Saturday...

It's such a lovely word. 

No matter what I have to do on any given Saturday, there is just something about the word that makes me relax and enjoy the day. 

I do have to work today but I did get to do some fun work last night...

This picture makes me laugh because as soon as I see it, all sorts of things pop into my head... geez, Carrie, how many rulers does it take to cut a couple of strips?  I seem to have more than I need.  And yikes!  That strawberry still needs a top!  Oh, and... errr, Carrie, when you're done with this project, make a note to clean that cutting mat.  Aster Manor... wait for me... I'm coming... you're almost next, I promise. 

Since I know you'll ask, the bundle behind the strawberries... that's the new Blackbird Designs collection, Old Primrose Inn.  It's really pretty... yeah, like you're surprised by that.  I don't have a clue what I'm going to do with it but I'm thinking on it.

Messy table... isn't it? 

Did you know that Albert Einstein had a super messy desk?  And that he kept it that way on purpose?  It helped him be brilliant...

I have to head off to work in a little bit but I did want to share one of my favorite summer recipes.  It works for lunch or dinner and it is good at room temperature or chilled. 

Tart Tuna and Orzo Salad

Serves about 8.

 

1 - 1/2 cups orzo pasta, dry

2 - 7 ounce cans of white tuna packed in water, drained and broken up

1 small red onion, thinly sliced or diced

1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes ~ I love using the grape/cherub tomatoes and cutting them in half

1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced ~ I love Kalamatas

1 cup chopped cucumbers ~ if you have them, use the Persian cucumbers with the skin on and cut them into small chunks

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ~ the flat-leaf Italian parsley is perfect

1/2 to 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 

Iceberg lettuce, chopped or sliced ~ optional

 

Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar

1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Cook the pasta until it is al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.  Drain again.

 

Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or whatever.

 

While the pasta is cooking, drain the tuna and put it in a large bowl ~ a really big bowl.  Add red onions, olives, cucumbers, parsley and cheese to bowl and mix.  Add cooked, drained and slightly cooled orzo to the bowl.  Pour on half the dressing and mix well.  Taste and add more dressing/salt/pepper as needed or desired. 

 

You can make a bed of chopped or sliced lettuce on a big platter and drizzle it with some of the remaining dressing.  Then mound the pasta salad in the center.  Serve any remaining dressing on the side.

 

Or you can skip the lettuce and just serve it like this. 

 

This was last night's dinner ~ and probably tonight's too. 

It's too hot to cook and after working all afternoon, I'm sure I won't feel like cooking.  And I can't just have leftover cake for dinner... or can I?

Comments

[nicolette]

Thanks for the delicious recipe... and the messy desk, which is not that messy at all! Mine is worse!

[Carrie]

Thanks for the yummy looking recipe, I will try it!! And I wish my desk was that messy, meaning, I wish I had that bundle of fabric and unfinished pin cushion on my messy desk. I love your new pincushions and look forward to seeing that new line too.

[Carol]

Oh yes...yummy cake for dinner...always can do that! LOL! Your salad sounds wonderful! You're creative, not messy.

[Cathy McMann]

Mmm, sounds good. I'm adding that to next week's menus.

[Lucy]

Your mat looks like mine -- I love all the stuff setting around it -- especially the wire basket with the fabric in it..very unique.

The dishes look so yummy. I admire anyone who cooks -- I'm so lousy at it.

[Laurie]

I am on my way to the grocery store right now to get orzo and black olives. Yum

[Jane]

Now see, from another person's perspective I thought "Gosh I wish my cutting table looked like that, so organized! If a messy cutting table is a sign of being smart, look out Einstein!" If I sent you a picture of mine you would die laughing at the sight and say gosh that woman needs help! The Strawberry pie looked wonderful, I will certainly have to make it! Thanks! Sweet Tea is also a must, I just need more time! Carrie, you are wonderful!

[a good yarn]

That's your idea of messy? Puuhhleeese! Love that wire basket and looking forward to seeing what you make with Old Primose Inn. Ann :)

[Nicole]

My dear, your space is Organized, not Messy. I have not been in my sewing room for days and days, and I am getting very homesick looking at your cutting table.

[Lisa D.]

I have to agree - your table looks neatly ordered to me. Can't wait to see what you're working on next!

[Heather]

I love Saturdays too, it's my favorite day! The recipe looks delicious, I'll have to try it out! And thanks for clueing me in on the Williams Sonoma sale, I stocked up this weekend. I couldn't work there, I'd never come home with money, just kitchen gadgets! :)

[Brenda]

Messy table, my eye! As far as I'm concerned, it's downright neat. It has much more empty space than filled space, and the only thing in your actual working area is the fabric you're cutting!

Unfortunately, I'm a piler. I think that's because I'm also a collector of stuff!! And I tend to have more stuff than places to keep it . A habit I'm working very hard to change.

[Maggie B]

Yum, Yum Yummy! Hey according to the messy table smartness level I should be beyond genious! yeah, right, ok I can be smart and not spell right! Hey Carrie just stopped by to say HI

[annieb]

What mess? We tried this orzo dish for dinner last night and it was a true blue winner! Now we have to make Rosie's stew for Chloe (our beutiful Golden!) and see if she likes it as much...

[kathie]

ok Carrie, ONE can never have enough rulers...
trust me on that one
oh I am so looking forward to the new fabric line by alma and barb!
wish that fat quarter bundle was at my house ;)
Kathie