We're getting down to our last few weeks of enjoying the Cape house. It's hard to believe that we're so close to shutting things down. We won't be there these next few weekends as we have other things going on, but we definitely have a couple more days to enjoy it this fall. As much as I love the summer weather, this is some of the best time to spend on the Cape. The tourists have left and things are generally more relaxed. It's warm enough to hang outside for a bit, but at night we can bundle up by a roaring fire.
One of the weekends we have coming up is a trip to New York. Earlier this year, my parents got us tickets to see Fun Home for our anniversary. We decided on a matinee so that we'd have our night open. It's rare that we spend a night in New York, so I decided to try my hand at getting reservations at Le Bernardin, one of my bucket list restaurants. On September 1st, I called to see what we could get. Dial. Busy. Again... dial, busy. Again... and again. And again. After 40 minutes and over a hundred attempts, I finally got through. 5:30 or 10. Those were our options. I went with 5:30. Seeing that we're doing the tasting menu, I expect we'll be there for at least three hours. Then we'll have the night to walk around and check out some bars. Or we'll roll ourselves to bed and pass out at 9 o'clock.
So, let's see here. Where to begin with this salad? I went back and forth a bit about what direction I wanted to go with this. I had thought about adding all sorts of things to it, like broiled shrimp or quinoa or avocado, but when it came down to it I just wanted to provide something that could stand on its own or, if one felt so inclined could also add their other favorite toppings. This is not a salad that is lacking flavor. It's sweet, salty, smoky, creamy. It will leave your mouth tingly, but in the best possible way (thank you Chipotle Tabasco!).
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Tabasco. Over the course of the year, I've created recipes featuring the Tabasco Family of Flavors. All opinions expressed on my site are my own.
You can check out my recap from my trip to visiting Tabasco here and my recipes for Smokey Shrimp Burgers, a Watermelon Shrub Spritzer, and Charred Corn and Mango Salsa.
Red Kale and Grape Salad
Servings
Approximately 6 as a side, 4 as an entree (with additional toppings)
Ingredients
1 medium bunch red kale,stems removed and leaves torn into 2" pieces
1 cup seedless grapes, cut in half
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 teaspoons Chipotle Tabasco
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup roasted pistachios, shelled and chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Make the dressing by whisking together the sour cream, lemon juice, Chipotle Tabasco, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Pour dressing over kale and toss to coat. Add grapes.
3. Transfer to serving bowl and top with chopped pistachios.
Note: To turn it into an entree, top with shrimp, chicken, avocado, and/or quinoa.
