Broccoli Salad

 I think of this as sort of an "old-fashioned" recipe, it feels like every church potluck I've ever been to has some version of this (along with cheesy potatoes!); I'd gotten out of the habit of making it but just the other day came across my tried and true recipe and since then have made it twice - I'm remembering how much I like it...sometimes oldies really are goodies! Here's my version:

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (I usually just use pre-cooked chopped up bacon 'cuz I'm lazy and it's just fine in this salad)
2 pounds broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries (occasionally I use golden raisins but I prefer the cranberries)
1 cup mayo (light is fine, you could also substitute half with plain greek yogurt to lighten it up more)
2 T. white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (I use a little less)
1/4 cup half and half (or I'll use whatever milk I have on hand)

Put the broccoli in a big microwaveable bowl and cook on high for a couple minutes (you can leave it raw but I like it cooked just a little bit - don't cook it all the way though or the salad will be mushy). Add the celery, bacon, cranberries or raisins and mix to combine.

In a small measuring bowl combine the remaining ingredients and add to the broccoli mixture, toss to combine well. Refrigerate 2 hours. Makes 6-8 servings

one year ago today: Moscow Mule

Classic Moscow Mule

Mmmmmm...ever tried a Moscow Mule? This is a super simple cocktail to make, it's light and refreshing so perfect for a summer drink - and ginger beer is so good that even if you don't want alcohol just try it mixed with lime juice and leave out the vodka! Ginger beer is non-alcoholic and tastes like a cross between root beer and strong ginger ale to me. I love it.

Looking up recipes online most of them are pretty much the same - 1 part vodka to 2 parts ginger beer with some lime juice and wedges, over ice.


Ingredients:
-2 oz. vodka
-4 oz. ginger beer
-1 oz. lime juice (or squeeze half of a lime)
-wedge of lime for garnish
-ice
-moscow mule copper mug (or small glass tumbler)


Directions:
add ice to your mug or glass, followed by the vodka and lime juice. top with ginger beer and stir, then garnish with a lime wedge.