Summer Home 2020

SUMMER

HOME 2020

NURTURING SPACES

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS OF TODAY: PLANTS, PATTERNS AND POPS OF COLOR PROVIDE COMFORT IN THE COVID-19 ERA ...PLUS LOTS MORE, INSIDE

A MAGAZINE BY DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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INDEX

PUBLISHED BY DL NEWSPAPERS IN THE AUGUST 2, 2020 ISSUE OF THE TRIBUNE 511 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-3151 • Fax: 218-847-9409 www.dl-online.com

ALSO INSIDE

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PUBLISHER: Melissa Swenson MAGAZINE EDITOR: Marie Johnson DESIGNER: Jamie Hoyem CIRCULATION MANAGER: Viola Anderson

◀ Downtown living in Detroit Lakes

18 Today’s top trend: Nurturing spaces....................... 4 How to create a home gym................................... 19 Building a backyard retaining wall....................... 16 Simple and savory Antipasti Salad...................... 26 Must-haves for a home office................................

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NURTURING SPACES

BY DESIREE BAUER Summer Home

Live plants, in whatever form they come in, are by far the most popular trend this year. Desiree Bauer / Summer Home

W

hat’s hot in home decor right now? Having elements of the outdoors, indoors.

Plants, greenery and other natural design details are one the most popular trends that local interior designers are seeing this summer.

“It’s a huge trend here,” says Stacey Morris, the lead interior and exterior designer at RCH Home and Design in Detroit Lakes. “They (plants) really do help to create a personal space that isn’t stale.”

Having plants around the house can improve mental health and reduce stress, Morris says, which have become even more attractive qualities than usual in the stressful COVID-19 era.

She adds that the coronavirus pandemic has also increased the popularity of comforting, nurturing spaces.

This is shown not just through plants, but also paint colors, furniture and other decor. Morris has started bringing plant-based furniture into homes, such as wicker, and has been decorating more homes with baskets, whether placed together on walls or set on floors or tables.

“They hold everything from throw blankets to indoor plants, magazines and books. Just baskets on the floor next to sofas,” she says.

Another thing Morris has been using more of in her decorating is agate rocks. They, again, come from nature and can bring some color to a home.

DETERMINING TRENDS

Interior designers often look at what’s happening in bigger cities and metro areas to get ideas about upcoming design trends in smaller towns and rural regions.

“I look to California, because that’s where I’m from,” Morris says.

She lived in California for most of her life, and followed in her mother’s footsteps to become an interior designer.

“I do have, on my Instagram, certain designers that I follow,” she says. “I look at those pretty much daily.”

California, especially Los Angeles, is a key location that two other Detroit Lakes designers, Elizabeth Roerick and Skye Fingalson, also look to. Roerick is the owner and designer of E & C Design and Fingalson is the owner and designer of Design 2 Sell.

“(Plants) really do help to create a personal space that isn’t stale.”

-Stacey Morris, RCH Home and Design

Stacey Morris

PAGE 4 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS OF TODAY:

PLANTS, PATTERNS AND POPS OF COLOR PROVIDE COMFORT IN THE COVID-19 ERA “When I was in school in Chicago, we were always taught that design trends usually start in the bigger cities, like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, etc.,” Roerick states. “Then (designs) slowly make their way up north and beyond… It can take quite a while for the newest trends to make their way up to this part of the country.”

Fingalson matched Roerick’s view, adding that, “It stays for a long time, actually, up in our area.”

Skye Fingalson Fingalson keeps her design ideas fresh by constantly reading and researching trends online, looking at both big cities and small locations across the country.

Continued on page 6

Succulents are an easy and low-maintenance way to add plants to a home.

Submitted Photo

Features that increase self-reliance, such as solar panels, are becoming very popular in home design. File Photo

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

Home design experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials designers use to the rooms that homeowners prioritize.

• Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase selfreliance are becoming very popular.

Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

• Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy fire pits, and highquality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

• Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Continued on page 7 SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 5

Continued from page 5

ALSO IN: POPS OF PATTERNS AND COLORS

Live plants are the number one trend that all three designers have noticed, but they’ve also seen an increased wave of desire for color in homes. Previously, the use of neutral, clean and simple paints and spaces was popular, but that’s changed a bit this year.

