You may not believe this, but I did not taste my first tomato until I was 19 years old! I was one of those kids that turned their nose up at most everything; I was picky (to say the least). All of that changed one summer day in Louisiana when my 88-year-old Papa, Jeff Ruston, made me sit down at his table to taste a freshly picked beefsteak tomato, sliced and lightly sprinkled with salt and pepper. He opened my taste buds to the flavors of the garden and not only won over my taste buds, but also my heart. Because of my Pa, I want to encourage everyone to enjoy garden fresh flavors.
Gardens are blossoming right now. Make the most of the summer harvest by consciously working recipes into your daily meal plan that take advantage of the garden. If you need inspiration, I’m here to help!
This week’s Paula’s Perfect Plate is a mouthful of flavor in every bite starting with protein-rich cottage cheese for breakfast served with local honey and freshly picked strawberries, followed by a morning and afternoon snack rich in vitamins and flavor, Paula’s delicious Southern Tomato Sandwich and Beet and Vidalia Onion Salad with Creamy Horseradish Dressing from Paula Deen Cuts the Fat. Lunch does not disappoint and is a simple combination of delicious grilled chicken breast with a spinach garden salad loaded with hard-boiled eggs. We wrap this garden-fresh day with a Mediterranean White Fish served on a bed of Roasted Red Peppers, Wilted Spinach and Caramelized Onions.
For more information on how you can build your own perfect plate, click here.
Until Next Time… LIVE INSPIRED!!!
Robin xoxo
