A Homemade Life: Red Cabbage Salad with Lemon and Black Pepper

I don't think I ever mentioned it, but earlier this summer we got a new car - a Ford Flex.  It's our new "family car" since it's hard to squeeze 2 carseats, 2 adults, and a dog into a 4 door sedan.  Well, that's actually not so bad, but if you want to put anything else in there, it becomes a bit of a challenge.

One of the reasons Thatboy really wanted to get the Flex was so that we could take it camping.  And as soon as we got it, he began dreaming of taking it out.  Of course, camping isn't so much of an option right now with a tiny baby, so for my anniversary present to Thatboy, I did the next best thing - booked us a cabin in Lake Arrowhead.  On a Friday after work, we loaded up the new car for our trip.

Plenty of room for Thatboy and I, the boys, and Thatdog even got his own row in the back.  Plus all our luggage and baby gear in the way back.


Both boys fell asleep on the way up.  Including the one who told us he was going to stay awake forever.  And one of them even stayed asleep once we got there. 

The next morning we got up and surveyed our home for the weekend.

We spent the weekend straight out of Groundhog's day - doing the same thing both days.  We began the morning by heading into the village for breakfast at Belgian Waffle Works.  The mountain air did well for Thatkid who devoured his breakfast both mornings - eggs, bacon, and a waffle.  And some of my waffle.

Afterwards we walked around the village.

We rented the cabin through VRBO and the owners were members of the Tavern Bay Beach Club, so we were able to spend our days there.

The beach clubs are the only way you have access to the lakes, so we were so grateful to be able to enjoy them. 

We took turns playing in the lake with Thatkid.  The beach club had free rentals of flotation devices such as inner tubes which Thatboy and Thatkid used during their time in the water.

Meanwhile, Thatbaby and I found a place in the shade to hang out.

And nap.  Seriously, this kid can sleep anywhere.

Then we traded off and Thatboy hung out in the shade with Thatbaby.

While I played in the water with Thatkid.

We'd been told the Tavern Bay club was the best beach club, and we're inclined to agree.  The first day they were there they had a bounce house for the kids, and free face painting and a balloon twister.  Thatkid took advantage of all these things so he could emulate his favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

We brought lunches with us while we sat at the beach, but obviously I wasn't going to do any cooking - we're on vacation.  Plus it was HOT!  This is the absolute perfect beach snack - a twist on coleslaw that just seems perfect for warm weather.  The lemon juice makes the cabbage taste bright and refreshing.  And the Parmesan adds just the right amount of salt.

Red Cabbage Salad with Lemon and Black Pepper (From A Homemade Life)

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp pressed garlic

1/8 tsp salt

1 1/2 lbs red cabbage

1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano

freshly ground black pepper

1.  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.  Set aside.
2. Pull away any bruised leaves from the cabbage.  Trim the root and cut into quarters. Slice each quarter as thinly as you can.  Discard the white cores.
3. Toss the cabbage with a large spoonful or two of the dressing.
4. Add the Parmigiano Reggiano and toss to distribute evenly.  Taste and add dressing as needed.
5. Season generously with pepper and serve.