Perfect Pasta Salad Recipes

There are a lot of recipes you can do with either pasta or salads. Combining the two can create exciting nutritious meals that the whole family will enjoy.

There are recipes that use a combination of pasta and salads, making it a healthy and nutritious each day meal.

Macaroni Salad with Eggs and Ham
Ingredients:
1 ½ c cooked ham, diced
6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 c macaroni, cooked, cold
1 dill chopped pickle
½ c celery, chopped
¼ c pimiento-stuffed olives, chopped
Salt
Pepper
Mayonnaise
Mixed Salad greens

Procedure:
1.Mix the following ingredients: ham, chopped eggs, macaroni, chopped pickle, celery, and chopped olives
2.Add mayonnaise and stir to moisten the salad.
3.Season with pepper and salt.
4.Serve this on top of your blended salad greens

Creole Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
2 c tomatoes, diced
8 oz macaroni, rinsed, drained and cooked
¾ c Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
¼ c stuffed olives, sliced
1 c mayonnaise
2 tbsp grated onions
1/8 tsp cayenne
1 clove garlic, small, finely minced
Lettuce leaves

Procedure:
1.Chill the macaroni, and then measure about 4 cups.
2.Combine the macaroni with the remaining ingredients.
3.Serve this on some lettuce leaves, with dressing.

Tuna Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
½ tsp dried tarragon or thyme, crumbled
½ c mayonnaise
3 c cooked macaroni, chilled
1 can white tuna (7 oz, in water), broken up and drained
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 ½ c frozen carrots and peas, cooked

Procedure:
1. With a huge bowl, mix some tarragon and mayonnaise.
2.Add the celery, tuna and pasta.
3.Carefully stir in the carrots and peas.
4.Cover and serve with some lettuce.
5.Top this with salad and garnish, if preferred.

Tuna Salad with Fettuccine
Ingredients:
¼ c olive oil
2 cans of tuna in oil
1 clove garlic, large, minced
1 c broccoli florets or small cauliflower
4 oz mushrooms, fresh, chopped
1 yellow summer squash or small zucchini, diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, minced
1 red bell pepper, small, sliced
8 oz fettuccine
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp black pepper
Lettuce leaves
Cherry tomatoes
4pz mild cheddar or Swiss cheese

Italian salad dressing
Procedure:
1.Drain the oil from the tuna and place it in a massive skillet.
2.Place the tuna inside a massive bowl.
3.Separate this into chunks and set aside.
4.Add some olive oil onto the skillet.
5.Heat and add the following:
Minced garlic
Cauliflower or broccoli
Mushrooms
Red bell pepper
Zucchini
6.Cook this over medium to low heat.
7.Stir occasionally for approximately 5 minutes. Make sure the vegetables become tender.
8.Add parsley or basil, stirring it a few times and removing it from the heat.
9.Allow cooling of the vegetables while you are still cooking the noodles.
10.Cook some fettuccine. Follow the directions on the package. Make sure you drain it well.
11.Add some noodles to the mixture and mix it with tuna, and cooled vegetables.
12. Add some lemon juice and pepper.
13.Gently toss the ingredients to blend.
14.Cover this and place inside the fridge for about 30 mins. Make sure it is thoroughly chilled.
15.Prior to serving, taste it again and adjust the seasonings.
16.Using a platter, line it up with lettuce leaves, and then sprinkle with cheese.
17.Lastly, garnish this with cherry tomatoes and serve with the Italian dressing.

Perfect Pasta Salad Recipes

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Try These Delicious But Easy Salad Recipes: Tortellini Broccoli Salad And Delightful Fruit Salad

Whether you are looking for a salad to serve at home or to take to a potluck, reunion, etc, these salad recipes are sure to please.  The Tortellini Broccoli Salad can be a meal by adding some leftover, cooked chicken or some deli chicken meat.  And who wouldn’t love a Delightful Fruit Salad that is swift and easy?

TORTELLINI BROCCOLI SALAD

1 pkg (7-oz) cheese tortellini
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 blow (6-oz) marinated artichokes, drained
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
2 1/2 tsp chopped fresh basil
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
6 cherry tomatoes, halved

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. Rinse and drain again. In a massive bowl, combine the tortellini with the broccoli florets, parsley, artichokes, and green onions; toss lightly to mix. Pour the Italian dressing over the tortellini mixture and sprinkle with the fresh basil. Toss gently to coat. Cover salad and chill until serving time. Toss gently again just before serving. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the salad and garnish with the cherry tomatoes.

