Melon and Prosciutto Arugula Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar #SundaySupper

Do you like my new blog design? I'm so excited! I've been on the fence for ever about upgrading my old school template that I've had for years. Yet something nagged me every time I went to purchase a professional design about spending money on a hobby. Also, I have spent countless hours designing and editing and re editing and redesigning my {old}  blog. It was kind of my baby, granted it had the face only a mother could truly love.
























Alas, I came across an amazingly talented graphics and web designer named Dana Fox of Envye. Her multitude of web designs and graphics were just what I was looking for and at a price that wouldn't take money away from my children's college fund (although child number 1 kind of ruined the whole ride on my parents shoulders through his freshmen year of college while I slack off more than fungus on a rock deal for the rest of the darlings) but we won't talk about that.


There are still a few fun features that I am working on like a Photo Recipe Page and cuter side titles and organization but I'm pretty thrilled with my clean, updated look, however simple and late to the game it may be. Simple is exactly how I roll. Name of the blog Yo  {missing Breaking Bad......}


Onto picnicky goodness. I have to say this is probably without a doubt the crazy easiest and also most surprisingly delicious recipes I've ever made. I got up at an un-Godly hour this morning to go to work and saved a life via a total knee replacement and yet another by assisting in the removal of a bum gall bladder. Afterwards, I managed to drag myself to the grocery store in the 110F disgusting heat, talk myself out of going Cost Plus Market to purchase a melon baller, picked up a couple of melons and some prosciutto and then came home to take a 2 hour nap (don't judge) and still throw together this salad.



It's that simple.

Just in the nick of time too! I woke up tired and a wee bit cranky and if there had been a tub of ice cream in my freezer I might have resorted to having that for dinner (hiding in the closet from the kids of course).  5 ingredients later and I was savoring crisp, sweet melon, salty and slightly sinful prosciutto, peppery arugula and sweet, thick, real strawberry balsamic vinegar. I love me.


P.S. I get my oils and vinegars from a local shop called Olive Creations which is my idea of an adult version of the best candy shop in the world. I got this strawberry balsamic vinegar there which is perfect in summer salads, they have peach too. I got a maple balsamic vinegar during the fall season which I drizzled on ham and sweet potato casserole alike. I always have their basic olive oil on hand for salad dressings as well as infused oils like garlic, rosemary, lemon (for fish) and several others. I never knew how rancid store bought olive oil was or how sickly sweet and fake balsamic vinegars were until I happened upon the real thing.

This salad was the star at our dinner table tonight but it's really a tribute to Independence Day, Picnics, family and living life simply and gratefully. I'm so thrilled to be a part of the Sunday Supper Movement and all that it stands for. A big, virtual hug to Jane at Jane's Adventures in Dinner who is gracious enough to host this weeks Sunday Supper in honor of Independence Day and celebrating with our loved ones picnic style.

TIME     10 MINUTES           SERVES     10 as an appetizer

You Will Need

1 cantaloupe melon, cut into small square (or cute flower shapes :)
1 honeydew melon, cut into small square (or cute flower shapes :)
4 slices of prosciutto cut very thin by your deli counter person
4 big handfuls of baby arugula (much less bitter than regular arugula)
1/2 cup of red onion sliced thinly
drizzle with strawberry balsamic vinegar

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our href="
http://pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/sundaysupper/">#SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: href="http://sundaysuppermovement.com/forums/">Sunday Supper Movement.











Enough Picnic Inspiration to last you a hundred picnics! Check out these talented bloggers for some perfect picnic food.





Here's the html:

Beverages

• Orange Blossom Iced Tea by girlichef
• Red, White, and Blue Sangria by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Rosemary Nectarine Sparkling Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
• Best Picnic Wines by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Appetizers

• Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls by Daily Dish Recipes
• Peppadew Dip by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Savory Red, White, and Bleu Truffles by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Mains

• Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche by Mess Makes Food
• London Broil with Caramelized Red Onions by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Stilton Potato and Stilton Pies by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce by Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Sides

• Mushroom and Gruyere Cheesecake by Peaceful Cooking
• Scotch Eggs by Small Wallet, Big Appetite

Salads

• Caprese Pasta Salad by La Bella Vita Cucina
• Farro & Walnut Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
• Fruit Tortellini Salad by Jelly Toast
• Gluten Free Potato Salad by Gluten Free Crumbley
• Japanese Noodle Salad by Noshing With The Nolands
• Kale and Quinoa Tabbouli by Healthy. Delicious.
• Layered Chicken Salad by Nosh My Way
• Lightened Up Macaroni Salad by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Loaded Potato Salad by Granny's Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
• Mexican 3 Bean Salad by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
• Old Fashioned Potato Salad by Life Tastes Good
• Orzo Salad with Kale Pesto by Cooking Chat
• Pizza Pasta Salad by Curious Cuisiniere
• Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
• Tomato Bean Salad by Family Foodie
• Tuna Noodle Salad by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Vegetable Salad by Magnolia Days
• Veggie Pasta Salad by Pescetarian Journal
• Watermelon and Feta Salad with Verjus by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Sandwiches and Wraps