“Keeping everything neutral and bringing in pops of color through pillows, curtains, rugs,” is what Fingalson says she’s seeing at Design 2 Sell.

It’s easy to keep those “pops of color” fresh throughout the seasons since accessories like pillows, curtains and rugs can easily be changed. For Morris, she says she likes to swap pieces out during different times of the year, changing up colors or patterns to affect the look of a home.

“People are really looking for timeless looks that will evolve and are sustainable,” Roerick says. “Colors will become the new neutrals.”

Blue and green hues are the most popular colors being used by the three designers right now. Blush pink is a new color that Fingalson has seen an increasing desire for, too, which she says, “kind of surprised me. I actually started seeing some pink tiles come in.”

She says she envisions those tiles pairing well with another trend right now, the “all-black-everything” trend. This is a theme that she, Morris and Roerick have all seen an increasing demand for.

“All-white everything and all-white kitchens are making their way out,” Roerick says.

“We are seeing more people pulling toward black everything,” adds Morris. “Black windows… black stained cabinetry… matte black plumbing fixtures. We’re seeing a lot of that.”

Continued on page 8 Blush pink, pale blue, and orange and mustard tiles all fit within current trends. Desiree Bauer / Summer Home Top photo on next page: There’s always a tile with the right pattern and color for any client.

Bottom photo on next page: Pattern tile is the most popular pattern form right now, but patterned carpet is another option.

Desiree Bauer / Summer Home

PAGE 6 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

DESIGN YOUR HOME

To design the next space in your home, contact: RCH Custom Homes, 218-844-3350 Design 2 Sell, 218-844-8770 E & C Design, ecdesign19@gmail.com More information on these businesses can also be found on their individual websites and Facebook pages.

Continued from page 5

From healthier living spaces to home offices, designers are responding to COVID-19 with safety and practicality in mind. File Photo

• Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’re turning to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. There’s been a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality.

For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing, like insulated concrete forms, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, are key.

Continued on page 9

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SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 7

“People are really looking for timeless looks that will evolve and are sustainable.”

-Elizabeth Roerick, E & C Design

Continued from page 6

Elizabeth Roerick

For clients who want to avoid a lot of color, but still want something unique in their homes, patterned tile, carpet, or accent pieces can be an easy alternative. People can choose patterns ranging from simple to complex, with neutral to neon colors.

“Patterned everything is also a huge hit right now,” Roerick says. “From wallpaper to accent pillows and chairs.

There are no rules when layering patterns.”

The bulk of these patterns are commonly seen in tile.

Fingalson and Morris say they’ve used patterned tile not only on floors, but also walls as backsplashes in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other spaces.

The wood wall, accessorized with plants and a simple chair, can create a cozy, nurturing space for homeowners.

Desiree Bauer / Summer Home

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PAGE 8 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

OUT: SOME GRAYS AND FARMHOUSE STYLE

“I’m still seeing a lot of people that like the warmer tones of gray, but the cool tones are what I’m seeing a pretty sharp drop in,” Morris says about designs that are losing popularity.

Although certain tones of gray are going out of fashion, the color itself isn’t going anywhere yet. It’s still a favorite neutral shade for a lot of people.

The other trend that is quickly making its way out is the farmhouse style home theme, according to both Fingalson and Roerick. That theme has been in the Lakes Area for the last five years or so, Fingalson thought.

“The new trend people are starting to like is countryside chic, as this style will lean toward a more sophisticated, European inspired look, according to design professionals,” Roerick explains.

That doesn’t mean the designers won’t design a home that way, or follow the farmhouse theme. Instead, they might put a little spin on it, so it fits the client’s desires while still looking fresh and different from other homes.

“I am not a trend follower when it comes to designing clients’ homes for them,” Roerick says. “I like to design things based on their likes and style.”

The most important thing for Morris, Fingalson and Roerick is making sure their client loves their living spaces, whether it encompasses the most popular trend right now or not.

The bathroom inside Design 2 Sell showcases multiple trends right now: patterned tile, black paint and hardware, plants and mixed metals.

Desiree Bauer / Summer Home

Continued from page 7

As working from home becomes a necessity for more people, home offices are becoming a more popular feature of home design. File Photo

• Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent.

With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle.

Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your decor, as well as ergonomic chairs and desks, will see a major boost.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 9

LIVING THE DOWNTOWN DREAM

BY VICKI GERDES Summer Home

Downtown living, which offers convenience and urban appeal, even in small towns, is becoming a popular housing option with both younger adults and retirees in Detroit Lakes. Marie Johnson / Summer Home

THE NEWEST — AND COOLEST — HOUSING TREND IN DETROIT LAKES

W

hen McKinley Plaza first opened its doors four years ago, it was the first mixed residential/ commercial development of its kind in Detroit Lakes, with commercial business space on the bottom floor and apartments on the upper three levels.

Since then, two similar structures have opened: Norby Flats, which debuted this past January, and Midtown Apartments, which opened March 1.

Though the three buildings differ considerably in their styles, they do have one thing in common: Each is located in the heart of downtown.

“We feel it’s an absolute necessity for any strong, vital city to have a cool, vibrant downtown scene,” says Jim Buus, one of the principal developers behind the Norby, McKinley and Midtown projects. “That trend is being displayed not only here, or in Fargo, but all across the country. These older, downtown neighborhoods are coming back in style, and that’s what people are gravitating toward.”

While the “American dream” of 20 or 30 years ago might have involved purchasing a home on the outskirts of a community, or in the suburbs, and using a car to drive PAGE 10 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

between home and work each weekday, Buus says the current trend is to rent an apartment or townhome that is within easy walking distance of not just work, but also grocery stores and retail shopping, bars and restaurants, theaters and other recreational venues.

He recalled speaking with one of the earliest tenants of McKinley Plaza when it opened in August of 2016, and how excited she was to be able to park her car in a heated, underground garage, then walk just a few short blocks to get to her job at Bremer Bank, as well as the Central Market grocery store, Washington Square Mall, and any number of restaurants, bars and other recreation and entertainment venues.

“I told her, ‘That’s the idea!’” Buus adds.

Since then, openings have been rare at McKinley Plaza’s 36 residential apartments, as well as its half-dozen commercial retail spaces located on the ground floor.

That’s according to McKenzy Olson, vice president of marketing and public relations for EPIC Companies, the real estate investment and marketing firm that owns McKinley Plaza along with over two dozen other properties in northwestern Minnesota and North Dakota.

“These older, downtown neighborhoods are coming back in style, and that’s what people are gravitating toward.”

-Jim Buus, developer

The apartments at the newly remodeled and refurbished Norby Flats showcase the epitome of downtown living in Detroit Lakes, with high ceilings, large windows looking out onto the street below, and spacious living areas. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

“We are fully occupied, currently,” Olson reported earlier this spring.

“All of our commercial spaces and apartment units are rented.”

It’s not hard to see why people like living there, she added, as tenants enjoy fully paid utilities including heat, water, sewer and garbage service; elevator access to all four floors and the underground heated garage; and close proximity to a variety of shopping and recreational opportunities. Medical, dental and vision care services are also just a few blocks away.

“They only have to pay for electricity, cable, internet and phone service,” Olson says, along with a small monthly charge for underground parking access.

The building is pet friendly; both cats and dogs are allowed.

“There’s also a washer and dryer in every unit,” Olson adds, and tenants have easy access to a gym, spa and other services located on the bottom floor (though these are not included in the rental fee).

Continued on page 12

Large windows and an unfinished brick feature wall give this Norby Flats apartment a cosmopolitan feel. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 11

“It’s not just young professionals — a lot of retirees have also been flocking to these downtown apartments.”

-Jim Buus, developer

Continued from page 11 While Norby Flats doesn’t have underground parking or quite as many amenities, its location offers spectacular views of Washington Avenue, Detroit Mountain and other local landmarks, and its high ceilings and spacious interiors are a big hit with residents.

The 13 apartments opened January 1, and the majority of them were rented out within the first couple months.

The commercial spaces on the ground floor rented out fast, too, Buus says, first by the DL Bike Shop — which was Norby Flats’ first commercial tenant — and then to a soon-to-be-named new brew pub and Manna Food Co-op, which is relocating from its current location on the outskirts of town.

Buus admits that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn has slowed plans for some of the businesses moving into the ground floor — Manna, for instance, had to delay the launch of its planned capital fundraising campaign for the move.

