My 2 favorite healthy go to dressings!

Okay so let me begin with, why am I doing this? Well several reasons! I decided to write this to share the recipes I have come up with or found that make life as a mom and wife easier at times! We try to juggle so much and prepare good healthy meals for our families that don't take all day long!

I also have another journey to share if you get a moment of interest that I am documenting as way to remember each particular piece along the way. Ryan and I have a mission dear to our hearts, adopting a waiting child (orphan) from China! We have begun the process for this newest family member and you can read more on our adoption here http://theway2hisheartrecipes.blogspot.com/

BUT BACK TO RECIPES and WHY....

1) I love to write. I graduated in journalism and as you may know I have a father who started a magazine. It's in our blood and DNA and I cannot run from it. If I don't write I feel abnormal!

2) I love to cook! Ryan (hubby) just opened a healthy meals to go concept so you would think I would be screaming from the rooftops 'YAY I DON'T EVER HAVE TO COOK AGAIN' but oddly enough it sparked some sort of contagious cooking spree in me. I love creating recipes. I have a tendency to make things up as I go which can work for AND AGAINST me! I like to be artsy with food! It's fun!

3) We moved into the home that I grew up in for 34 years and the place where I received many home cooked meals around the breakfast or dinner table. I think that too was contagious because I find myself following the footsteps and loving the feeling of creating a meal for my family but also having enough to bring to neighbors. The very thing my mom did for our family and neighbors! As my grandmother always says more lessons are caught than taught...kids are always watching and some things just stick!

4) I have a friend who may be reading this and has been pushing me to do a cookbook (Candace)! Well instead I figured the easier way to go is the convenient way to go...internet/social media/online! It's where we get our recipes anyway in an instant second!I like to find healthy easy meals to prepare and I figure that helps other moms out at times too who are looking for the same!

I am passionate about sharing things I like! I get so overly enthused and some times it is the trend of the moment and some times it's a legit long term one. Well I have had fun creating some amazing healthy recipes I want to share. This first I have made has been for a few friends who have all raved over it and it's so easy!!!! HERE IS MY FIRST! All made with LOVE!

My recent passion.....

This salad is a perfect one to make on Sunday night to gear up and get back on track for the week. The greens are tough and won't wilt like romaine and iceberg. This salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days and you can pull out your desired serving each day and add in your dressing of choice!

1 cup shredded brussel sprouts (available at Trader Joe's)
1 cup kale (chop into small shreds) * optional (Trader Joe's bagged Kale is not bitter)
1 cup spinach (chop into small shreds)
1 cup arugula  (chop into small shreds) - this is key in the salad!

Add in:
1 cup chopped yellow or red tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped purple onion
1/2 cup of green onions chopped
As much crumbled goat cheese desired
1/2 cup toasted almonds
Desired salt
Desired pepper

Dressing #1:
1/2 cup of olive oil
2 lemons squeezed
3-5 fresh basil leaves
* blend these three in a food processor or herb blender
Add in 1/4 cup of WHITE balsamic vinegar. "White" is the key!!! Desired salt and pepper.

Dressing #2:
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 lemon squeezed
1 soft avocado chopped
* blend these three in a food processor or herb blender
* add in the 1/4 cup of white balsamic vinegar to help puree the avocado some more in the food processors. If you wish for the dressing to thin out some more add a little water.
Dash of desired salt and pepper.

Mix all greens and veggies in a tupperware. You can make more than one serving and eat on it for a couple days because greens are tougher they will not wilt like iceberg or spring mix.

Add in option: can add chopped strawberries OR cherries.