Stella Has Her Groove Back

It's been a bit of an Odyssey.  The looking and all.  So many things have come our way, slipped through our fingers, or have not met that magical compromise of the many needs of family; little hands always pulling us in the most grounded of directions.  And still, we have nowhere.  More than ever, this is the truth.  We have sold our own home with no home waiting for us.  What a vulnerable, yet totally liberating feeling.  You start to realize what does and does not define you. So, as the title of this post goes, I've got my groove back, or something like it.  I'm growing things, cooking, reading, and feeling that yummy summer creative groove.  Wish us luck as we find our new home, now with a deadline!

Let's put this recipe out there as kickstart back to this blog of mine:

Serendipity Salad

I love the way things come together, never how you expect.  It's always the impromptu  that's been the best, food and all.  What was calling out its readiness in the garden this evening?   Kale, broccoli, sugar snap peas, shallots, dill... so here is the salad:

Salad 

1 can of mixed beans 

handful of kale chopped

handful of broccoli heads 

handful of sugar snap peas

one shallot sliced thinly

1 tbsp of capers

1 tbsp of chopped fresh dill

Dressing

2 tbsp of good quality light tasting olive oil

1 tbsp of Balsamic vinegar

1 tsp of Dijon mustard

1 tsp of fresh lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Makes for two.  Enjoy!

Bean and Veggie Salad

I am enjoying such a variety of tomatoes finally. I started the six varieties I have from seed but was late transplanting them due to the school business of May/June.  As a result, I've had a gazillion green tomatoes on my hand for the last weeks.  I've had nightmares about being forced into vats of green tomato chow chow.  Finally, with this glorious Indian summer, in has come the purples, yellows, oranges of heirloom tomatoes and the brilliant reds of my beefsteak and Romas.  Stay tuned for salsa canning next weekend.  In the meantime, here's a lovely healthy salad to try.  So easy, so colourful, so healthy!

Ingredients:

~1 can of mix bean medley (strained and rinsed)
~ 2 cups of mixed cherry tomatoes cut in half
~ 1 cup of sugar snap peas
~ 2 tbsp of fresh basil chopped

Dressing:

~ 2 tbsp of light tasting olive oil
~1 tbsp of white wine vinegar
~1 clove of garlic diced finely
~1 tsp of smooth Dijon mustard
~1 tsp of fresh lemon juice
~ pinch of kosher salt and cracked pepper

Here's my little pea picker!