Simple Summer Asparagus Salad

Dave and I have been making use of the new BBQ we set up on our apartment balcony and the other day I made the tastiest asparagus salad that I thought I should share.

Ingredients

• bunch of asparagus
• 1/3 cup of herbed goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
• package of mixed greens
• salt and pepper

1. Wash and snap asparagus stems where they naturally break, then pat dry
2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus spears and grill them on the BBQ until tender – you want them to turn bright green without losing their firmness
3. While the asparagus cools, prepare a simple balsamic vinaigrette, using 1 chopped clove of garlic, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard olive oil, salt and pepper
4. Toast the almond slices in your toaster oven until they turn golden brown – watch them closely so they don’t burn
5. Lay asparagus over a bed of mixed greens, top with crumbled herbed goat cheese, drizzle on the balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkle the almonds over top

Laying it out simply on a long rectangular platter made for beautiful presentation, even though it took a whole of 15 minutes to prepare!

Sensational Safari Moments Inspired By The World Cup

With the global gaze on South Africa right now, I cannot help but think back to the trip of a lifetime my family and I took to Cape Town and Kruger Park last year. It was such an amazing experience, and despite the luxurious accommodations, gracious staff, unbelievable food and amazing game viewing at Savannah Private Game Reserve -- we were reminded that we were indeed in the bush on several occasions. An employee of a nearby lodge was mauled to death by a hyena after falling asleep in front of the TV with his door open, and we were regaled with many stories about losing fingers to snake bites, multiple bouts with malaria and leopards attacking friends in nearby villages. This really gave us an enormous respect for our surroundings, and  left a lasting impression of the majesty and real life conditions of the bush on us.

Here are some of my favourite photos that I have previously never posted:

       

(all original photos taken by The World According to Jessica Claire – not to be reposted without express permission by me)

To Nate!

Apparently it's Nate Berkus Day, so to hop on the blogosphere bandwagon, I will share my three top Nate-esque things that I love:

1.  Home Rules, his book that gives great step-by-step tips for creating a home you love. I picked it up as a housewarming gift for one of my besties, and I have to say one of my favourite parts is the amazing pattern printed on the hardcover book itself (dust jacket be gone!)

2. Katie Lee Joel's living room with its to-die-for greek key chairs and other eclectic but glam finishes...obsessed!

3. Last but not least, the Nate Berkus™ Hexagon Cocktail Ottoman from HSN, sadly could not be made mine due to stupid anti-Canadian policies by the Home Shopping Network, but it would have been perfect for my apartment!

Super Cute Sorbet Cups

Crate and Barrel's affordable and charming sorbet cups come in four cheery colours with their own matching spoon- how can you resist for $2.95 each??

I picked some up for my cousin who is as helpless in the face of cute as I am... it makes me want to whip up some lemon mint granita to serve in them for an icy treat!

Jessica Claire Featured in Forest Hill Today

Thanks to Kelly Gadzala and Francis Crescia