Cabbage, Fennel, and Citrus Salad

I always try to make a list before going to the grocery store to avoid impulse purchases. Yet, sometimes I see something like blood oranges, which I don't find often, and my willpower fades. Suddenly, there are six of them coming home with me, even though I have no idea what I am going to do with them. When I first picked them up I had thought that I might make something sweet like panna cotta. I never guessed that they would all end up in a salad of one form or another. The truth is, I went back and bought more. I've totally fallen in love with citrus salads this winter. This one is no exception, not to mention it also comes from an amazing cookbook. I'll be honest, I bought this one for the photos, but it has turned out to be so much more. I already have several more recipes tagged to try. If this salad is any indication of what is to come, I'm in for some good eating. What have you been doing with your citrus this winter? I'd love to hear about it in the comments section.

Apple, Pecan, and Chicken Wraps

It only seems fitting to start the blog entries with a Pearce adaptation. When we were in New Hampshire we stopped at the Moat Mountain Smoke House and Brewing Company. David and I both ordered the Grilled Chicken Wrap with Sweet Potato fries. We also both enjoyed a glass of their I.P.A. with our meal. When our meal came I was surprised because not only was this the cheapest meal we had on our vacation, but it was also the tastiest. I had to get a copy of the menu to take a look at what I was eating again! Here was the description: Grilled Chicken Wrap with Apples, Pecan, and a Molasses Peppercorn Vinaigrette. With not a whole lot to go on... I did a little searching to find a recipe for Molasses Peppercorn Vinaigrette and with a little experimentation I was able to get pretty close to recreating these yummy wraps at home. Last night was the second time I made them. My tweaks to my original recipe did not work out so well, so here is how I did it the first time: