Mixed greens with mushrooms, goat cheese, and pecans

Take one bag of mixed greens, mesclun mix, or herb salad, and wash. Dry thoroughly and throw into salad mixing bowl.
Clean and slice 4-5 small mushrooms (any kind--white button, shitake, crimini, or wild); toss into salad.
Throw in a pinch of salt and a swirl each of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss ingredients, taste, and add more salt, olive oil or vinegar if needed.
Plate salad. Add a handful of pecans (walnuts may be substituted) to top each plate and a slice of goat cheese (flavored or plain). Enjoy.

Cure for the winter blues: Satsuma mandarin oranges

A couple of days ago, I picked up a crate of Satsuma mandarins for around five dollars.
My husband Jack initially displayed skepticism towards this purchase, protesting that the volume of fruit was too much to finish in a week. However, our combined efforts have left only three oranges left as of this moment.
In the last few days, over breakfast, lunch and sometimes in the afternoon, I've re-discovered why I like fresh mandarin oranges. Since they peel easily, they leave minimal fibrous stuff on the hands, and while mildly sweet, they are also watery enough to be refreshing. Although we've been eating these little oranges right after peeling, they also can add to a green salad (tastier and healthier than those canned mandarins in corn syrup) or a chopped fruit salad with sliced strawberries and bananas. Finally, Satsuma mandarins deliver vitamin C in a small package, providing a palatable way to boost health as the year turns.