The ornate tin ceiling and antique-style light fixture in this bedroom are charming examples of the historic appeal of the Norby Flats apartments. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

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Over at the Midtown Apartments development, Buus said in April that approximately half of the building’s 30 available apartment units had already been rented, and Sanford Health had moved its dialysis clinic into the ground floor of the building.

“The entire ground floor — all 10,000 square feet — is leased to Sanford,” says Buus, adding that he doesn’t know what other plans the clinic has for the space other than the dialysis center.

The Midtown Apartments development is located right across the street from Sanford Clinic’s main campus on South Washington Avenue.

In addition to readily accessible medical care, Midtown tenants also enjoy having the Pavilion, City Park and milelong public beach just a little over a block away — and visible from some tenants’ balcony windows — not to mention being in close proximity to a half-dozen different restaurants along West Lake Drive. In addition, they have paid heat, a washer and dryer in each unit, elevator access, and garage parking (for an additional fee).

“As exemplified by Norby Flats and Midtown, as well as our earlier project, the McKinley building, there is a lot of demand for these kinds of apartments, from all ages,” says Buus. “It’s not just young professionals — a lot of retirees have also been flocking to these downtown apartments, which is interesting because we didn’t really expect that.

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A kitchen inside one of the Norby Flats apartments features an open brick wall backsplash. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

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SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 13

The new Midtown Development building on South Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes opened March 1 and features 30 apartments on the upper three floors of the building.

Marie Johnson / Summer Home

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Continued from page 13 “When we first built McKinley, for example, there were a lot of retirees that were selling their homes and wanting to be in a rental that was right in the middle of downtown,” he adds. “Traditionally it was much more common for people to go away from the downtown and buy or build a home out on the fringes somewhere, then use their car to drive to work or the grocery store… (but) the demand in recent years is that people want to be back in

the middle of town, in a cool, vibrant neighborhood, and to be able to walk everywhere. That’s definitely the trend that has been going on around the country.”

McKinley Plaza, located at the corner of McKinley Avenue and Frazee Street in downtown Detroit Lakes, was the first mixed-use commercial and residential building of its kind in Detroit Lakes when it opened in August 2016. Since then, both its commercial lease spaces and apartment rentals have been consistently full. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

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A FEAT OF PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING

Retaining walls are aesthetically pleasing and serve a variety of purposes, but building one is no small feat -- it takes planning and careful execution to ensure the job is done right. File Photo

R

BUILDING A BACKYARD RETAINING WALL

etaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas, and can be used for aesthetic purposes or to create more usable space within the yard.

When an inground pool or pond is cut into a backyard hill, a retaining wall helps keep the remaining portion of that hill from collapsing into the cut-away area.

When contemplating retaining wall projects, a lesson in physics and engineering may be needed. A sturdy and longlasting retaining wall needs to be built in a way that will take into consideration the force of the soil and the point at which the soil will begin to slide away, advise the experts at The Family Handyman.

If these calculations seem beyond the scope of your ability, installation of a retaining wall is best left to a professional. If you are ready to forge ahead, these tips can get you started. However, it’s still best to work with someone who has already built a retaining wall.

• Safety first: Call to have underground utilities plotted and marked before beginning any excavation.

Map out your trench and begin to dig. The trench should have a level, compacted base as it will be the foundation for which the retaining wall materials, be they blocks, bricks or wood, sit in. A crushed stone base will help anchor the courses and serve to promote drainage.

PAGE 16 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

The Family Handyman says to bury the first course of the retaining wall one-tenth the height of the wall to prevent soil behind it from pushing the bottom out.

• Check for level. When placing blocks or timbers, make sure they are even with the first and periodically check for level as you go, advises the home improvement retailer Lowes.

• Stagger and set back. The next row of blocks or material should be positioned so that the joints are staggered for blocks, bricks or wood. A masonry blade will be needed to cut the harder materials; a circular saw will cut timber. Also, work against gravity by setting the second course slightly back from the first to help push back against the soil that is trying so hard to push forward.

Repeat the process as each level is placed. Many retaining wall products are made with a lip to create this set back.

• Go with the grade. For especially steep slopes, a gradual step-up design may be more secure and more appealing than a very tall retaining wall. Each level of a stepped design should be done like the first.

