Hello! Welcome to Dontmissmyplate.

Thank you for visiting my website! I'm Maxine, a food blogger, home cook, travel enthusiast, and lover of food and culture. I’m passionate about fusion cuisine, a style of cooking that blends ingredients and techniques from different countries, regions, and traditions.

My approach is influenced by both Southern African and American cooking, shaped by my life experiences and reflected in the diversity of my recipes. I also focus on farm-to-table cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. I believe food tastes best when it’s in season and close to its origin.

Travel plays a big role in how I cook and create. I love sharing my food adventures, from what I’ve eaten to where to eat, while discovering new flavors, cultures, and techniques that continue to inspire me.

I hope this space feels helpful and inspiring. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, you’ll find plenty to explore here. Happy cooking!

Avocado and Strawberry Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

Avocado and Strawberry Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

dontmissmyplate
Salads

This recipe is part of a two-part 3-course meal menu. 

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to show the people we love how much we appreciate, but really with a small gesture. While some make grander expressions of love and romance, many people believe this has become over-commercialized, taking away from the occasion's original sentiment and genuine spirit. Nevertheless, a ton of us still celebrate. 

You should be showing your significant other or family love all the time, but there is no harm I think in doing something special on February 14th!

Gifts are exchanged, but one of the most significant ways to celebrate is to either dine out somewhere or have a romantic dinner at home.

If you like some structure to your meals, you'll want a clear cut, starter, entrée, and dessert!

This is a refreshing salad the lovebird can enjoy without getting too full and getting their greens in before diving into the main course.

The strawberries add a romantic flair as well as some sweetness and tanginess inherent in berries. The pecans add crunch, the goat cheese more tang and texture, and well, who doesn't love avocados!?

I hope you enjoy this starter and make it your go-to salad. You can also make this dish for a light fare lunch or dinner. 

Ingredients

5-ounces arugula

1 cup strawberries

1/4 cup pecans

1/4 goat cheese

1 Hass avocado, sliced and quartered

Vinaigrette:

1 teaspoon mustard

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons sherry

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Make the vinaigrette! In a small bowl, whisk the ingredients together and set aside.

Assemble your salad. In a large bowl, toss the arugula in about a tablespoon of the vinaigrette. Top with the washed, halved or quartered strawberries, avocado, nuts, and goat cheese.

Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle the remaining dressing.

Serve with fresh bread and season additionally if necessary.

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Kale and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Slivered Almonds

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