WRITTEN ON December 2nd, 2009 BY Meredith AND STORED IN Fruit, Grains, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetarian
Why is it that famous people always seem surprised when they’re caught cheating? Are they too wrapped up in their own ego to notice the millions of photographers following their every move? Too busy doing whatever it is that makes them famous to read the frequent articles written about them? And why is it always with a cocktail waitress?
I’m just a little obsessed with the whole Tiger Woods story. I find myself wondering who he’s paying to do his PR? Had he just had his interview with the police, told them he had nothing else to add, and not made all those weird comments (pre-transgression confession), this may have been avoidable. And how is it that a woman who looks like Elin Norgedren gets cheated on anyway? Is there any hope for the rest of us normal looking ladies?!
Clearly, I’m a bit nutty today. Which is why this wheat berry salad sounded so good to me. Wheat berries are kernels of whole wheat, making them incredibly healthy for you. They’re truly “whole grain.” They taste nutty and have a nice chewiness and texture to them. They mix well with wintery ingredients like dried fruits and nuts, and they’re incredibly waistline friendly. Which is important, if you’re crazy like me and worried about keeping trim. After all, gotta compete with all those cocktail waitresses out there…
Feeling nutty
Wheat Berry, Cranberry and Pecan Salad (serves 4 as a side)
1 cup wheat berries, rinsed
3 1/2 cups well salted water
2 handfuls dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1 large handful chopped pecans, toasted
3 tbsp roughly chopped parsley
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp minced shallots
1 tbsp Sherry vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium sized pot, combine wheat berries and salted water. Bring to a boil, then turn to simmer. Simmer about 40 minutes until wheat berries are soft but still a bit chewy (you want them to have texture). Drain if necessary. Allow wheat to cool. In the meantime, whisk together Dijon, Sherry vinegar, shallots, salt and pepper. Slowly add olive oil in a stream while whisking. Toss all ingredients together with vinaigrette, chill about 2 hours. Serve at room temp.
