Lettuce, a Gardening Success!

Let's just say I have not had the best luck with early season vegetables.  I tried to plant English peas, and they looked great, until some critter decided they tasted great for a nice cozy garden side dinner.  My lettuce I planted on the other hand has been absolutely fabulous.  I forgot how great fresh lettuce tastes.  I can remember as a child my Grammy fixing "Wilted Lettuce."  No matter how bad I wanted to not like this warm salad, it was so delicious we ate at least on serving and maybe two!

Thinking back to those childhood memories, we would only have Wilted Lettuce if they had fresh lettuce in their garden.  The store bought variety that was picked a few days ago would never taste as good. I am curious if any of my cousins remember this treat as well?  I am going to try and make some today and I will share this fabulous recipe.  I am not sure of the exact amounts, but it is pretty simple.  Bacon, bacon grease, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and if you are feeling exotic, a hard boiled egg.  This is one of the most basic of salads, and is very good, but is rarely made.  I can't remember making this in my adult life, but I have never had fresh lettuce before!

With this abundance of lettuce, you can imagine the plain ole salad is just about as tasty as cardboard.  I feel like I have eaten lettuce every meal.  I can promise you, I have been trying, as it is healthy for you.  Anyway, last night I decided to change up my flavor profile, and the outcome was simply delicious.  I love a great Japanese salad.  You know the kind with the ginger and garlic dressing.  Some places it has a red tint, others it is orange, and some use a mayonnaise base, and it is white.  Regardless of the variation, I decided to make my own. I must say, it stirred together quickly and was delicious.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the start of summer!  I know that we will be grilling and cooking out this weekend, and I hope to share some fun new recipes.  This salad will be a great addition to your grilled menu, and it was a great compliment to the steak I had for dinner...

Happy Memorial Day everyone, and until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah



My beautiful salad with fresh lettuce...





My lettuce patch...I have loved watching it grow and grow...Hopefully it will last a few more weeks...



Ginger Garlic Vinigarette

I made just enough for two small salads...feel free to make as much as you need...

4 to 5 drops sesame oil, be careful, this is a very strong flavored oil.  You can omit if you don't like the taste.

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 clove of garlic, finely grated

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard

salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients until combined.  Allow to sit for a few minutes for flavors to combine.  Toss with lettuce, and enjoy a delicious salad!



This is what the mixture looks like...you could add ketchup if you want it red...