Garden Salad

I came across this recipe a few weeks ago as I was searching for a dish to take to a BBQ. I really wanted something light that had some sort of nutritional value {anything besides the usual chips-n-dip or baked beans}

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com and was really happy with the way it turned out. When following recipes I usually make at least one or two substitutions, but this time I followed it exactly!

Healthy Garden Salad

5 tbsp red wine vinegar

3 tbsp grapeseed oil

• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 limes, juiced

• 1 tsp white sugar

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (1 pound) package frozen shelled edamame

• 3 cups frozen corn kernels

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. In a large serving bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, grapeseed oil, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, salt and garlic. Set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add edamame and boil for 3 minutes. Add corn to the boiling water and continue cooking for 1 more minute.
3. Drain very well, and pour into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions and black beans.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to chill and blend the flavors.
   

The flavors of the lime and cilantro are so fresh and perfect for summer! Enjoy!

Lauren

Catching Up!

What has happened in the Murray household since February of 2011? Well...a lot!

Here are the highlights...

July
July marked Jonny's first full year at Stonegate Senior Living and he was blessed with a promotion and a raise!

August
In August I began my last semester of graduate school. This included two student teaching assignments (seven weeks in 3rd-6th grade ESL and seven weeks in 6th grade ELA), one 3-hour course, and a 1-hour portfolio course.

September
On September 4th we celebrated our first wedding anniversary! We enjoyed a complimentary lunch at Marie Gabrielle (the venue of our wedding), a relaxing afternoon at the spa and pool at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel, and a delicious dinner with our best friends at Seasons 52.

September 4, 2010

November

My grandparents made a big move from Kentucky to Texas in November! They built a beautiful house just one mile from us!

My sweet grandparents in front of their new home

Also in November, after several years of dreaming and searching, my dad finally bought a piece of land...his "farm." I know many great memories will be made at the farm!

The Farm - Howe, TX

December

In December I graduated with my Master of Arts in Teaching degree from TWU! We also took an amazing trip to Playa del Carmen with our very best friends! I highly recommend The Royal if you're planning a trip to Mexico!

Paradise - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

January
In January I was offered the job of my dreams! I began my teaching career as a 6th grade Reading teacher at a middle school in Frisco ISD. I love my school...I love my team...I love my 3-mile commute...I really can't complain!

Present
Skip ahead a few months and suddenly it's summer vacation! My first semester of teaching flew by, and for the first time since 2007, I have a summer vacation! No semesters abroad, no internships, no graduate courses...just summer! Wow, I chose an amazing profession!

So, now that I have more time on my hands, I'm back in the blogging world. I have plans for this blog -- just not specific plans. You might see...

• recipes
• home projects
• classroom projects
• Bible verses
• life lessons
• etc., etc., etc.

That's all for now. I think this post is long enough! I promise I won't wait a year and a half to post again!

I hope everyone has a blessed week!

Lauren