Feta Pasta Salad

Several posts ago, I posted a recipe for Pasta Salad that I make regularly. It is also my boyfriend's favorite pasta salad so far :o) When he asked for me to make pasta salad again, I decided to go in a slightly different direction this time. It's still incredibly good, and it has Feta Cheese! Who doesn't love Feta?!? I think the Feta adds a subtle tangy flavor and enhances the overall taste of this salad.

Feta Pasta Salad

(Source: Marshal Field's Cookbook)

1 pound medium shell pasta (uncooked)

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup chopped celery (cut into 1/2 inch chunks)

3/4 cup sliced black olives

1/2 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup Italian dressing (Use an oil and vinegar style dressing)
1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 tablespoon black pepper

2 tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (or sliced cherry tomatoes)

In large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. In large bowl, combine cheeses, celery and olives. In small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, oregano and pepper until well combined. Add dressing mixture to cheese/vegetable mixture, then toss gently with pasta. Chill until ready to serve. Add tomatoes right before serving. 

Apple Cider Buttons

If you know me, then you'll know I'm addicted to Zeigler's Apple Cider. I seriously wait all year for fall to arrive just so I can drink apple cider regularly without looking like a fool! It's near impossible for me to drink just plain ole apple juice, it absolutely has to be Apple Cider for me. So when I found the recipe for Apple Cider Buttons, I knew it was a must try! The cookies get their Apple Cider flavor from the instant drink mix, and it's absolutely addictive. I've already baked these cookies twice! I highly recommend this recipe if you're a fan of anything Apple Cider like I am. :o)

Apple Cider Buttons

(Better Home and Gardens)

1 cup butter, softened

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon instant hot apple cider mix

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon milk*

1/2 cup turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, apple cider mix, vanilla, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in flour until combined. Add milk and beat until dough just comes together. Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls. Roll balls in turbinado sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using the bottom of a glass, press balls into 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. 

*If dough is too dry, add another tablespoon of milk.