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Farro Salad with Kale, Figs, and Goat Cheese

9/13/2017

16 Comments

 
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     I often think, I'm taking all this time to photograph a meal I have never eaten before.  What if once I taste it, I don't like it -- time wasted!  But instead I am wondering... will figs still be available to me in the coming weeks so I can make this salad over and over again?
     My husband started on his salad long before I did mine, and I was probably rolling my eyes when he kept telling me how good it was.  I usually put a lot more effort into our evening meals and thought this might be his way of telling me -- I like a good lunch; make a hearty salad more often!  But it didn't take me long once I started eating to agree with him and wonder... who do I thank first?  Sylvia Fountaine for the recipe?  Trader Joe's for the beautiful figs I've had trouble locating all summer?  Cypress Grove for my favorite goat cheese, Humboldt Fog?  Actually, I probably made this salad because I have more kale in my garden than I know what to do with...  So, thanks, Eileen!


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     It all comes down to the ingredients.  Purchase the freshest figs that are firm and wrinkle free.  Toast the farro grains in a dry pan for about 2 minutes before you add the water.  Bypass the logs of goat cheese and get some Humboldt Fog by Cypress Grove -- you will love it!  Most of the groceries around me sell the Humboldt Fog for $29.00./lb.  COSTCO has Humboldt Fog at $17.00/lb.  I hope they never discontinue carrying it because I will always continue to buy it. 

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     I've been thinking long and hard lately about the future of LivingTastefully.  This fall it will be 10 years since I started my blog.  Back then, there weren't many food blogs compared to the number there are now worldwide.  Is LivingTastefully even relevant any longer?  Several people I have mentioned this to seemed very disappointed. I really appreciate everyone that has followed LivingTastefully over the years. The one comment that has stayed with me (and I do not remember the exact words) was, "It's still relavent.  We all need beauty, style, and good taste", (was that close A. R.?).  Knowing it means a lot to someone else, means a lot to me.  Maybe all I needed was a little time off.  There are just so many other things I want to do, but I suppose I can do a little of each.  As of now, I will continue with L.T and see where it goes...


Farro Salad with Kale, Figs and Goat Cheese
recipe by Sylvia Fountaine, adapted

SERVES 2
• 1  1/2 cups cooked farro
• 2 large handfuls of chopped lacinato kale
• 4 figs, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped, toasted walnuts
• 2  2-ounce slices goat cheese, preferably Humboldt Fog

BALSAMIC MAPLE MUSTARD DRESSING
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1.  Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl
2.  Divide farro among two bowls.
3.  In a mixing bowl, massage lacinato kale to tenderize it with a pinch of salt and drizzle of olive oil until coated and pliable, about 1-2 minutes.
4.  Divide kale among the bowls.  Top with the figs and the goat cheese.  Spoon the dressing over the farro, figs, and kale.  Sprinkle with the walnuts.  Serve with some good, crusty bread!





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16 Comments
Madonna link
9/14/2017 05:29:55 am

I hope you will continue your blog. If you need some time away remember you are the boss of your blog. I am always happy to see it pop up in mail. I have made several of your recipes and we have loved them all. So thanks Eileen. :)

Reply
Eileen
9/14/2017 06:08:45 am

Thanks, Madonna

Reply
Lynn
9/14/2017 08:17:32 am

I subscribe to many blogs through email alerts, but I don't necessarily read each one that pops into my inbox. However, yours is definitely one that I always open immediately and read! I have also made a number of your recipes and they are always a hit. Of course, first and foremost, it has to be something you enjoy doing, but know there are (often silent) readers out there who really enjoy your posts and recipes!

Reply
Eileen
9/14/2017 08:46:27 am

❤️ Thank you!

Reply
Marianne
9/14/2017 06:20:29 pm

I as well subscribe to numerous blogs, but I always read yours when they pop up. I have enjoyed making a number of the recipes, but absolutely love the beautiful way you share with us the joy you find in the food you cook, and the stories behind the decision to make whatever it is you are embracing that day! Thank you.

Reply
Eileen
9/15/2017 06:10:20 am

Thank you for your comment, Marianne!

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Virginia Kovatch
9/14/2017 09:02:10 pm

The balsamic, maple, mustard dressing sounded so good, I made the salad with the only items I had on hand...kale and toasted walnuts. It was amazing, Eileen. Will buy the cheese tomorrow and might have to sub dates if I can't find figs.
Love your recipes and photos and I always read your posts. But life is short, do what makes you happy!

Reply
Eileen
9/15/2017 06:12:42 am

Thanks, Ginny...
Using dates sounds fantastic. I will do that when figs are out of season! I made the salad last night for a second time.

Reply
stacey snacks link
9/17/2017 07:36:50 am

Well it means a lot to ME!!!
I feel the same way after 10 years of blogging, but then I get that random email thanking me for my time and recipe and it makes me happy again.

Don't be discouraged......your blog is still MY FAVORITE!

I went from 5000 readers daily (subscribers) to under 2000, maybe because I am still an aol and blogger girl. (hate change).

Anyway, I am making this recipe sans goat cheese, because Mr. Henry is not a goat cheese guy.

Keep on keepin' on!
xo

Reply
Eileen
9/17/2017 08:25:53 am

❤️❤️❤️ Thanks, Stacey

Liv Heléna Klusman was born this morning

Reply
Joanne
9/18/2017 04:57:18 am

This is the only blog that I have consistently found recipes that I want to use. You have encouraged me to try different things and I'm always happy I did. I'd be very sad if you stopped blogging. Taking a break is always good!

Reply
Eileen
9/18/2017 06:20:19 am

Thanks for your comment, Joanne!

Reply
Raylene
10/2/2017 04:33:15 pm

Your blog is wonderful. Your comments and recipes are spot on, and your pictures . . . everything is so tastefully done! I would sincerely miss you if you stopped writing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with your readers. Since stumbling upon your blog, I have read every single post. You have inspired me to step out of my cooking comfort zone, and have transported me to Europe time and time again. Thank you for every single thoughtful word you have put into your blog :)

Reply
Eileen
10/2/2017 05:55:09 pm

Hi Raylene... what can I say after your comment? I really appreciate knowing how much you’ve been enjoying my blog. I’ve been struggling with my feelings about continuing this past year. And what I’ve come to realize is, I’d be very sad if I were no longer doing it. So, at least for the time being, I will continue. Thanks again❤️

Reply
Lynn
10/5/2017 11:22:47 pm

What a gift you have given us for 10 years! It has been a wonderful way to stay in touch and your recipes are the ones John has cooked over and over again! I sympathize with "burn out" and wanting more time for other interests but wanted you to know how much we love your blog creations! ❤️❤️❤️

Reply
Eileen
10/6/2017 06:24:56 am

❤️ thanks Lynn. I’ve realized that I’d miss LivingTastefully if I closed it down — especially the photography. So, I will continue posting when a fabulous recipe comes along.

Reply



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