• Pan Bagnat by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Panino con la Salamella by Manu's Menu
• Roast Beef Wraps by Cookin' Mimi

Sweets

• Banana Pudding Cheesecake by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
• Berry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups {#glutenfree option} by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Cherry Chip Blossom Cupcakes by NinjaBaking.com
• Cherry Pie Crumb Bars by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
• Chocolate Chunk Brownies by What Smells So Good?
• Chocolate Syrup Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chocolate Zucchini Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Alida's Kitchen
• Flag Cake by Pies and Plots
• Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies by Feed Me, Seymour
• Red, White, and Blue Berry Angel Food Cake Parfaits by Neighborfood
• S'mores Crumb Bars by The Redhead Baker
• Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta by Simply Gourmet
• Strawberry Banana Oat Muffins by Sue's Nutrition Buzz

The Ultimate Summer { #fourthofJuly } Roundup.

from beach totes and sunglasses to picnic treats and beach games, I gotcha covered.

My must have summer {4th of July} Picks!






These colorful Wow Rackets are just the thing for outdoor fun! They make a   booming  noise whenever they hit the included ball or birdie, they're just the thing for noisy, far-flung fun.

 

This  Cherry Red Retro Cooler  is not only  obviously  awesome and unique but will be the envy of all of your guests. 

My  l.o.v.e. / obsession for all things retro and vintage means this picnic basket  stole my heart. Reminiscent of 1950's popular originals and updated with a fresh fruit design. Its chic retro appeal is the perfect companion for picnics or other outdoor events, with solid wood handles that fold down for easy carrying, plenty of storage space and a durable metal construction. 

Did I mention it's under $15?!!

You can't officially have a lazy summer day without a hammock. Don't have trees to hang one from? Me neither.  No worries, this beautiful hammock swings on a gorgeously crafted Cypress wood stand.


snooze  worthy. 

Escape to your favorite summer getaway with  this Sand Dollar Bracelet, handmade from sand gathered from your choice of one of 1,800 picturesque world beaches.  I love the clean, simpleness  of this bracelet. 

And how about some FREEBIES?  I thought so. 

Printable 4th of July Ice Cream Cone Wrappers.

and




this collection of free Fourth of July Fonts.

this DIY no Sew Beach Tote.    loveliness that even I can create!

Fashion. 

As far as fashion goes, I'd like to say I'm comfortably stylish when I'm not wearing hospital acquired scrubs or {mommy required} yoga pants.  Maxi skirts, tank tops, chunky jewelry involving and centering around turquoise and other stones and thin, not to loose sweaters are my go to weekend outfits.

Like this 

and this

and also this

I'm Currently Coveting these Tom Ford Sunglasses which have been spotted on   (like I care)  Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron (girl crush), Brad Pitt and Anjelina Jolie.

   I just think they're   Ho   capitol  T.

and last but not least....  the food, glorious food.

Summer foods have always been a favorite of mine, I think probably because they involve a lot of Popsicles, fruit and Popsicles. All of which I prefer to eat by the pool or on a beach chair with a floppy hat.





P.S. Big floppy hats and sunglasses required.

Picnic  Worthy Garden Pasta Salad  and  Fresh Fruit Kabobs.

Cute factor.  Hand Made Wooden Utensils and Patriotic Paper Straws.

This set of 4 Stars and Stripes Napkins to add a bit of retro flare to your picnic table. and an  oversized, monogramed picnic blanket to snuggle on.

Lastly,


The splurge worthy, in the name of  Patriotism.... of course.  Strawberry-Blueberry Cheesecake Trifles. and these cute  Fire Works Cookies (with easy tutorial).



















































and so, so  much more.............



wishing you a very relaxing summer my friends!

PICOBLAT : What you need to bring to your next picnic! #PicnicGame

Somebody told me that today was the halfway marker of summer on the calendar. That someone has also has only lived in The Valley of the Sun for exactly 3.5 months. Ummm,  did the nickname "The Valley of the Sun" not clue you in? I was sorry to burst his shiny, happy yet clueless bubble but summer unofficially or not starts in mid April and ends at the very tail end of October here in Phoenix. Prepare yourself.






I did clue him into a little known secret that apparently is well kept by us Zonies. There is relief from the scorching heat only a stones throw away via the I-17. Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Greer and other retreat from the heat towns are a minimum of a 2 hours drive North from Phoenix. And....... wait for it........... there are a handful of beautiful bodies of water known as creeks and lakes scattered amidst the desert mountains (puddles in comparison to the Midwestern lakes but we love them nonetheless).