• Backfill with stone for drainage. Using a layer of stone behind the retaining wall can help successfully direct water away so it will not increase the weight of the soil behind the wall and push against the retaining wall, advises The Home Depot.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 17

GREAT

C

...FOR GETTING YOUR WORK DONE

OVID-19 has caused many working professionals to suddenly need an office in their homes -- and the kitchen table doesn’t always cut it.

Following are some home office must-haves that can help employees be more productive while working from home.

LIGHTING

Lighting is important in a home office. It’s easy to overlook natural light, especially for workers who previously worked in offices that did not have windows.

But natural light can help save on energy costs and boost mood.

In fact, natural light is a valued commodity for people used to working in office settings. A 2018 survey of more than 1,600 workers conducted by the human resources advisory firm Future Workplace found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors were the most sought after attribute of a workplace environment. In addition, 47 percent of workers surveyed admitted they felt tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office.

When designing their home offices, homeowners should keep this in mind and choose areas of their homes that get ample natural light during a typical workday.

Additional lighting also will be necessary.

Recessed lighting can give an office a sleek look, and lights that can dim can allow workers to adjust their lighting based on how much they need at any given point in the workday.

QUIET

Professionals forced to work at home when social distancing measures were implemented may not have had much quiet, especially for those with young children whose schools were closed. But when designing a home office, homeowners have the chance to make their offices more conducive to concentration.

Soundproofing walls may not be necessary, but look for areas of the home that don’t get much foot traffic. Kitchens are very popular rooms in many homes, so try to locate your home office away from the kitchen. A spare bedroom upstairs may make for the most ideal home office setting if the home does not have a traditional den. Spare bedrooms come with doors, which can instantly create a sense of quiet when closed.

A converted garage also can make for a useful home office, but make sure the room already has cooling and heating and, ideally, windows.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Recently built homes tend to be equipped with enough outlets to accommodate our increasingly connected lifestyles.

But older homes may need some electrical updates before they can capably accommodate home offices. When updating your electrical, replace existing outlets and fixtures with energyefficient LED fixtures, which save money and benefit the environment. Before updating the electrical, decide on how you want the office to be laid out so you can have outlets installed where your computer, devices and other items, like a printer and television, will be.

This makes it easy to hide cords and give the office a clean, professional look.

Home office capabilities are a big priority in 2020.

Designing these spaces can be fun and easy.

File Photo

PAGE 18 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

SPACES

...AND FOR GETTING YOUR WORKOUT IN

W

ith most gyms and other group fitness businesses still closed or offering limited services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, building a home fitness room has never been a more timely project.

Such a project can continue to provide rewards even when life returns to some semblance of normalcy. Here’s how to successfully stock a home gym.

• Find a dedicated space. A home gym will be limited by the amount of space that can be devoted to workouts. Possible locations include a spare bedroom, garage, basement, or an enclosed patio. Measure the space so you can pick and choose equipment that will fit. Leave some floor space empty for movement exercises or mat activities.

• Keep the space bright. Darkness can sap energy levels, so invest in mirrors and adequate overhead lighting to make the space inviting. Natural light can make the exercise area more enjoyable.

• Consider the flooring. New flooring can protect against damage and make an area more conductive to working out. Rubber mats can offset echoes and reduce the noise of running on a treadmill or setting down heavy weights.

• Use space-saving equipment. A home gym space will likely not be as expansive as the space inside a traditional fitness center. Thankfully, many activities do not require a lot of space or equipment. Classic exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, and sit ups require little gear but still produce results. Figure out which equipment you like the most and invest in two or three key pieces. Dumbells of various weights, a medicine ball and a yoga mat can be all you need to create a versatile, effective workout. A TRX system and a door-mounted pull-up bar also are great space-saving options.

• Have a TV hookup. A home gym may benefit from a smart TV that you can use to stream workout videos or catch up on the latest news while running the treadmill or using the stationary bike.

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DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING?

TRY THIS SIMPLE AND SAVORY ANTIPASTI SALAD

I

BY SARAH NASELLO

Forum News Service Columnist

love the Italian tradition of antipasto — the first course of a traditional Italian meal that features a variety of specialties like cured meats, cheese and vegetables.

