Pasta Salad. I made this for Friday night's dinner last week, added a tray of fresh veggies with hummus and pita bread, along with slices of watermelon for a little something sweet. How easy is that? I'm also thinking next time a glass of a nice cold Pinot Grigio would be a good accompaniment!

The salad contains some of the typical items found in an antipasto platter; marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, grated Parm, prosciutto, and olives. I used whole wheat penne pasta, and Good Seasons Italian dressing and it was hubby approved.

Look at how colorful and beautiful it is!

You may find the recipe at:  http://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/vegetarian/antipasto-pasta-salad/

Give this easy and delicious salad a try. It's great for lunch, dinner or sharing a dish at a party and tastes even better the second day!  Have a wonderful weekend! 

Bon Appetit!

Kathleen

***Thanks so much for stopping by. See you on Monday!