Note: This is an excellent make ahead salad as it can be prepared 6 to 8 hours before serving, if need be. Also, you can add leftover, cooked chicken to make an excellent entree salad.

DELIGHTFUL FRUIT SALAD
1 pkg (4-serving size) lemon pudding and pie filling mix
1 pkg Dream Whip
1 can (approx. 16-oz) fruit cocktail, drained
1 can (approx. 16-oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (approx. 16-oz) can peach slices, drained
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Make the pie filling mix according to package directions but using 1 3/4 cups water; cool.

While pie filling cools, make the Dream Whip according to the package directions (or whip 1/2 pint whipping cream.) Fold the whipped mixture into the cooled pie filling. Gently fold in the fruit cocktail, oranges, peaches, and marshmallows.

Enjoy!

 

Try These Delicious But Simple Salad Recipes: Tortellini Broccoli Salad And Delightful Fruit Salad

For more of Linda’s swift and simple recipes visit her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

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Salad Recipes: Homemade Roquefort Salad Dressing, Middle East Pear Salad, Italian Tortellini Salad

If you love salads and homemade salad dressings, this article is for you.    Select from recipes for your own Homemade Roquefort Salad Dressing, which can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered jar, Middle East Pear Salad, using fruit and yogurt, or Tortellini Broccoli Salad.  Now how’s that for variety?

ROQUEFORT SALAD DRESSING

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp vinegar
2 tbsp lemon juice
3-oz crumbled Roquefort cheese

Place all ingredients in blender container. Blend together for 1 minute. Stir mixture well. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container or jar.

MIDDLE EAST PEAR SALAD

1 can (29-ounce) pear halves, chilled & drained
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup sugar
Ground cinnamon for garnish
Lettuce leaves

Place lettuce leaves on serving plate and top with pear halves, cut side up. Combine the yogurt and sugar together in a small bowl; mix well. Spoon yogurt mixture into the pear cavities. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.

ITALIAN TORTELLINI SALAD

1 pkg (7-oz) cheese filled spinach tortellini
8 oz provolone cheese, cubed
1 small tomato, coarsely chopped
1/2 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain tortellini in a colander. Place colander in a massive bowl of cover cold water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain well. Transfer tortellini to a serving bowl. Add cubed provolone cheese, tomato, pepper strips, olives, and green onions. Pour dressing over the mixture. Toss gently to coat. Top with grated Parmesan and toss lightly.

Enjoy!

Salad Recipes: Homemade Roquefort Salad Dressing, Middle East Pear Salad, Italian Tortellini Salad

For more of my swift and simple recipes visit my blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

Favorite Summer Salad Recipes

Warm weather brings thoughts of cool food and recipes that don’t require a lot of indoor cooking. Who wants to tend a long, slow cooked meal when the sun is out and the warm weather beckons?

Here are three warm weather salads that have become some of my favorite summer salad recipes.

None of them require you to be any where near an oven or hot stove except to boil some water, and all are perfect for even the hottest summer days.

Serve them as side vegetable dishes or as a light lunch with a green salad and crusty bread.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This is a lovely salad recipe that is great as a side salad or as a light luncheon recipe. Serve it in lettuce cups for lunch along with some fresh crusty bread and a great dessert. Just perfect!

1 pound frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Combine the shrimp, celery, Italian dressing and mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill, covered until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, peel and dice the avocado. Mix immediately with the lemon juice to prevent the avocado from going dark. Add to the shrimp mixture and mix gently.

Serves 6

Cucumber Salad

This recipe is delicious, but oh so easy. It’s a great recipe to serve company at a barbecue because it gets made ahead and sits in the fridge for a few hours until you are ready for it. The ideal summer pleasing recipes are ones that don’t require the host and hostess to be in the kitchen cooking while guests lounge outside.

3 massive cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 head of lettuce, shredded
1 containerful honey
good pinch black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Toss all the ingredients thoroughly in a massive salad bowl. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

That’s it!

