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Block Party

kenilworth shotTwo houses and seven years ago I lived on one of those blocks where block parties were a regular event. As long as the weather was nice we were out there sharing great food and hanging out. I was very sad to leave that street, I’d never had that kind of neighborhood experience before, and though since I’ve left many people have also moved away, I still keep in touch with many of them. This was the kind of street, and these were the kind of people that if an emergency came up you could hand your beloved child to any one of them and know she’d be in good hands.

A few weeks ago I heard from my former neighbor Sara, inviting me to a Kenilworth block party. Though I’ve been back a few times to visit this was the first block party I was going to since my unhappy departure. I was excited about seeing old friends  and looking forward to what was sure to be some great food.

Back when I was living there Melody was famous for her amazing salads. It was she who taught me the trick of making a killer salad; one fruit, one nut and one cheese, and I’ve stuck with that winning formula ever since. Melody and her family no longer live there, so no great salad.

There was a yummy asparagus galette-type item (the best thing I tried). Someone made a hot buffalo chicken dip which was interesting, but more like a casserole than a dip. There were a few pasta salads, and some homemade desserts. Someone actually called and had pizza delivered which was a first for me. I had been hoping Rueben would make his wonderful smoked salmon, but either I missed it, or he didn’t make it. No ribs, no barbecued chicken, but there were tons of kids, a mini pool and a fun time was had by all.

Though I don’t consider myself particularly competitive when it comes to food I feel I need to perform. I figured a salad of some sort would be good, so I looked through my cupboards and found lentils and quinoa, and the concept for my salad was born. I wanted some crunchy veggies, fresh herbs and feta, and ended up with something reminiscent of the Near East Tabbouleh salad that I grew up on.

The salad was a hit with kids and adults, and though people were guessing what was in it, no one identified the mint. Clearly it’s not overpowering, but it adds a freshness that’s great in a summer salad. Do you have a go to salad you take to summer potlucks or block party types of events?

Quinoa and Lentil Salad

Quinoa and Lentil Salad
Serves 8-10
Prep time 1 hour
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 1 hour, 30 minutes
Dietary Vegetarian
Meal type Lunch, Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish
Misc Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa (washed and toasted)
  • 8oz green lentils
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
  • 1/2 Medium cucumber (peeled and seeded, and cut into 1/2)
  • 4oz feta cheese (cut into 1/2)
  • 4 scallions (sliced thin)
  • 1 bunch Italian parsely (rough chopped)
  • 1 Small bunch of mint (about 12 leaves, cut into chiffonade)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch fresh ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions

Quinoa
Step 1
To wash quinoa put it into a bowl of cold water and swish it around with a whisk until it starts to foam
Drain and change water and swish again
Drain quinoa
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add wet quinoa
Toast quinoa stirring constantly until it starts to brown and you hear it popping (you will definitely hear it)
Add quinoa to 2 cups of boiling salted water and simmer covered for 15 minutes
Fluff, and cool
Lentils
Step 2
Add lentils to 2-3 cups of salted water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes
Drain and let cool
Salad assembly
Step 3
Combine cooled quinoa and lentils in a large bowl
Add scallions, cucumbers, mint and most of the parsley reserving some for a garnish
Step 4
In the bowl of a food processor combine lemon juice, oil and mustard with salt and pepper
Toss salad with dressing
Chill and serve

 

 

 

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  • June 8, 2015 - 7:44 am

    Peggy Gilbey McMackin - Although we’ve stopped doing block parties in my neighborhood, it’s always been and is today the kind of place where kids play together and long term friendships flourish, folks always willing to lend a hand, take in mail, or do all sorts of odd favors, the kind of place people don’t want to leave even when perhaps they would like to get something smaller, so I know what you mean on the good neighbors and get-togethers. Your salad looks lovely and I’m sure it was a hit. Have a great week Nancy. Hope to see you at the Conshohocken Brewery. Let me know if I can give you a train pick-up!ReplyCancel

    • June 9, 2015 - 6:50 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Peggy, I think those kinds of connections are so important to kids. My daughter has really missed that as we’ve moved to different streets.ReplyCancel

  • June 8, 2015 - 4:43 pm

    Chronicallysickmanicmother - Okay this sounds like something I will have to make soon. Its in the ninties by like two seconds after we wake up already so this sounds perfect. I like the subtlitly of mint. No one ever believes me it can be subtle maybe this will convince them.ReplyCancel

    • June 8, 2015 - 8:00 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - It is very tasty. We just had it for dinner tonight as well! Please let me know what you think.ReplyCancel

  • June 9, 2015 - 6:09 am

    Erin - I grew up on a block like this and had at least two extra moms and a whole gaggle of kids to roam and play with. Your post bring back so many memories of both spontaneous and planned gatherings, full of food and socializing. We just moved to a new block in Fishtown in the fall and even though there are no connecting back yards, we do borrow cups of sugar and each other’s car, and my kids can safely stop in at two houses anytime. I love being back in this environment! AND, one of the neighbors is a fabulous chef who spontaneously stops by with samplings of his latest creation. Love it!ReplyCancel

    • June 9, 2015 - 6:48 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Erin, I do have a few friends nearby, but I miss that small block camaraderie I used to have. You’re lucky to be creating that in your new location.ReplyCancel

  • June 9, 2015 - 6:48 am

    Kelly - This looks great, Nancy. Pinned and tweeted. 🙂ReplyCancel

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