Smile

'Smiley face' heirloom tomato August 2014

This yellow, heirloom tomato with some sort of scarring reminiscent of a giant smiley face was a happy find when we harvested our tomatoes last summer.  I thought it would be a great picture to post today to accompany this TED talk featured on KARMATUBE this week about the Hidden Power of Smiling.

Mom's bean salad is on the menu tonight. You can't go wrong with a recipe from your childhood.  My mom never strayed from her vinaigrette for this salad and it always had lots of celery seed, but depending on what she had on hand, the extras may vary. Add according to your tastes or what is in the fridge. Amounts are flexible.  A simple, but healthy, colourful, protein packed side. Keeps nicely in the fridge; great to have on hand for a quick snack or easily portable lunch.

One can of mixed beans, drained and rinsed

a small red onion finely chopped (or green, or yellow or whatever!)

grated carrot

finely diced sweet or green pepper

fresh green or yellow beans or canned if you prefer

any fresh herbs you like (basil, parsley chives) 

Dressing:

1/8 cup oil (I used olive oil)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tsp celery seed

a squirt of grainy mustard

Simply whisk dressing ingredients together and set aside.  Combine beans and vegetables. Pour dressing over top, mix and done!