Choked Up
Tips & Tricks
Antipasto-Inspired Artichoke Heart Salad
Not since 9/11 have I been this choked up. While I had only an ambient awareness of Charlie Kirk, I really took his assassination to heart. If there is one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that we have gone terribly off course as a nation. I’m not here to slice and dice the many reasons for our fractured state because I run a money-saving and micro-investing food blog. Instead, I will share how I am shock absorbing the moment as a mother,student, business owner,and dedicated home cook.
Each Sunday, I pull out clipped recipes, cookbooks, and recipe emails that have recently come my way. Next, I have a look at my pantry and frozen protein situation and use what I have in stock to begin building my weekly menu. I usually fill in fruit and vegetables with twice-weekly grocery and farmers’ market runs. As I assemble my menu, I think about the people in my life. This week I have a single mom neighbor in my condo block that has two young kids and a full time job. I bet she’d like some chicken green chile. I know a woman who broke her hip and her husband has passed away and I know she’d appreciate my lemon orzo chicken. And me, I have been going full tilt with my youngest this past weekend and late night watching the spurious news cycle with great sadness in my heart, so I’ll make something nourishing for myself too.
On Saturday night I took a break from it all and watched Nonnas, which incidentally was nominated for an Emmy last night. I have always loved the garrulous and jovial nature of Vince Vaughn. He feels like a big hug. That (combined with four feisty nonnas stubbornly battling for supremacy in the kitchen) was just the tonic I needed. As I watched these wise women cook their favorite family recipes, layered in rich sauces and deep love, I began craving an antipasto salad. So here’s my take on a pantry version that uses artichoke hearts. It comes in at around $10 for the ingredients.
I hope it nourishes you.
Choked Up Salad
Serves: 2-4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 can artichoke hearts, quartered
Half a pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 pack of Trader Joe’s mini pepperoni sticks, sliced
2 ounces of cheese (I used Monterey Jack), cut into small cubes
1 medium scallion, thinly sliced
Slosh of EVOO
Splash of strawberry trash vinegar
Generous sprinkle of Za’atar
Salt
Method:
Mix all ingredients as listed above.
Serve immediately at room temperature.
While eating, think about the strongest gifts you possess and commit to sharing them with those in need.
I love this❤️