Lime Jello Cottage Cheese Salad

This is a lovely light salad recipe that is perfect for a summer barbecue but also works well all year on a buffet table. The addition of cottage cheese might sound odd, but it is a great flavor mix with the Jello. The crunch of the celery and green pepper add another layer of flavor and fresh taste.

1 – 3 ounce package lime jelly powder
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped

Blend with beater and chill until firm 1″ from edge of dish. Turn it into a bowl and beat it until it becomes light and fluffy. Fold in 1 cup cottage cheese, celery, onion and green pepper. Chill fully before serving.

Don’t forget that most of your favorite summer salad recipes are great all year round too.

Favorite Summer Salad Recipes

Karen Ciancio is a fan of all things cooking related. Her website Cookingnook.com contains recipes, cooking tips, diet and nutrition information. Visit the site for a free copy of our Holiday Gift Guide, with great ideas for everyone on your list.

Olive Garden Restaurant Recipes

Are you looking to replicate your favourite restaurant chains secret recipes? Well I was and I discovered something quite rare and very unique, a recipe book with near enough each resatuarant chains recipes in it. It started for me with McDonalds steak and cheese bagels and I was hooked, I then wanted to give the Olive Gardens salad mix a try as my girlfriend loved it and it is a really healthy starter or side to accompany any main dish.

If your a fan of salad or you are just sticking to a healthy diet plan then this salad is perfect for you as a starter to accompany your main dish. What I would recommend you do is, get your partner or some family members over to your place and let them know that you are cooking dinner for them that night. You will be making the salad as your starter dish so have something planned that you can prepare as your main dish and believe me your partner or friends and family will be commenting on your starter salad mix for weeks to come, it really is that good.

Let’s take a look at the olive garden restaurant recipe which is called the salad mix. It’s a easy dish to replicate and everything you need is below.

To get you started, here is the recipe for the Olive Garden Salad Mix:

1 bag American blend salad
4-5 slices of red onion
2-4 banana peppers
4-6 black olives
1/2 cup croutons
1 small tomato, quartered

See what I mean about how easy to replicate this dish is? So there you have it, your first of many olive garden restaurant recipes, there are thousands more acquirable to you, you just need to know where to look which I have done for you. Check out my resource box below for my source of excellent restaurant recipes.

Olive Garden Restaurant Recipes

Fabulous Olive Garden Recipes

The Olive Garden restaurant is known for their unlimited salad and bread sticks and romantic Italian atmosphere. The Olive Garden is a great place to eat, but my budget doesn’t grant me to take out as much as I did a few years ago. Fortunately, you can find some of their recipes online and make them at home! I wanted to take just a moment and give you my Top 3 Olive Garden recipe recommendations. With these recipes, you can impress all of your friends!

Olive Garden Chicken Vino Bianco
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup flour
1/4-1/2 cup sliced onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (I like Bella Sera Pino Grigio)
salt
pepper
2 cups sliced mushrooms
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup roma tomatoes
cooked linguine or fettuccine

Heat oil in skillet on med-high heat.
Lightly dredge chicken breats in flour, season with salt and pepper and brown sides in skillet and remove onto plate until later.
Stir in onions, garlic, and butter, cook until tender; then add mushrooms and cook until golden.
Stir in wine and bring to a simmer.
Return chicken to the pan, and cook over med-high heat until chicken is done; add tomatoes and cook until tender.
Serve over cooked fetticuine or liguine noodles.

Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
1 cup Plain Bread Crumbs
2 tablespoons Flour
1/4 cup Kraft Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Milk
6 (1/2″) Thick Pieces of Chicken Breast Strips (chicken tenders)
Vegetable Oil (frying)
2 cups dry Bowtie Pasta
2 tablespoons Butter
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 teaspoons Crushed Garlic
1/2 cup White Table Wine (Chablis)
1/4 cup Water
2 tablespoons Flour
3/4 cup Half and Half
1/4 cup Sour Cream
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Basil Leaves
3/4 cup Mild Asiago Cheese (finely grated)

