Yesterday while hiking, ran into two men that were harvesting “Horsetail”.  Of course, not being familiar, I asked what it looked like.  He showed me his bag of Horsetail. I then asked why he was harvesting it- he told me that in WWII, after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese government told people to drink Horsetail team to fight cancer.  He claimed that it help save 80% of the people diagnosed.  Now I am not sure about that, but it does seem to have some medicinal properties.  Like fighting colds and the flu.  Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.  Look here for more info: http://www.horsetailtea.net/

Speaking of well being- eating well and joyfully provides me with a wealth of benefits- and eating this salad, will make you smile and feel better.  Just look at the amazing food in it- tomatoes, nectarines, onions, basil and olive oil.  Feeling better just typing these words!

Tomato and Nectarine salad with Feta and Basil

Ingredients:

3 Ripe Tomatoes

3 Ripe Nectarines  (Yellow or White, whatever your preference)

Half of a Sweet or Red Onion, thinly sliced length-wise

5 good size basil leaves cut in Chiffonade style

1/3 C good feta  (Greek is good, so is French)

1/2 chopped salted pecans

Excellent Olive Oil

Sea salt

Make sure to clean the nectarines and tomatoes before adding to salad.

Putting it Together:

Slice tomatoes vertically to form wedges.  Cut Nectarines in half.  Remove pit.  Cut into wedges.  Arrange on both platter.  Sprinkle the onions over the top of both.  Rough chop the feta and toss over the top of tomatoes and nectarines.  Dress the salad with Olive Oil and sea salt.  Sprinkle the basil and chopped pecans over the top.

I served it with grilled pork loin chops with olive oil and lemon pepper rub, and garlic knots.

Enjoy!

Terri