Because January is Gray... My Favorite, and A Really Good Recipe

January in Utah can be pretty dreary. The weather is gray, gray, gray, every. single. day.

So, to find some sort of sunshine in the gloom, here are two of my favorite things right now. I hope they make your day brighter and your load lighter.

FIRST
As a mother I spend a lot of time in the kitchen with my hands in the sink. You too. :)

Dishes seem to appear out of thin air. It is still a mystery to me. Nevertheless, I feel like I am always doing dishes. This is only made more frustrating by lack luster scrub brushes. I like the kind that hold the soap. I have tried every brand made. Expensive, inexpensive, big and little. Brand name and no name. They have all adorned our kitchen sink. They all leak and the scrubbers always fall off.

A few months ago my husband came home with a little gift for the household.


Yep, it's a dish brush. This one made by Chef'n. I said thank you, but expressed my doubts. I was sure it would be just like all the others.

Boy was I wrong. I filled it up with soap and when I came into the kitchen the next morning,
ALL THE SOAP WAS STILL IN THE BRUSH. Every drop. Nothing had leaked out. Not one drop.

It actually makes the dishes more fun to wash.
Easy to fill, the brush lasts forever, and it DOES NOT FALL OFF WITH USE. It screws on and stays put.

It is not expensive and you can order it online. Plus, you can order replacement heads. We have also tried the foam heads. They are great, but over time the glue does weaken. I prefer the brush.

It also comes in a great red color if you don't really like the green. Go ahead, give it a try.
Is it pathetic that a good dish brush adds sunshine to my day?

SECOND

January leaves me wanting food that is lighter. After the holidays I am ready for something different.

I introduce to you the best winter (or summer) salad around. I mean, this is good. So good it is addicting. You don't want to stop eating it. Even better, it is elegant enough for a dinner party, and tasty enough that your kids will ask for seconds. (It would be perfect for a special Valentine Dinner for your loved one.)

Pear Parmesan Salad.

Romain Lettuce (If I am serving this to adults only, I use Organic Greens)
Parmesan Cheese (NOT pre-grated)
Pears
Cashews

Dressing
5 Tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Honey
1 Tbsp Diced Green Onions

Make your dressing.
Wisk your oil and vinegar together until combined. Add the mustard, honey and green onions. It is not tricky. I usually put all the ingredients in together and wisk away. I double the dressing recipe when I make it.

Cut up or tear your lettuce.
Use your carrot peeler on your parmesan cheese to create long thin strips.
Dice your pears,
and I like to use whole cashews.

At home I put everything in a bowl and add the dressing. Toss and serve.

When I am serving this for a more formal occasion, I like to make each salad on individual plates so everyone gets enough of the good stuff. (the pears, cashews and cheese.) Yum.

Trust me, this will make your January less gloomy.

How do you feel about January?
Do you have a favorite "something" right now? Do Share.



I didn't receive any compensation for recommending the dish brush. Chef'n has no idea who I am. I just really like it and wanted to share the great find with all of you.