Simple Nicoise Salad.

When traveling in France, I enjoyed authentic Nicoise salads almost every day.  A local French bakery, Chez Arnaud serves a delicious Nicoise here at home.  I set out to create my own recipe, with a dressing that closely matches the flavor I have come to love, but without the anchovies.

Dressing (makes enough for 4 salads)

• 3 T olive oil
• 2 T lemon juice
• 2 T dijon mustard

Salad (ingredients for 1 serving)

• 2-3 cups mixed greens
• 8 green beans, cooked
• 3 small red potatoes, cooked and halved
• 1 hard boiled egg, sliced
• 3 ounces tuna
• 4 to 6 olives, mixed

For dressing, whisk together oil, lemon juice, and mustard. Set aside.  Arrange lettuce on plate or in a bowl.  Top with remaining ingredients. Serve with dressing on the side.

Potatoes & Sausage.

This was comfort food, all the way around.  I had some baby potatoes I wanted to use and had a craving for something a little salty. This is what resulted.

• 15 baby potatoes, in a variety of colors
• 3 Italian turkey brats, casing removed
• 6 green onions, chopped, including the green parts
• 1 tsp olive oil
• freshly grated ginger (optional)
• sea salt

Slice potatoes in half.  Boil until tender.  While potatoes are boiling, cook sausage in a small skillet, until browned and crumbly.  When potatoes and sausage are both cooked, transfer to a larger skillet.  Drizzle oil down the side of the pan and toss potatoes and sausage.  Cook about 5 minutes, until potatoes brown slightly.  Stir in green onions and cook 1 more minute.  Serve with grated ginger and a sprinkle of sea salt on top.