Tasty Summer Slaws

This is the season for no fuss cooking and easy eating. What better than to celebrate with a good old fashioned cole slaw. except these days, the hallowed shredded cabbage is anything but traditional and old fashioned. There are so many new takes s on it that it'll make that head of Savoy spin. You can have a good US flavor or try something international.

Basic cole slaw is easy to make. All you need is four to five cups of shredded cabbage and about three cups of shredded carrots. Mix in two table spoons of olive oil and mayo and a tablespoon of vinegar. However with any salad recipe you can vary it to give it zip and taste. I usually like mine with a good dollop of horseradish and lemon. These last add bite and lift just plain ordinary slaw into a phenomenal side. Other zesty add ins are sliced peppers, red pepper flakes and buttermilk.

Another spin on cole slaw is the actual cabbage itself. You can make it with the usual green and cut into thicker than usual for a chunky, crunchy salad. Cut into one in wide strips instead of shredding it. You can also substitute red cabbage for a different look and flavor. Red tends to be more intense and this works well with stronger vinaigrette's' including those made with balsamic vinegar. You can also mix the two colors together for a more colorful mix too,.

Summer is all about tasty salads and that includes cole slaw No summer meal would be complete without it. It'sfun and different, yet still good for you.

Teavana - Tea Heaven

There is a great store at my local mall called Teavana. They sell every kind of tea imaginable along with some very beautiful tea sets. This is also a great place to buy unusual teas and even sample them. Teavana also sells cups of cold and hot tea for those who like to have some while they window shop. (or good for breakfast which is whatI have it for when i have an early morning appointment at the mall's hair salon).

Teavana has an entire cornucopia of white, green, black and red tea. If you want to channel your inner Precious Ramotswe, the lead character from The First Ladies Detective Agency, then order some of the African bush or red tea. This is a strong , tasty brew that goes well hot or cold. There are plenty of green black and white teas too. This is also the perfect store for chai lovers. You can find so many different blends here. Prices aren't that bad and two ounce s of any tea will yield about forty cups.

The store also has beautiful tea cups and tea sets along with sweeteners, books and tapes. If you're looking for the perfect housewarming or even shower gift stop here. There is also a good array of expensive tea makers along with regular tea makers just under twenty dollars. Another plus is that the staff is helpful and can answer all your questions whether about the teas or the items.

Teavana is a great place to discover teas. You can stick with Earl Gray or go with a new flavor. This is a store every foodie should go and visit.