***Garnish***
4 Broccoli Florets (lightly steamed)
2 White Mushrooms (quartered lightly steamed)
1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Wash and drain chicken strips.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, flour, and Parmesan cheese together. Place milk in dish for dipping. Dip chicken in breadcrumb mixture and then in milk and then back in breadcrumbs.
4. Place in fry pan that the oil has been heated and fry at medium to medium low temperature until golden. Remove and drain chicken.
5. In a saucepan on medium heat, melt butter, add olive oil. Whisk in flour until mixture is blended. Swiftly add garlic, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt stir well. Add wine and blend. Immediately add half and half and sour cream stir. When mixture is smooth add grated cheese stir until melted. Finally sprinkle fresh basil in the sauce and stir lightly and remove from heat.
6. Place 2 cups pasta in individual pasta dish. Spoon about 1/2 – 3/4 cup sauce over pasta, add broccoli and mushrooms. Place Parmesan Chicken on pasta and sprinkle red crushed pepper and add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms
8 – 12 Fresh Mushrooms
1 (6 oz.) Can Clams (drained and finely minced) (save 1/4 cup of clam juice for stuffing)
1 Green Onions (chopped finely, about 1 Tbsp.)
1 Egg (beaten)
1/2 tsp. Minced Garlic
1/8 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/2 C. Italian Style Bread Crumbs
1tsp. Oregano Leaves
1 Tbsp. Melted Butter (cool)
2 Tbsp. Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp. Finely Grated Romano Cheese
2 Tbsp. Finely Grated Mozzarella Cheese (for stuffing)
1/4 C. Finely Grated Mozzarella Cheese (for garnish)
1/4 C. Melted Butter

Wash and remove stems from mushrooms, pat dry. Save stems for another recipe. In mixing bowl place clams, onions, garlic salt, minced garlic, butter and oregano. Mix through and blend well. Add Italian bread crumbs, egg, clam juice and blend. Stir cheeses in clam stuffing and mix well.
Place clam mixture inside mushroom cavity and slightly mound clam mixture. You should be healthy to stuff between 8 – 12 mushrooms depending on the size of mushrooms.

Place mushrooms in slightly oiled baking dish. Pour butter over mushrooms. Cover and place in a preheated oven at 350 decrease for about 35 – 40 minutes. Remove cover and sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella cheese on top and pop back in oven just so the cheese melts slightly, garnish with freshly diced parsley.

Fabulous Olive Garden Recipes

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History of Favorite American Restaurants

Many of our famous American restaurants were founded by individuals or married couples. We all know the Colonel Harland Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken. He started serving meals from his gas station in Corbin, Kentucky. The Cheesecake Factory was founded by Oscar and Evelyn Overton.  Evelyn Overton originally baked from her kitchen. Applebee’s was founded by Bill and T.J. Palmer. Their first restaurant opened in the 1980s. Red Lobster’s founder, Bill Darden opened his first restaurant at the age of 19. Astounding restaurateurs founded these famous and favorite American restaurants.

The History of Kentucky Fried Chicken

 Colonel Harland Sanders founder Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC is one of the largest restaurant businesses in the world. It is in more than eighty countries globally. In his forties Colonel Sander began cooking for travelers in his gas station. The gas station was located in Corbin, Kentucky.  Instead of coming to his gas station for gas they started coming for Colonel Sanders cooked meals. Harland Sanders expanded his business crossways the street opening a restaurant that seated one-hundred and forty-two people. The colonel pressure cooked his chicken. When fresh chicken is pressed cooked it cooks faster. Sanders invented his secret eleven herbs and spices recipe to coat his chickens. His eleven herbs and spices are still used this day in Kentucky Fried Chicken’s recipes. Because of his special cooking techniques Governor, Ruby Laffoon in 1935 made Harland Sanders a Kentucky Colonel. After 1952, Colonel goal was to make his company a franchise. He traveled miles by automobile to enfranchise his business. By 1964 Colonel Sanders had over 600 franchised outlets in the United Says and Canada. In 1964, Colonel Sanders sold his interest in the United Says companies for only million. Colonel Sanders remained a spokesman for KFC® until 1976.  In 1980 Colonel Harland Sanders died at the age of ninety.

