Popsicles are G+reat!

It's hot outside. And humid. Even my pooches are miserable during our short, sauna- esque walks. Unrelenting heat of this type calls for evasive action- not just cocktails, but popsicles. And since I'm probably the only person who never made popsicles from scratch, a mold was purchased. Shown above is my first attempt, chopped nectarine and orange juice pops. They are now gone.

The newfangled Zoku is shiny, but I decided to start with this simple mold instead (which I purchased at Target for $3.99, but it isn't on their website).

The second batch of pops (Latin strawberry puree from a local Korean grocer and a bit of Greek yogurt for smoothness) are also amazing. Only a couple of more to consume until the next round- possibly mango and Thai chilies. Or Watermelon with mint. Or blackberries and raspberries with basil. Perhaps adult versions should be next, with a bit of vodka. Or gin.

And, yes, I know how to spell "great". For those who have been hiding under a rock, the G+ refers to Google+, touted as "The Facebook Killer" as well as a nearly all- male social network, the invite only (for now) media vortex feels like an interesting mix between Facebook and Twitter, which I do like. So there, a female user with a mostly female circle (group of people you interact with) who is still on both Facebook and Twitter.

Since Google+ isn't allowing many business pages right now as the format is still in Beta- or if you've ever wondered how the mind behind Retro Trend Vintage works- you can find my personal page here. I won't bite. While we're getting acquainted, here's my personal Twitter account.

Enough rambling for now- enjoy your weekend!

Salad dressing and an apology

No, I am not about to apologize for posting my favorite salad dressing recipe here. Even amateurian liked it when she and her family were here visiting a few weeks ago. Not that I took photos or anything. When one blogger takes a vacation and the other is slacking, you only get to read about how cool my Michigan friend is. So there.

 The ingredients: hazelnut oil, rice wine vinegar (I prefer the mid- grade or "light" as there is a bit less sugar but it still has a really pleasant bite), lemon juice, garlic, sea salt and a Mason jar.

 I like garlic and use one mid- sized to large clove for every 2 oz. of liquid. You can adjust to taste.

Smashing the peeled garlic clove with the side of your knife prior to chopping seems to release even more garlic flavor.

 Mince- for as long as you can stand to. The finer the garlic is minced, the more likely it is to melt into the rest of the dressing. I'm about half way there in my photo.

 Add the minced garlic and a few generous pinches of sea salt to a jar, close and shake a lot.

 You'll be using equal parts of your three liquid components. Add 1/3 lemon juice (or two ounces in this 6 oz Mason jar shown).

 Add an equal volume of rice wine vinegar.

 Add an equal volume of hazelnut oil.

Shake until emulsified and store in the refrigerator. Keeps at least two weeks, not that it will last that long.

It's tart and tangy, with a bit of a kick (yes, just like me). Wonderful on salads of any sort, from mixed micro herbs to Boston lettuce. Wonderful on a slaw- type salad or on blanched veg. Or grilled veg.

Reminiscent of the classic dressing used in French restaurants (not the goopy orange crap, geez!), this is light and wonderful.

The actual recipe:
equal parts rice wine vinegar, hazelnut oil and lemon juice
1 clove of garlic per 2 oz of total liquid volume (more or less to your taste profile)
sea salt

Crush and mince garlic.
Add to jar with generous sea salt and shake.
Add equal parts of each liquid (based on jar size) and emulsify.
Try not to drink directly from the jar.
Store in fridge is not immediately consumed. 

And now, for the apology you've all been waiting endlessly for... I have once again pushed this blog aside as soon as I got busy. And I will continue to attempt to be a better blogger. But there are so many things to write about. Like my new Google+ obsession. And my 12 year anniversary. My new exercise plan. Summer in general.

Until next time, please check out my new shop buttons, way up on the top right side. One per store. Fancy, huh?

Have a wonderful week!