“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.”
The 10 days that I’ve spent in Jersey have been extremely tough for my family and me. My grandma passed away last Friday. To be honest, at the moment I don’t feel like writing about my heart aching. I’d rather talk about cute babies, my wonderful family, and a yummy kale salad, so that is what I’m sharing with you today.
On a positive note, going through this has reminded me what an amazing family I have. I am so grateful and lucky to have my wonderful family and to be close with them. Given the reason I flew to the east coast, I spent a lot of time at the hospital and hanging out with family members, and the quality time I got to spend with them was nice.
And seriously, how cute are my nephews?!
I got to meet the youngest munchkin this trip, and my oldest nephew (a 2/12 year old) and I had a lot of time to bond and hang out. He has the cutest personality ever, and seeing the babies has been a lot of fun.
Enjoying the sunset with my nephew Brayden the day after my grandma passed
Given the circumstances, there have been lots of get togethers with loved ones — which means lots of good food with good company. I got to do a nice amount of cooking and baking, and it made me feel better because a.) being in the kitchen soothes me, and b.) feeding loved ones was my grandma’s favorite thing to do.
The day after she passed away, my siblings and their significant others and kids, my aunts, uncles, and grandpa all came over my parents’ house to celebrate her life by hanging out eating and drinking together. She loved us all being together and I think it’s what she would have wanted us to do. At nighttime, we all sat by my parents’ fire pit in the backyard and toasted to her with champagne.
One of the things I whipped up for the occasion was kale salad with strawberries, goat cheese and almonds. I was determined to make a few people like kale who told me they weren’t so sure about it, so I made sure to do some extra massaging of the kale with the dressing to ensure it was nice and tender. It turned out to be a big hit, and I definitely think I’ll be making it again very soon.
Kale Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese & Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of kale
- 2 oz of creamy goat cheese with honey plain goat cheese also works
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup + 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop the kale. Transfer to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. Sprinkle a few shakes of sea salt into the mix.
- Pour the dressing onto the kale, and begin to massage the kale. Rub the dressing into the kale for at least 5 minutes to help it become more tender.
- Toast the almonds until lightly browned, then add to the kale. Slice the strawberries and add to the salad as well.
- Break the goat cheese into small chunks and add to the salad. Sprinkle more sea salt to taste and toss everything well.
Question: What’s your favorite salad combo?
Can you believe I’ve never tried kale?! I hate admitting it, but I’m kinda scared of it! Haha
I’m glad you were able to be with your grandma and family before and after she passed. Bittersweet times I’m sure. Praying for ya! 🙂
Kale can definitely be a bit intimidating. Maybe try it in a restaurant first, and if you like it you can work towards prepping it at home?!
Thank you Nikki.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother Nicole. But I’m happy to see that you got some quality time with your family and those adorable nephews! You can definitely tell that you’re related. 🙂
I think that kale salad would win anyone over! I’ll have to remember that one the next time I know someone who needs convincing. 😉
Thank you Sarah!
Yup, I think I convinced them that kale is not bad 🙂
Oh Nicole I’m so so sorry. You’re right, your nephews are adorable!
Thanks Ali.
Aww yes they are cuties!
I’m sorry about your grandma, love! But it’s true that in the toughest of times, one of the blessings of this is family coming together! I remember at my grandmother’s funeral a few years ago it was sad but it also meant my family was coming to town (I was living in NYC and my grandmother lived in Jersey) and it was wonderful to see my nephew who I hadn’t seen in almost a year then. You always have to look for the good in the bad. Looks like you’ve got that covered though!
Thanks Davida, I appreciate it. Yeah, I’m certainly trying to look on the bright side. It’s a tough time for me but I feel so blessed to have my family.
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother Nicole. She passed on knowing that she was loved and surrounded by her family. You have such a beautiful, loving family with adorable nephews!
I love your kale salad! It is the perfect mix of sweet and savory!
Thank you so much.
I love sweet and savory salad… strawberries and goat cheese in salad is one of favorite combos to do that!
I’m sorry about your grandma. It hurts, and I’m glad your whole family is together to help everyone through it. On a happy note, I love this recipe and can’t wait to try it 🙂
Thank you, yes that is certainly true.
Hope that you try the recipe out!
This was so cute Nik! I loved it!!
Thanks! And now you can see the exact recipe 🙂