Stamp Simply 154 - A Color Challenge & Foodie Friday

Today is my last day as Guest Designer on Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply blog.  I want to say a big "Thank You" to Sharon and the team for making me feel so welcome.  I consider it to have been a high honor and priviledge to have been able to create with this talented group of stampers. 

The last challenge of this month is a color challenge.  I was soooo excited to see the colors because it meant I got to use one of my very favorite paper packs from SEI, Black Orchid.  I'm so glad I went ahead and purchased the puffy stickers at the same time!

Here's the inspiration photo

Aren't those colors yummy?  Our challenge is to use Turquoise, Orange, White/Cream with black as an option.  I tried to make a card but the mojo just wasn't there so opted for a little notepad/pen gift set.

 I used the template by Nicole Heady.  Super simple and so fast when you need a quick gift.

Be sure to check out the Stamp Simply Design Team for more inspiration:

Sharon Johnson - Stamp Simply
Deb Neerman - Paper, Ink, Scissors, Stamps
Barb Anders - Paper Pursuits
                                                        Jenny Groop - One Krafty Kat
                                                        Janine Orchard - 2bKrafty
                                                        Deb Saaranen- Dream in Color

AJ and Barb Schram are on vacation and won't be playing this week.

Supplies:
Paper - Papertrey black, SEI Black Orchid, SU Tango Tangerine
Ink - Versafine Black
Stamps - Papertrey Take Note
Accessories - notepad template, Scor-Tape, MS seam binding, Spellbinders oval dies, PTI notepad, pen, Crystal effects

I have eaten this salad most of my life.  My family is of Middle Eastern heritage and I never had salad dressing in a bottle until I met my DH.  This is one of the easiest and healthiest salads you can eat.  No carbohydrates and no acid (lemon juice is alkaline).  

It's perfect for those summer tomatoes and cucumbers and you can make it ahead!  It can be doubled or cut in half easily so it's perfect for any occasion. 

Insalata (Tossed Salad)

2 cloves garlic (more or less to taste)

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice (don't use that stuff in the bottle)

1/4 c. olive oil

pinch of kosher salt

2-3 tomatoes, cut into small chunks or you may use grape tomatoes to taste, cut in half

1 med. cucumber, cut into small chunks

1 med. green pepper, cut into slivers or chunks

1 large head romaine lettuce

Mint, about 2 T. fresh, chopped or 1 t. dried crumbled

Pound garlic with salt until mashed. I use a mortar and pestle but you can do it right in the bowl with the back of a knife like my mom did.  ;-)   Add lemon juice and olive oil.  Whisk until combined.

Pour the dressing into a salad bowl.  In the order listed add: tomatoes, cucumber, and green pepper.  Tear the romaine into bite size pieces and put on top of vegetables.  Sprinkle with mint.

At this point, you can cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.  The lettuce will become more crisp as it sits.  When ready to serve, toss well until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.  Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4-6

Enjoy!!