Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Story of the Little Black Dress and Homemade Pickle Salad





The Holidays are fast approaching. Christmas is exactly 44 days away for today!


A theme that seems to resonate through the holidays is the dreaded weight gain. (At least for me!) Let's face it; we are faced with a variety of eats, treats and drinks. The best made "waist watcher" plan goes out the window when you stand front and center of a fabulous holiday buffet table.



Before you know it, that little black dress you bought needs to be a bit bigger!



Oh yes, you can put your tennis shoes on and tack on another mile to your run.





Or you can vow to eat healthy for the days that the treats aren't calling your name.


Gin's Spicy Pickle Salad



1 pound salad cucumbers, sliced
2 large carrots, sliced
1/2 Daikon Radish, sliced
1 cup rice vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sea salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
 piece 2 inch fresh ginger, grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Fresh chopped cilantro

(1) In medium saucepan combine vinegar, sugar, salt, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. (2) Pour over vegetable mix and stir. (3) Move to refrigerator and marinate one hour stirring frequently. (4) Drain mix and toss with 1 teaspoon Sesame oil and top with fresh cilantro. (5) Enjoy!



I usually save the liquid and use it has a marinade for chicken, or as a base for homemade salad dressing.  It is savory and full of flavor and lends itself to a variety of uses.

This pickle salad is spicy, filling and can turn a mundane meal into something delectable without all the calories. You could have a little bowl before you head out to your holiday party to take the edge off your hunger.


With that being said, let the Holiday begin! :-)

13 comments:

  1. great salad, you can do it enjoy the holiday and watch ya weight i have every confidence in u

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  2. It's a lovely salad. A delight for the eyes and tired taste buds.

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  3. This salad would perk up the dullest day and rejuvenate the body and spirit.

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  4. Yum! I love all things pickled! I really love Daikon radishes too!

    It looks like you widened your blog??? Nice!

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  5. Perfectly light and tasty and guaranteed to keep you from bustin' outta that lil' black dress. Love it!

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  6. YUMMMMMMM!

    Oh yes, the holiday food.....love it but unfortunately my blogging and visiting other blogs already bit me in the butt and it wasn't even the holidays! LOL

    This recipe is a DEF keeper! Thanks Gin

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  7. The pickle salad sounds good. I am only starting to now enjoy pickeled veggies.

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  8. I vow for running and eating whatever the hell you want. This salad sounds super delicious , love pickled items, ingenious in a salad. Love the photo its so colorful and pretty.

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  9. I'm with Donna - run and eat!! Or in my case, row/fence and eat. For some reason it's working for me right now ;) As soon as I stopped counting calories and obsessing (about 4 weeks ago) I've dropped 6 pounds!

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  10. For the days when running is not an option-spending the day eating these pickled vegetables is a good alternative. This looks crisp, fresh and delicious. A great platter for the appetizer table!

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  11. This salad is an eye catcher and would definitely put a zip back in my do-da! Have you picked up your award from my Saturday post?

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  12. Ooooo This is a great little healthy dish! It's so colorful and alive.

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