A Homemade Life: Arugula Salad with Pistachios and Chocolate

I hope your Fourth of July was filled with friends and fireworks. Mine was!  We actually started off on the 3rd of July, when the city of Oceanside holds their own fireworks show to celebrate their incorporation anniversary.  The HorseWhispers get together with their neighbors for a little potluck to watch the show and we crashed.

The two small blondes wasted no time in causing havoc.  Chasing each other, running around, and playing whatever games kids play these days.  They kept each other entertained all evening.

I was going to bring headphones for Thatbaby's ears, but I completely forgot.  Not to worry, the little guy slept through allllll the fireworks.

The next morning, we got up and got ready for our own Independence Day celebration.  Thatboy decided it was the perfect time to test out the new tent I got him for Channukah.  While I threw some watermelon in the freezer, he spent the morning turning our backyard into a campground.

 

A campground with a swimming pool, playground, and firepit.  

 

Once everything was all set up, the boys got good and wet.  With Thatbaby to take care of, I stayed out of the pool.  But I did find an errant water gun, and decided to wage war.  Which was pretty effective, until the gun got wrested from my hand.  Even having an infant strapped to my chest didn't protect me!

Late in the afternoon, our guests arrived.  The HorseWhispers showed up with hot dogs, chips and salsa.  Our neighbors provided freshly smoked tritip and more water guns.

 

We made hamburgers, buffalo wings, and Wizenburg's arugula salad with pistachios and chocolate.  I was a little nervous about serving a salad with three ingredients, especially when one of them was chocolate, but it was a huge hit.  Everyone loved it.  I tossed all the ingredients together rather than letting people add their own, because I'm controlling like that.

After dinner, Thatboy started the fire while I attempted to put Thatbaby to bed while HorseWhisperer entertained the blonde ones.

 

And then it was time  to make smores!  This was the first time HorseWhisperer had ever made smores!

 

The kids  especially enjoyed the treat!

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When it got dark, we headed across the street to watch the fireworks with my neighbors.  Then the boys headed back out to the tent while I stayed inside with Thatbaby.

The next morning we joined the rest of the family in the tent.  They had a great night out there!

 Arugula Salad with Pistachios and Chocolate (From A Homemade Life)

1 Tbsp dijon mustard

3 Tbsp Banyuls vinegar (I used sherry vinegar)

1/2 tsp salt

5 Tbsp olive oil

8 oz arugula

2 Tbsp finely chopped pistachios

2 Tbsp finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

1. Whisk the mustard, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Whisk in the olive oil.
3. Put the arugula in a large bowl and add a spoonful or two of dressing. Toss.
4. Divide the arugula between plates. Serve with small bowls of pistachios and chocolate.  (I tossed them all together)