This savory Antipasti Salad combines two courses in one for a quick and easy meal or side dish when you just don’t feel like cooking on a hot summer’s night.

Featuring crispy romaine lettuce with Genoa salami, prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, red onions and mixed olives, this simple summer salad only requires a bit of chopping before it’s ready to assemble and serve.

We often serve it with a simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinaigrette, but for this occasion I’ve included a recipe for a tangy Oregano Vinaigrette that is the perfect complement to the hearty Italian flavors of the cured meats. In addition to olive oil and red wine vinegar, the dressing is flavored with dried oregano flakes, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and seasoning, and can be prepared up to a week in advance of serving.

When Tony and I retired from our cruise careers and moved back to Fargo in 2000, finding specialty Italian

Sarah’s colorful and hearty Antipasti Salad is filled with classic Italian flavors for a quick and easy summer recipe when you don’t feel like cooking. Sarah Nasello / Forum News Service

items was really a challenge. Fortunately, our food scene has greatly improved since then, and you can now find high-quality — and good value — cured meats and cheeses at Costco and Sam’s Club, or even the Hornbacher’s Culinary Circle brand.

This recipe calls for two hearts of romaine lettuce, which are chopped with a sharp knife into sections that are about 1 inch wide to produce bite-sized pieces. It is a good idea to rinse and dry fresh lettuce, especially when purchased by the head, and a salad spinner is a terrific kitchen tool to ensure that the lettuce dries quickly.

Continued on page 22

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SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 21

Continued from page 20 For the meats, I buy a 7-ounce stick of Genoa salami and cut half of it into rounds about ¼-inch thick, and then cut each round into quarters. You could buy pre-cut salami if you prefer, but I like the thick slices that a stick allows, especially in contrast to the strips of ultra-thin prosciutto that are also in this salad.

I chose mozzarella pearls for this dish, which are bite-sized little balls of fresh mozzarella cheese, but you could also use marinated mozzarella balls, or buy a log and slice the cheese to whatever size you prefer. The soft, tender mildness of fresh mozzarella complements the flavorful meats and vegetables, and fontina or feta cheeses Cured meats, olives and cheese are staples on a traditional Italian antipasti platter. would also work well.

Featured here (from left) is Genoa salami, mixed olives, prosciutto and mozzarella pearls.

Roasted red peppers are a pantry staple Sarah Nasello / Forum News Service in our home, and when I don’t have time or marinated will work for this recipe. to make them myself, I buy a jar of roasted bell peppers produced by the Mezzetta brand, which are typically Combining two courses into one, this fresh, crisp and located in the pickle aisle. You can find artichoke hearts in hearty Antipasti Salad perfectly embodies the simplicity the vegetable aisle of most supermarkets, and either plain and deliciousness of Italian cuisine. Buon Appetito!

Antipasti Salad Serves: 4 to 6

Salad ingredients: 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped into

bite-sized pieces 3 ounces Genoa salami, cut into 1/4-inch rounds,

then quartered or halved (about 1 cup) 3 ounces prosciutto, chopped into bite-sized pieces 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes 1 cup mixed olives 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped 1 cup artichoke hearts, marinated or plain,

chopped into pieces 1 cup (about 15) cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced Garnish ingredients: 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped 5 to 6 pepperoncini peppers, whole Oregano Vinaigrette ingredients: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon dried oregano flakes ¼ teaspoon garlic powder Pinch crushed red pepper flakes ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Directions: Prepare the oregano vinaigrette first to allow flavors to combine. In a small bowl or jar, add all the ingredients and whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is fully combined and emulsified; taste and PAGE 22 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020

Antipasti Salad features crisp romaine lettuce combined with a colorful medley of cured meats, cheese, vegetables and a tangy Oregano Vinaigrette. Sarah Nasello / Forum News Service

adjust seasoning and flavors as desired. Set aside at room temperature until the salad is assembled.

The dressing may be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

To assemble the salad, in a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce and then place all the remaining salad ingredients on top. Pour all the oregano vinaigrette over the top of the salad and use tongs to gently toss until the ingredients appear evenly distributed. To serve, transfer salad to a serving platter or plates and garnish with the chopped basil and whole pepperoncini.

Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2020 | PAGE 23