July 1st 2007

[Cara]

Thanks for hosting! This is a great idea. I am doing something similar on my blog, but with 5 ingredients. Fruits, nuts and cheese are such a great combo, I couldn't resist! I just posted my entree for chocolate goat cheese - cherry - almond truffles on my blog: http://carascravings.blogspot.com/2007/06/sexy-little-love-triangle.html

[Dharm]

I just wanted to say that I think all the entries so far are fabulous!  Not only is this a great idea but it is wodnerful to see so much creativty out there.  Aside from making lots of new friends, it is also a very humbling experience to see all the great talent that is out there!

[Cynthia]

When I heard what the main ingredients were for this our first Royal Joust, I set the Foodie Sidekick to work  and this is what she came up with, Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers. This was such a great find, each pepper was a meal in itself and if you don't want to use the peppers, the stuffing, baked, makes an excellent side dish. I adapted this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/greek-style-stuffed-peppers/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

[Queen]

There are some great recipes and pictures here! YUM!

Just a reminder that there are only 2 more days so submit your entry!

[Valli]

Hey Your Majesty,

I have resubmitted my recipe for "Dolmas Salad" for this month's Food Joust in the July 1st thread. This is one of my favourite salads. It has all the flavours of one of my favourite Mediterranean dishes "dolmades" without all the fuss!! It incorporates pine nuts, raisins and feta cheese. Let the games begin!!!!!

**Dolmas Salad**

1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (white and pale parts)
1 tablespoon oil
1-1/2 cups long grain rice
2-1/2 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 cup sliced preserved grape leaves (reserve 1/4 cup brine)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup grated goats milk feta
1 lemon, rinsed and quartered

***********************

In a 4 - 6 quart pan over medium heat, stir pine nuts and 1/4 cup green onions in oil until brown and onions are limp, about 5 minutes.

Stir in rice, chicken broth, grape leaves and reserved 1/4 cup brine, lemon juice, raisins, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender to bite, 30 -35 minutes.

Fluff rice mixture with a fork, stir in parsley, dill, and remaining 1/4 cup green onions. Let cool slightly and mix in feta cheese.

Mound salad on a platter and garnish with lemon quarters if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Serves 4 - 6

[Queen]

The WINNER of the first Royal Foodie Joust is Jennifer Of ...and the eggs  with the entry of
Scrumptious Camembert with Dried Fruit and Almonds. Followed in second place by Marye of Apron Stings and Simmering Things with Chevre, Date, and Walnut Empanadas with Mango Rum Coulis , followed in third place by Elly of Elly says Opa! with her Bruschetta "Pesto" Trio .


CONGRATULATIONS!

We had so many fabulous entries; it was so hard to choose a favorite! I thank everyone for their participation and I am really pleased with the number of entries we had and the delicious, inventive dishes everyone came up with!
I am looking forward to hearing what 3 ingredients Jennifer chooses for the next joust! The next joust begins once I announce the 3 ingredients and entries can be submitted on the August 1st thread until August 1st 10 PM US EST. The voting will take place for 5 days and the winner will be announced on August 6th! So enter to win today!