Bama

Last week I went to the deep south for the first time. Here, I had thought I was in the deep south all along, but my Nashville friends explained that Alabama is the deep south (and I might need a translator). I really enjoyed going to Birmingham and then visiting the University of Alabama - where we toured the football stadium. 

roll tide!

Mussels for lunch at Chez Fon Fon - amazing.

Beef carpaccio at Bottega.

and aracini - insanely delicious.

I do have a recipe to share - a cous cous & wheat berry salad. My friend Jill had dinner at her house last week and everything was delicious! This is a light and easy side.

2 cups cooked cous cous

1 cups cooked wheat berries

1/2 large red onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled & diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded & diced

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Craisins

1/3 cup almonds, sliced & toasted

1/3 cup parsley, chopped

1/3 cup Balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup EVOO

3-4 tablespoons maple syrup

fair amount of course salt and fresh ground pepper

1/3 or so cup goat cheese, crumbled

Whisk vinegar, oil, syrup and S&P in bowl. Combine all other ingredients (except goat cheese) in large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over salad. If it seems a bit dry you can make a bit more dressing or add some EVOO. Top with goat cheese.

Enjoy!