There are moments, much to my children’s dismay, random musings come flying out of my mouth and I realize at that exact moment, most likely my young ladies etiquette training didn’t quite stick. What would my Grandmother say?
Yes, I had my very own GrandMama. My paternal Grandmother was a proper lady and a stickler for manners. When I was very young, I would spend hours at her little pink house learning the fine art of a tea party, listening to fascinating stories about her ancestry, learning how to be a gracious hostess and how to sing opera. We always had tea and toast (Grandmother’s substitute for English biscuits) and my sister, Grandmother and I would all take turns singing Grandmother’s favorite song, Que Sera Sera.
I was young when my Grandmother passed but she often pops into my thoughts, especially when I do something she wouldn’t approve; which sort of makes me giggle because I can just hear her “Tsk Tsk!”. I always think of her when I watch Downton Abbey or when my daughters use the wrong cutlery at the table. I’m not sure she would have cared for the world we live in today… but I think that’s why she charms me. A character bigger than life, although she stood a scant 5 feet tall. Living in times past, always regaling me with stories and tall tales that never ceased to amuse me.
I thought of Grandmother again this week when my Little Lace Box arrived. Oh how she would have loved this box! The January Little Lace Box was curated around a theme they call “The Dining Car”. The theme is to commemorate the beginning of the fifth season of Downton Abbey on PBS. The box was curated on the notion of “practical vintage”. The perfect mix of vintage, beauty and practicality. I can honestly tell you it is the perfect mix of products for me. Little Lace Box brings the designer to you in an online boutique and curated monthly box full of fabulous finds created by up-and-coming designers. I love that this company highlights the work of new designers, artists, food artisans and many more. This is what we all need when we’re starting the long walk down our entrepreneurial path! A company that will believe in our work, our art and share it with the world.
I realize this is a recipe website but I adore Little Lace Box so much I wanted to share it with you – along with a recipe of course. A recipe that would have been approved by my Grandmother. She would have loved this salad. So fresh, so lovely and on the prettiest little plate.
One of the most fantastic things about working in my field is all the beautiful people I have the pleasure of meeting. So many wonderful people who make a lasting impression on me and my work. The lovely Carolina was our tour guide and historian for my DaVinci Wine Storyteller Experience in 2103. Yep, I’m still talking about that trip because it was so completely heavenly. Carolina is not only beautiful on the outside, she is every bit as beautiful on the inside. I enjoyed every moment we shared, chatting about life, love, history, art, culture and of course food. She shared with me this delectable salad that she often makes in her home. I adapted it a tiny bit, adding the cheese, but it is just as lush and fresh and delicious with or without the cheese.
Delicious Wishes and Loads of Love,
Karista
Citrus and Arugula Salad with Feta and Toasted Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup assorted citrus wedges (grapefruit,mandarin oranges, blood oranges,etc)
- 2-3 cups baby arugula leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (or sub with goats cheese)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Drizzle good quality aged balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the arugula with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Divide among 2 or 3 plates and then top with citrus and dust with feta cheese and toasted pine nuts.
- Serve immediately.
How sweet is that… your story and this little box full of pamper. love it.
And the citrus salad always brightens up a gray winter day- thanks for the reminder x
Thank you Wendy! I adore getting the box each month and the online boutique is addictive! I do love a citrus salad, and arugula makes it even better. Hope you’re having fun in the big apple! xo Karista
The salad sounds so good! I am in need of a good and refreshing salad.
Thanks Kerri! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. It is truly refreshing with all the sweet and tart citrus. Happy Weekend!
I loved reading about your Grandmother, what a beautiful woman she must have been to have left you with so many memories. You must take after her in so many ways, beautiful, gentle, unique and imaginative. What a blessing for her to have passed on those traits with your afternoons together! And.. another beautiful recipe for me to try.. My goodness your food photography is tantalizing!!xx
Thank you Barb! My Grandmother, although lovely, was a force to be reckoned with. Lol! She was truly unique in her own way and that alone made a big impression on me. For all her bigger than life character traits, she cherished my sister and I. It’s a wonderful thing when as a child you feel completely cherished by an adult in your life. It was a blessing. Have a lovely weekend my friend! xoxo
Love the look of those citrus slices!