Strawberry Sorbet

It's summer and that means strawberries are everywhere. I buy a lot of them, for an easy breakfast for me and the girls, so sometimes I'll have a package or two in the fridge, just languishing with nothing to do.





If you have somewhere fun and/or fancy to go, the Red Velvet Strawberry Short Cake is one way to go. Smoothies are another. Sorbet is yet another. And, what a way it is...





As with a lot of recipes I try, this one is from King Arthur Flour. Subscribing to their newsletters and paper catalogues are a sure way to get into trouble. And I mean that in the best way.





This amazing strawberry sorbet can be made as either a more granita-esque dessert or a more traditional churned concoction. I have only made the churned version, but I bet the other way is great, too. It calls for fresh lemon or lime juice, but I had most of a bottle of Key Lime Juice left over from the Key Lime Mousse Pie, so I used that instead. I think it offsets the sweetness from the simple syrup and berries very nicely.

I've made this twice and it's a cooling treat in this crazy, hot summer.

Smoked Turkey and Cheese Salad

Sometimes it's just too hot to cook. On those days, it's much easier to just pull a bunch of stuff out of the fridge and call it dinner. This recipe is perfect for such an occasion. Even better, you can throw the whole thing together the day before, and it tastes even better.

I got this from my stepmother, I have no idea where she got it. My brother says he has some kind of issue with a fruit/nut/meat combination, so he never ate it, but I more than made up for it.

Smoked Turkey and Cheese Salad
* 1 lb. smoked turkey breast, skin removed (I've also used roasted chicken and it's just as delicious)
* 1/2 lb. jack cheese
* 2 apples
* 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved if large
* 1 cup thinly sliced celery
* 1/2 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup cashews
* watercress or fresh greens
* 6 (or more) strips fried, crisp bacon (I'm lazy and use the pre-made stuff)

Tart-Sweet Dressing
* 1 cup mayonaise
* 1/3 cup yogurt
* 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
* 2 tbsp. honey
* salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare dressing first and chill at least 1 hour.
2. Toss the sliced turkey, cheese, apples, grapes, celery, raisins and nuts. Pour dressing over ingredients and toss to combine. Chill for 3 hours or overnight.
3. To serve, mound greens on plate and add bacon bits to top.