"Puddles" of water that are perfect for a day trip, beat the heat picnic getaway. We are masters of this scenario. We pack mostly healthy snacks to last all day long, plenty of water and fish bait to keep the kids entertained.

I have to say that as a Native Arizonan, I haven't shared some of my most favorite places to picnic or camp with the newbies because let's face it, tourists can cramp your style and solitude is nothing short of a blessing when you live a hectic life in the city. I will however share with you a picture or two of our latest stumble upon spot somewhere along the Mogollon Rim, pronounced,  /mʌɡɨˈjoʊn/ or /moʊɡəˈjoʊn/) or /mɒɡɒdʒɔːn


Did that help?

So what do I bring on road trip picnics? Fruits, veggies, cheeses and PICOBLAT, of course. 

An acronym for 

P eppers
I talian dressing
C ilantro
O nion
B lack beans
L ime juice
A vocado
T omatoes


When put all together and let to marinade for a day equals the perfect picnic food.
No need for instructions on this, it's really super simple and you can add as much or as little as you prefer of each ingredient, although I do recommend going easy on the Italian dressing (house/creamy style) and heavy on the lime juice. Also, if you use canned black beans, you want to drain them first. I also add chopped jicama to this more often than not which adds the crunch factor.

Need more ideas and inspiration for you summer picnicking? Check out these fabulous recipes perfect for summer noshing.




Today we are celebrating International Picnic Day by bringing you a basket packed with goodies from A to Z, in the style of the picnic game! Drop by the Sunday Supper Movement to see the whole picnic spread out on our virtual blanket.

I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing...
Asian Chicken Salad from Try Anything Once Culinary
Beautiful Beet Salad from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Chicken Muffuletta from Marlene Baird
Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups from The Dinner-Mom
Elote from Peaceful Cooking
Fennel Slaw from FoodieTots
Greek Farro Salad from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Honey Porter Glazed Chicken and Vegetable Skewers from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Italian Pasta Salad from Casa de Crews
Japanese Plum Sushi from NinjaBaking.com
Kudos Kitchen Kolaches from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Lemon Yogurt Bundt Cake from In The Kitchen With KP
Molasses Lovers Baked Beans from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Northern Bean Salad with Egg and Prosciutto from Family Foodie
Orzo Salad from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
PICOBLAT from Simply Healthy Family

Red Chile Shredded Chicken Tacos. How to win over your man's stomachand steal his heart #SundaySupper

I had all intentions of writing a mushy gushy, what a great guy my husband is post for Father's Day. That is until I calmly excused myself from the dinner table and stated that I needed to make sure my Sunday Suppers Father's Day post was up to par and ready to post and said dear husband stated, "You still need to finish it? What have you been doing in there all afternoon?"  The nerve.


I suppose I'll forgive him (shhh, don't tell him that ;) seeing as that he's a pretty amazing guy and an even more amazing dad to our 4 rug rats (teenager included). I'll skip all the mushy gushy and just post 2 of my favorite pictures/moments of my love being the wonderful father that he is.

Daddy's little girl. Period. With 3 older brothers, this little girl is no short of spoiled. And while I may spoil her with an extra pair of shoes (or 3) and the all too necessary accessories every 4 year old needs, her daddy spoils her rotten with every last bit of his adoring affection and attention. 

I mentioned those 3 older brothers right? Well, here they are in all of their glory. Amen. (roll of the eyes as exaggerated as possible). This is how we do Christmas at our house. Classy huh? Nonetheless, boys have some crazy, deeply embedded and apparently unbreakable need to roll around on the floor and wrestle with each other that I will never, ever, ever understand. Which is why I'm glad they have a father who is every bit as goofy and immature ummmm, playful and physical as my boys are.


My poor couch.....

P.S. This all started because cocky teenager below (not so difficultly) provoked a contest to see who was more awesome...... in boy standards.  *sigh

So why did I choose these Red Chile Chicken Tacos for Father's Day? Well, this is the very first meal that I made for my sweetie when we were dating 13 years ago and I'm pretty sure it's why he asked me to marry him. All I know is he came over for dinner, devoured about a dozen (seriously) of these tacos, a few cold Corona's and the next day, from out of town with his buddies, I received a dozen of the most gorgeous long stem roses I've ever seen and a sweet love note (tacos mentioned).


Men. If you want to win them over, its their stomachs you must appease.

I'm telling you, this is my secret, signature recipe. Quite honestly, it should have been the very first recipe I posted here on Simply Healthy Family seeing as that I was asked often by friends and family for the recipe and got tired of jotting it down and even secretly making it for a girlfriend of mine for her fiancé and passing it off as her own (and she's Hispanic! :)

These are pretty fabulous not only because they are tasty but because they could not be easier to make. I've waited 13 years to share these with the world and I couldn't be more excited. 

