There are acronyms for far too many things in this world and I will take any chance to make a play on them.  So, for this blog, HOP stands for Hearts of Palm.  Ever wonder what they really are?  That’s what Wikipedia is for!!  Check it out.

I love the things (or swamp cabbage as Wikipedia just taught me).  I buy them at Costco where you can get two huge jars for about $8.  Anyway, I was having a gathering at my place this afternoon and threw together this great Heart of Palm Salad (HOPS) that somebody gave me the recipe for years ago.  It is beyond basic and great for light fare.

Ingredients:

1 lb hearts of palm
1 tbsp lime or lemon juice (lime is better)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
S&P
3 tbsp olive oil
2 or 3 heads of endive

All you have to do is drain and rinse the HOP then cut them into small pieces.  Throw them in a bowl.  Then, in another bowl mix together the lemon or lime juice, mustard, S&P.  Whisk in the oil until the mixture’s thick and blended.  Pour the dressing over the HOP and toss to mix.  Divide the endive leaves and fill each one with a bite-size scoop of the salad.  Done!  Great for parties because they require no silverware for eating (finger-food), are safe at room-temp for awhile, are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, and heck, fairly healthy.  So, all around, can please many palates.