 The History of The Cheesecake Factory

 The Cheesecake Factory was founded by Oscar and Evelyn Overton. In the late 1940′s Evelyn Overton opened a cheesecake shop in Detroit, Michigan.  To be an at home mother she shut her shop and continued to bake in her home kitchen. She supplied her cakes to several local restaurants.  In the 1970′s her kids were grown.  Oscar and Evelyn decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles, California. They opened a 700 square foot store in Los Angeles and called it, “The Cheesecake Factory®”.  As in any business the primeval years were difficult. Evelyn was the manager and baker. Oscar was the salesman and promoter. In Los Angeles the Overton’s baking reputation and income grew  to such an extent they bought a larger bakery. With a striving business Evelyn created over 20 cheesecake varieties and other desserts. These items were sold to hundreds of wholesale accounts. Their business extended from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, San Diego and several out-of-state clientele. The first Cheesecake Factory Restaurant® as opened in Beverly Hills, California.  The founder of the first restaurant was their son, David Overton. David Overton established a restaurant that offered fresh calibre ingredients with creative and numerous menu selections.  There are approximately 150 Cheesecake Factory Restaurants today. The success that the Cheesecake Factory® enjoys this day took many years and reflects generational progression based on a dream.  The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant is an American Dream come true.

 The History of Applebee’s Restaurant

Applebee’s restaurant  was founded by Bill and T.J. Palmer. In 1980 their first restaurant opened in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally named,  T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The study was changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar in 1986. Currently there are approximately 1,965 restaurants   in the USA and Europe. Informal dining restaurants  for all ages. The restaurant chain features American dishes: salads, shrimp, pasta chicken and riblets. The riblets are Applebee’s® signature item.

 Red Lobster Restaurant’s History

The founder of the Red Lobster Restaurant is Bill Darden. At 19 he opened his first restaurant, The Green Frog. The first Red Lobster opened in Lakeland, Florida , in 1968. A casual seafood restaurant centered on calibre and service. In the 1970s the restaurant expanded to different parts of the United States. In 1995, the Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Bahama Breeze became part of Darden Restaurants.

 Favorite restaurant recipe secrets revealed. Now cook them from the comfort of your home. Hundreds of secret recipes from top restaurants. Discover copycat recipes from: America’s Secret Recipes http://www.favoriterecipes.biz/america.html  For a collection of Favorite Recipe Secrets http://www.favoriterecipes.biz

 

 

 

History of Favorite American Restaurants

Like most people I am a multi-tasker. I am a wife, mother and businesswoman. Recently, I have been researching foods, ingredients and recipes. Different cultures have influenced our regular menus. I have a collection of favorite cookbooks. The cookbooks vary from copycat restaurant recipes, pizza secrets, trusty Chinese cooking, the Mediterranean Diet to specialty diets. We all have to eat. Why not learn to cook varied healthy meals. Hope you enjoy my article. I really enjoy writing them.

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Top Five Secret 2010 Holiday Destinations

Are the first rays of spring sunshine putting you in the holiday mood? Even though there are still a few weeks to go before the summer season starts, you will most probably find out you are not the only one wishing to act on that ‘holiday feeling’. Where to? That could be the question. If not Mallorca, the Algarve or the Canaries, what are the new tempting destinations for 2010? There are several summer as well as winter sun destinations emerging this year. The choice depends on what type of holidaymaker you are planning to be in the summer and winter sun season of 2010. To assist you, here is a short comprehensive list of some of the hottest undiscovered top five destinations.

Cape Verde, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its one-of-a-kind landscapes of volcano cones combined with fertile valleys carpeted with lush green plantations. It is a true paradise for hikers, bird watchers and those craving for some peace and quiet on the uncrowded beaches surrounded by unspoilt picturesque scenery. The ten islands of Cape Verde, even though forming one region, present indistinguishability of their own in terms of nature, the coastline and culture. Thanks to its mild climate, Cape Verde is healthy to welcome visitors all year round.

The Azores form another archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean which will fascinate those keen on travel tours, whale watching and various watersports like windsurfing, afloat or fishing. There are nine islands to explore in total and they all offer spectacular scenery mixed with local traditions and festivals. The cuisine here consists of delicious seafood dishes and the dark sandy beaches stretch for miles. The saint time to visit the Azores is summer for the beach lovers and rest of the year for those wishing to explore the natural beauty and history of this region.