A pressure cooker (or a big pot of boiling water)
4 big (boneless, skinless) chicken breasts
2 cans El Pato
3 cups Canola oil for frying tortillas + 3 tablespoons for frying onions and chicken
20 corn tortillas
1 small yellow onion, diced
handful of cilantro
Avocado, shredded cheese and sour cream for garnish
Ice Cold Cerveza

Throw chicken breasts into a hot pressure cooker, secure lid and bring to 2nd ring. Reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes if frozen, 7 if thawed. Let pressure come down by removing from heat.   Boil chicken for 15-18 minutes if you don't have a pressure cooker. Remove chicken breasts and place in a Kitchen Aide Mixer (or similar) with the cookie dough attachment. (see my post here on this neat little trick on how to shred chicken in 30 seconds).  
Pour chicken broth from pressure cooker into a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the pot with a paper towel and return to medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons oil to pot, let heat for a few minutes then add chopped onion. Cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and translucent. Add shredded chicken to pot and toss to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes, toss and cook a few minutes more. Pour in El Pato chile sauce and toss to coat. Cook a few minutes till heated through.  Meanwhile, in a small sauce pot, heat 1/2 of the oil over medium high heat. Using tongs and a fork, carefully place tortillas, one at a time into the pot of oil. Using the tong and fork shape them into tacos. Remove from oil when golden brown and crispy. Place on a pile of paper towels to drain. Scoop chicken into taco shells, garnish as you please. 

Check out what other bloggers are making their men for Father's Day!





Manly Starters:

• BBQ Chicken Nacho by Country Girl in The Kitchen
• Beer Battered Fried Mushrooms by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Burrata Bresaola and Arugula Appetizer by Family Foodie
• Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce by Hip Foodie Mom
• Chipotle Pork Belly-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers by The Redhead Baker
• Coconut Beer-Battered Prawns with Spicy Marmalade by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Devils on Horseback by Nosh My Way
• Fried Pickles by Cookin’ Mimi
• Garlic and Herb Wine Jelly by What Smells So Good?
• Maple Sriracha Chicken Wings by Manu’s Menu
• Tomato Bacon Jam by Feed Me, Seymour

Manly Mains:

• Bacon Bourbon BBQ Burgers by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Bacon Cheeseburger Crustless Quiche by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Beef Barbacoa by Casa de Crews
• Beef Short Rib Sandwich by Life Tastes Good
• Beer Brats with Pepper Relish by Jelly Toast
• Beer Can Chicken by Curious Cuisiniere
• Chicago Style-Pizza by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Chili Dog Casserole by Simple Gourmet
• Chipotle Pork Chops by girlichef
• Coconut & Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Colossal Burger by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• Gluten Free Lemon Pepper Wings by Gluten Free Crumbley
• Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pizza by Peaceful Cooking
• Grilled Lobster with Miso Butter by Kimchi MOM
• Grilled Sweet Guava Chicken by The Foodie Army Wife
• Ham and Pineapple Pizza Pockets by gotta get baked
• Huevos Rancheros Casserole by Pescetarian Journal
• Lacquered Short Ribs in the Slow Cooker by Shockingly Delicious
• Maple Chipotle Barbecue Pork Tenderloin by Flavor Mosaic
• Meatball Burger on Garlic Bread by Healthy.Delicious.
• Mom’s Slow Roasted Brisket by Food Lust People Love
• Perfectly Pan Seared Steak by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
• Pollo al Peperoncino by Run DMT
• Polish Coal Miner Piggies (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls- Golabki) by Rants from my Crazy Kitchen
• Red Chile Shredded Chicken Tacos. How to win over your man’s stomach and steal his heart. by Simply Healthy Family
• Ropa Vieja by Meal Diva
• Salt of the Earth Ribs by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Salisbury Steak w/ Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Smoked Turkey Drumsticks by Cindy’s Recipes and Writing
• Stuffed Chipotle Bacon Cheese Burgers by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Stuffed Pork Chops by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Tex-Mex Gut Buster Chili by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• The Cleveland Hogg Burger by Seduction in the Kitchen

Manly Desserts:

• Beer Funnel Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc.
• Black Forest Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
• Carob Chip Cookies by Pies and Plots
• Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread by Ninjabaking.com
• Classic Cheesecake by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
• Fat Man’s Pie by Magnolia Days
• Mandarin orange cake aka southern pig pickin’ cake by Baking & Browning
• Pizookies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Grilled Pound Cake Stacks with Roasted Strawberries by Melanie Makes
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie With Mascarpone Cream by La Bella Vita Cucina

Wine Pairings for Man Food #SundaySupper byENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our#SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.