this shit rocks no. 63: herby sugar snap pea salad with apples & almonds!

Tossed in a creamy & dreamy date-balsamic vinaigrette.

I’ve been at my parents’ house in Colorado this week, and being here at this time of year is giving me major flashbacks to the early Covid days. I’ve fallen back into my pandemic routine of making a graham cracker and cool whip sandwich every night. It is so, so special. However, I’m not here to celebrate the 3-year anniversary of getting laid off from my job (though I am accepting well wishes for the milestone).

I’m here because I am dropping off my sweet, sweet Pepper with my mom & dad because I’m going to JAPAN for the next 3 weeks! I’m also here because I needed my mom to help me with my taxes (no tears this year—please congratulate).

I am obviously verrrrrry excited about my trip (my first time in Asia!), but this will be my longest stretch of time apart from my biological daughter, so that will be challenging. Luckily, she loves the snow, she knows this house well (she’s taken many indoor poops here as puppy, sorry M & D!), and my parents give her way more attention than they give me.

What do my travel plans mean for the newsletter?! I’m still going to be sending one out every Friday, per usual, however they will not include a recipe (because this trip is about eating, not cooking). My next recipe will be in April 28th’s sending. These next three sendings will be all about the trip, so stay tuned!!!

In the meantime, here are some things I’m loving and a crunchy sugar snap pea salad to have on repeat while I’m on a short recipe hiatus.

Womens 3-Piece Long Sleeve Crew Neck

I am actively trying not to do the thing where you buy yourself a whole new wardrobe for an upcoming trip, however I did get these because my friend Lizzie looked hot in one, and I was influenced, okay?! They’re super thick, soft, and comfy, and I feel like a Kardashian (in the best way possible) when I’m wearing them.

HUE Women's Mini Crew Socks

These are the best socks, period. Not too thin or thick, and they’re the perfect ankle height. I wear them for working out and living my oppressively stylish life. Bringing several pairs of these bad boys to Japan, baby!! BTW, they’re on sale now!

Herby Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Apples, Almonds, and Date-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Serves: 4-6

Active time: 25 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

I like to put sugar snap pea salads on the menu for any event that I cater between the months of March and May because they are so good and folks are always impressed (what can I say?). I love sugar snap peas (the crunch, mmmmph!!!), and I think they look very elegant when they’re julienned.

There is a bit of knife work that goes into this salad, but sometimes a little extra time on the cutting board makes for an even more delicious salad. Pop on a podcast (this week, I loved Alison Roman on Straightio Lab) and vibe out while you julienne the peas and apples. It goes by quickly!

For the dressing, I like to use an immersion blender and a pint-sized deli container or mason jar (though you could also use a food processor, blender, or just do it by hand).