*** A WORD FROM THE KITCHEN ***

Ahh it is anniversary time again for Hubby and I
tomorrow, the big day we again get celebrate many
our happy years of marriage together (and numerous
cooking blunders lol). Long since we've really had
a chance to take those long dreamy vacations...
Carribbean, Alaska cruise, or maybe even some time
in Greece? oooh for now I'll be content eough with
some grease. I hate to admit but I love the occasional
fried food...we both do! Someday I'll get that deep
fried twinkie just so I can say I did.

Actually this time we got a sitter and we're planning
a night with some fine Italian wining and dining and
and without the kids definitely no whining.

Meantime I have 2 grad parties this weekend as well
here is something I'm brigning that's great as a
cold side but can also be served hot with a meal.
They store well if you plan to double the recipe to
have some on-hand for those barbecues too. Yes it
really has cola in the ingredients ;o) The real
trick is in the marinating be sure to allow time
for that.

Hope you can take advantage of farmers market time
it's in full swing here with the berries. I added
some tips for what to look for down below.


Enjoy all!
Marzee
Email Me


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GRECIAN GREEN BEANS

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INGREDIENTS:
1 package gGreen beans, drained
2 small onions, sliced and separated into rings
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/5 cup Coca-Cola
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine the garlic, parsley, sugar,
oregano, mustard, salt, Coca-Cola, olive oil and
vinegar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add
the beans and onions; toss lightly with a fork. Pack
into a 1 quart jar. Cover and refrigerate several
hours or overnight so the flavors can blend. Serve
chilled or as a hot vegetable with steak, hamburger
or meat loaf.


Categories: Vegetables, Sides, Potluck

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MARZEE'S CORNER

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FARMER'S MARKET - HOW ABOUT BERRIES?

[Raspberries, Boysenberries, and Similar Berries]

Look for: A bright, clean appearance and a uniform
good color for the species. The individual small cells
making up the berry should be plump and tender but not
mushy. Look for berries that are fully ripened, with
no attached stem caps. Avoid: Leaky and moldy berries.
You can usually spot them through the openings in the
ventilated plastic containers. Also look for wet or
stained spots on wood or fiber containers, as possible
signs of poor quality or spoiled berries.


[Blueberries]

Fresh blueberries are on the market from May through
September. Generally, the large berries are cultivated
varieties and the smaller berries are wild varieties.
Look for: A dark blue color with a silvery bloom is the
best indication of quality. This silvery bloom is a
natural, protective, waxy coating. Buy blueberries that
are plump, firm, uniform in size, dry, and free from
stems or leaves.

[Strawberries]

Look for: Strawberries with a full red color and a
bright luster, firm flesh, and the cap stem still
attached. The berries should be dry and clean, and
usually medium to small strawberries have better eating
quality than large ones. Avoid: Strawberries with large
uncolored areas or with large seedy areas (poor in flavor
and texture), a full shrunken appearance or softness
(signs of over ripeness or decay), or those with mold,
which can spread rapidly from one berry to another.