A summer staple: Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I vividly remember eating my mom's chicken salad when I was in the 6th grade playing softball on one of our towns leagues. I wasn't particularly good, and was always slightly jealous of the girls who got McDonalds for dinner.

Now older and wiser, I'm even more thankful for that summer meal on the go and look forward to the warm evenings where I have a sandwich for dinner.

Boiled or grilled chicken

Halved grapes

Chopped walnuts 

Salt

Mayonaise or half and half mayo/plain greek yogurt

Easy enough.

Fava Beans: a bean within a pod within a pod

Challenge accepted.

 I've never cooked fava beans before, and most recipes I found described the process as slightly tedious.

Despite the warning, I got out my knife and started de-podding round one.

After a quick dip in some boiling water the beans were ready for their second round of de-podding.

A term I clearly made up.

 Fava beans alone have a pretty bold flavor so I opted to keep the dish fairly simple, adding a few mediterranean herbs, garlic, olive oil, and then topping off with some chicken and parmesan cheese.

 I've lucked out in having an amazing guinea pig with no food aversions, no allergies and an appreciation for nearly everything I cook.

This was one of his favorites.

Favas were a bit laborious, but well worth it!!

This week I was lucky enough to pick up my coworker's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) vegetable share.

Every Thursday there is a new lot of fresh vegetables, a chart to tell you how much to take and the feeling that you're supporting local farmers.

This weeks pick up point was at Prince George, just across the the street from my office. I brought my vegetable loving co-worker Tanya to help me corral my leafy greens.

Here is what was harvested this week:

 Collard Greens

 Garlic

Red Leaf Lettuce 

 Turnips

 Fava Beans

Garlic Scapes

I actually have not cooked half of these vegetables, so before prep work can begin I have some research to do!

An Austin, TX flash back

From the people that brought you the fried chicken and waffle truck,

I introduce to you waffles with peanutbutter, nutella, and bananas.

I make this as a dessert, and it's always a crowd pleaser.

 I use Trader Joe's freezer waffles.

Finger lickin' good!

A snack that is observed but not tasted.

 Sardines are a type of small, oily fish rich in nutrients, they don't carry that fishy smell that you would expect, but their can delivery still leaves you feeling a little "eh"

My co-worker Michael recently took to the kitchen and made a sardine appetizer for the daring.

Cracked pepper crackers

Tomato

Fresh lemon juice

Tzatziki

Sardines

Enjoy....

You know it's officially summer when you have tomatoes and mozzarella and call it a meal.

Add a little True Blood on a Sunday night, and it's an event.