So, I think we should start this off on a note of honesty. I rarely make cured egg yolks because it calls for such an inordinate amount of sugar and salt and you can’t really reuse it once it has absorbed all of the moisture from the yolks. But if you have egg yolks that are still intact from making meringue or an egg white omelette, then this is one of the many things you can do with them. Remember, no yolk left behind.

I hated grapes as a kid but I made an exception for them if they were peeled. Yes, I was that kid and it still pertains to some tannic skinned fruits today. I also didn’t like the seeds which just made me all kinds of high maintenance for my mom when trying to get me to eat them – whether it be an afternoon snack or snook into my Marvel comic laced lunch box.

The winter entered through the back door a little prematurely. Autumn was slowly taking steps backward to make way for the hues of blue, the last leaves to fall away from the branches of soon-to-be withered trees. You know, the ones that cast shadows behind the street lights at night. I’ve become used to hearing the wailing of those who lament winter’s arrival; grumbling about how their desire for summer to come back because the spring time wreaks havoc on their allergies.

The Asheville Wine & Food Festival is right around the corner and my anticipation has reached a new level of out of control! Our Airbnb is booked and I won’t even begin to spill all the goodness about the cozy-decor-ed little apartment we scored! There’s just something about being in Asheville that makes you wonder why you haven’t been there all along, but don’t worry Nashville, I’m not leaving you! In anticipation for the food-coma of a festival I’ve whipped you up a vegetarian salad that will put a smile on your heart and keep you true to that summer diet. And revel in it guys because vegetarian options are a rarity here folks!