Fresh Corn and Rice Salad

Fresh corn is so awesome this time of year, and you really can't beat having it right off the cob.  But if you're in the mood for something a little different, this salad is a nice way to go.  Especially if you've got some leftover rice you'd like to use up.

please try not to be jealous of my fabulous re-purposed Applebee's bowl

I ran across this recipe at the Better Homes and Gardens website, and did pretty much did everything they did.  Except I didn't have arugula, so just sprinkled some basil on top.  And I used brown rice instead of white.  This is really great leftover, either warm or cold.  

• 4
  ears fresh corn
• 1 1/2
  cups cooked rice, cooled
• 1
  pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1
  cup fresh arugula
• 1
  small red onion, cut in thin wedges
• 1
  jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
• 2
  tablespoons rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 2
  tablespoons olive oil
  
  
  
  . Husk corn and remove silk with a stiff brush; rinse. Cook corn in boiling, lightly salted water for 3 minutes. Remove corn; let cool. Cut corn off the cob in planks (I wasn't very good at the planking thing) Combine cooked rice, tomatoes, arugula, onion and jalapeno pepper. Transfer to serving bowl; top with corn. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca

This is a very light and refreshing summer drink found at Epicurious.  If you're trying to get away from soda or other sugary things, this may work for you.  There's only a half a cup of sugar in the whole thing, and you could probably use splenda if you wanted.  My son really loved it.

Here's the recipe:

5 cups 1-inch cubes peeled ripe pineapple (from 1 large pineapple)

4 cups water, divided

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons (or more) grated peeled fresh ginger

Ice cubes

Puree pineapple, 1 cup water, and sugar in blender in batches until smooth. Pour into 8-cup measuring cup. Mix in 3 cups water and 2 teaspoons ginger. Cover; chill until cold, about 4 hours. Strain pineapple mixture into pitcher, pressing on solids in strainer. Add more ginger to taste. Fill tall glasses with ice. Pour agua fresca over.

If you didn't have any ginger I wouldn't sweat it, I really didn't taste it that much.

Going-Away Presents

There are so many people who are going away. With seemingly no thought to how I feel about any of it.  When I think about it I really can't blame them.  Living in the deepest pits of hell (aka Phoenix) really isn't what it's cracked up to be.  

So I will suck it up, be the bigger person and wish them well.  But they're leaving all at the same time pretty much!  Thank goodness Pinterest was here to guide me in getting them a little something to say goodbye.  

I am inexplicably drawn to these type of cups, they just make me happy.  So I got each one of them a cup and am filling it with things that will be nice to have for traveling (drink mixes, hand sanitizer, snacks, and a Starbucks gift card).   My flag making could use a little work, but overall, I like them.