Fig, Grape and Spinach Salad and the 2013 Campania Food & Wine Event in Sorrento & Amalfi Coast


I believe the cold has really landed on our doorstep. Our big inflatable pool is officially down and has been spewing out water since yesterday. A season finished is a season gained in memories. Even if I flew through summer this time, I think I was able to shelve some significant moments. I am constantly reminded by people with grown-up kids that I should cherish all the moments with my kids while they are young. After handling a party of super-active 8-year old males the other day, who did somersaults in the pool, threw water bombs all afternoon and other unimaginable acrobatic things that only 8-year olds can do, I was ready to throw in the towel. The advice we got that afternoon- cherish it!



Even if the warm days are over, I still enjoy salads anytime of the year and here is a wonderful dish with the season's crops.  Fig season is almost ending and before these wonderful fruit vanishes again, here is a simple and delicious idea on how to enjoy them. These figs were the last yields of our tree. Putting them from the tree straight to the plate (after washing!) is one of the special aspects of home-grown food. Nothing can combat that quality.


Campania Food & Wine Tour. Home-grown. Quality local food and wine. Made in Campania.  That is what the upcoming event in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast is all about. The Amalfi Coast is known all over the world for its beautiful coastline, beaches and mild weather but it offers much more than that. Alongside the picturesque scenery, the food, wine, art and history pair well with the perfect surroundings. There are a lot more to enjoy in that perfect little spot in Italy that we call the Amalfi Coast. With this event, you will get to know them more.

From the 19th of September until the 21st of 2013 (that's already this week!), 30 of the most important hotels, restaurants and shops in the region alongside the Campania region, are hosting an enogastronomic event to promote the best of Campania. It will be 3 days dedicated to food, wine, art and culture and I can foresee that it will be quite an event! Click on this link to take you to their website (in Italian). 

Enjoy quality and home-grown food! I hope you enjoy this salad too!



Fig, Grape and Spinach Salad

Ingredients:
Serves 2

  • 2 - 3 figs, quartered
  • 12 (more or less) grapes, halved
  • Spinach 
  • 1/4 cup walnuts 
  • 1/8 cup squash seeds
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
Directions:
  1. Mix the spinach, figs, grapes, squash seeds and walnuts on a plate.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and salt. Adjust the taste.
  3. Pour the dressing on the salad when ready to eat.