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Almost Percy’s Macaroni Salad

- Amanda 2 Comments

Is macaroni salad a summertime staple for you? It is for me, but particularly on the 4th of July. And well, with tomorrow being Independence Day, and us being here in Istanbul, I had to make some to mark the holiday. Besides, it goes so so perfectly with my previously posted Zesty Baked BBQ Chicken, that I just had to share it today.

You might be wondering about the name, Almost Percy’s Macaroni Salad. The previously mentioned beloved mac salad I look forward to every year on the fourth, is not one that I make for our neighborhood block party, but my neighbor does. I have been lucky enough to grow up down the street from an awesome family, among others, who have become family to us. And Percy (a nickname I gave her I can’t remember when,) is like a favorite auntie to me and an incredible cook among her many fabulous traits. And one thing she does particularly well, is macaroni salad. It’s simple enough, but just something about it, I can never get enough of and I make sure to always get to the 4th of July buffet table in the middle of the street early enough to snag some before it’s gone.

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Sweet Pea and Fresh Herb Potato Salad

- Amanda

Planning to do some barbecuing this weekend? I’ve got the perfect side dish to go with anything you’re firing up the grill for whether it be burgers, BBQ chicken, hotdogs, steak, you name it. This Sweet Pea and Fresh Herb Potato Salad can also be a great addition to your weekend vegetarian feast. Or, it makes a fabulous lunch topped with a jammy poached egg. It’s so good and checks 3 important boxes- fast, easy to make, and full of bright, fresh, seasonal flavor.

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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

- Amanda

Can you ever have enough hummus in your life? I’d say no. There’s so many different flavor combos you can make with chickpeas and it is such a perfect compliment to so many situations. Crackers and crudité with friends, mid-morning snack for the munchkins, topped with all the goodies for a giant party platter or loaded with sizzling meat for a delicious meal. (recipes for both of the latter coming soon.) Hummus is almost always a good idea. And lucky for me, my kids agree. Especially little Miss Sparkle, my pickier eater.

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Vietnamese Rainbow Noodle Bowls

- Amanda

Are you missing traveling these days? I definitely am. I don’t even need some far away exotic location, though. I think right about now I’d be pretty happy with a trip to a cafe right here in Istanbul for some good eats and a little chit-chat with girlfriends. Funny (and kind of nice) how all this change in life has made us really grateful for the little things and hopefully learn not to take them for granted. Perhaps for most (fingers-crossed,) that will be a long-lasting effect of life post Covid-19, if we ever get there.

For now though, while we are mostly stuck at home, maybe we can find other ways to travel. I know for me, food is always an easy way to be transported to another beloved or bucket list locale. One of the places in the former category for me is Vietnam. About 8 years ago this exact time of year, K & I were lucky enough to take a month long trip to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia. Circumstances had caused us to cancel our initial honeymoon to Mauritius where the itinerary consisted of mostly relaxing on a beach. And as a result, when we were able to take the trip 8 months later, we were able to think about what we might rather do instead.

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Tuna Pan Bagnat

- Amanda

Need a delicious and easy idea for a perfect summer weekend meal? Well today is your lucky day because this Tuna Pan Bagnat is just that. It’s tasty, packed with flavor and not fussy at all. You can use whatever you have, leave out what you don’t, substitute away and voila. Hot weather cooking and eating at it’s best. And want to make this ahead of time or take it to the park for a picnic? No problem. It’s meant to be made in advance, as the longer it sits, the better it gets. And it’s the definition of picnic food since it doesn’t have mayo, and can stay out of the fridge for a decent amount of time.

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