Ayvalik in Turkey will appeal if you like quieter beaches of the evenhandedly undiscovered Northern Aegean Coast. The region boasts the longest sweep of sandy beach and a wonderful blend of Turkish and Greek cultures, which is apparent in many parts of the old town. Carpet shops, cozy coffee bars and tea houses and little souvenir shops complement the eventual ordered back feel atmosphere. Ayvalik faces the Greek Island of Lesvos and it is also within simple reach of the small Cunda island, both being saint for day trips should you wish to venture further afield and explore or just get the taste of the delicious seafood in the local restaurants.

Alonissos is a true hideaway in the Aegean Region of Greece. This island provides Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, the cleanest crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and fantastic beaches. The rich history and culture of this island is reflected in each day lives of the local people, in its traditions and cuisine. Try the succulent fish dishes, wonderful salads with tasty olives and mingle with the locals in the traditional tavernas. Walk around the picturesque harbours in Partitiri or Votsi or take a trip to one of the sandy beaches in Milia or Marpunta. Generally, unwinding on the beach is the order of the day on this marvelous island. Howeve,r you can also take advantage of the regular excursions and boat trips to historical places and the neighbouring islands, which will enhance your holiday experience.

The recently renovated Velassaru Island is a true gem in the Maldives. Spoil yourself in the truly stylish and sophisticated accommodation in Water Villas, Water Bungalows and Beach Villas where the tiffany blue waters invite you for the morning dip in the ocean straight from your terrace. The resort has a quiet and relaxed feel and its lush exotic beaches are never crowded. The resort’s spa provides the eventual pampering in its overwater treatment rooms and offers a whole myriad of massages, oil treatments and ritual baths. Best for honeymoons and year-round escapes, Velassaru Island welcomes visitors all year round, providing you with the most unforgettable holiday moments.

Related 2010 Holiday Articles

Olive Garden Restaurant Recipes – How to Copycat Your Favorite Olive Garden Recipes

If you want to copycat Olive Garden restaurant recipes, this article will get you started!

As my anniversary with my boyfriend approaches, I am always looking for something one-of-a-kind to do. We both have concurred traditional gifts are not the way to go. The good news is I have an intent that will both surprise him, and make him happy. You see, I don’t cook. He does. It isn’t so much that I don’t cook; it really is I can’t cook. I’ve tried. I just can’t do it. But if it is a recipe, I can follow it. So what I have decided to do this year is to surprise him with his favorite restaurant food, made from scratch.

There is a chain restaurant that we go to frequently. The menu has lots of choices, but he always picks the same thing. It goes by a rather fancy name, and I don’t want to give away the restaurant, but it is basically a pasta dish with chicken, bacon and mushrooms among other things. What he doesn’t know is that I found out most of the ingredients by going to the restaurant’s website and reading the description of the meal. He certainly doesn’t know that my ideal friend and I went there for lunch the other day while he was at work, and I ordered it.

She and I picked it apart, and tried to figure out each single flavor. Remarkably, we seemed to do a pretty good job. Since we were there when it wasn’t so busy, our server came over, and we were all talking. Pretty soon, she was telling us what she knew, and I started writing furiously. Then, she went out back, and asked the kitchen staff. They told her a few more things, and she reported back. Pretty soon, just by paying attention to what was already out there, I had the recipe. Well, at least the ingredients I needed.

So while he has been at work during the day, I’ve been experimenting. I’ve had to try it a few times, but I’m getting much closer. I know once I think I have it I will have to go back to the restaurant and taste it again just to make sure, but it will be worth it. Not only can I surprise him with this dinner, but it is something that I can make on a continuous basis. Somehow I don’t think he will complain.

To get you started, here is the recipe for the Olive Garden Salad Mix:

1 bag American blend salad
4-5 slices of red onion
2-4 banana peppers
4-6 black olives
1/2 cup croutons
1 small tomato, quartered

Good luck duplicating your favorite Olive Garden restaurant recipes!

Olive Garden Restaurant Recipes – How to Copycat Your Favorite Olive Garden Recipes

Disney Dining In Florida

All Walt Disney World Resorts® are mythologic places to visit, but they are also astonishing places to dine. Whether it be a swift snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and calibre of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can take for just a few bucks, or really near the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly favourite with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be superior when intake your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also grants you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food acquirable in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who can't take certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even tiny known Norwegian delicacies, to study but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a swift takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger
pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in each sense of the word.

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