Saturday, July 21, 2012

Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad + Reflections



We are smack dab in the middle of summer in the Bay Area. The heat index has been relatively mild overall. This weekend’s heat directory is expected to rise, especially in particular parts of the Bay Area. In contrast to the majority of country, we are enjoying comfortable weather.



Speaking of other parts of the country, I wanted to pause to pay my respects to the victims and their family and friends who were affected by the Colorado Movie Theatre tragedy. I can’t come close to understanding what these folks are feeling at this moment. What I can do is send positive thoughts and prayers to all who were affected and wish for peace to be in their hearts during this extremely difficult time. Time will begin to heal the emotional and physical wounds; until then we simply send many prayers and positive thoughts.


Events like this, stir various emotions for all of us. It reminds me how fragile life really is along with how we need to value each minute, hour, day, week, month and year we have on this earth. You hear the phrase – “Don’t sweat the small stuff” - how true is this statement? Now is the time to reflect on all of the gifts we have been given. Whether it is your family, friends, career or health – they are gifts.

Appreciate each.
Cherish each one.
Relish each one everyday.


I appreciate the simple things in life. My work week is often filled with a variety of meetings, leading people, managing processes, handling stress, ensuring profitability, problem solving, conflict resolution, coaching, mentoring, laughing, having fun at work and planning. I appreciate my career. When the workday is complete, I am fulfilled. I subscribe to the philosophy of living a balanced life.


Balance for me comes in the form of spending time with my hubby, family and friends. Many other activities bring balance for me including: exercising, cooking, blogging, traveling, dining out, watching my favorite television shows, reading, napping, learning and so much more. Simply reading a magazine and taking a nap in between or creating a simple new dish that is packed full of flavor are on my list of the simple delights in life. My Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad is one of my simple pleasures. Enjoy!

What are the simple things in life that make you happy?


Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad

6 Ears White Corn
2 C. Small tomatoes
1 C. Green peppers, sliced
1 C. Basil leaves, slightly packed then chiffonade
¼ C. Olive oil
2 T. Sherry vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Remove the husks and silks from the corn. Wash gently and brush slightly with olive oil. Add the grill and cook until each side has distinct grill marks. About 4 to 5 minutes. Let cool and then using a sharp knife, remove the kernels and place into a large bowl.

Add the tomatoes. Take each green pepper and cut into quarters along with removing the seeds. Slice thin and add to the corn. Chiffonade the basil leaves and add to the salad. Toss gently. Add the olive oil and sherry vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust by adding more salt, pepper, olive oil or sherry vinegar to your taste levels.

11 comments:

  1. The simplest dishes are usually my favorites. I love that this salad celebrates the ripeness and freshness of summer!

    Beautiful reflection, Lisa, and a good reminder to focus on what's truly important in life. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Terrific-looking salad! Are those long green peppers hot? mild?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The peppers are super mild just like a regular bell pepper!

      Delete
  3. What a colourful, appetizing, easy salad to make! Personally I don't use nearly enough corn: this reminds me put it on the menu list.

    Altho' across the Ocean in Australia, the tragic Colorado Movie Massacre has made one once again rethink what really is important in life! Have known it is the 'small stuff' for many years and my list almost parallels yours: well, don't have the gift to nap during the day :( ! For me the most important methinks is learning: I am studying now with a lot more joy than way back in my school days, and, actually, I loved school :D !

    ReplyDelete
  4. One of my favorite summer salads! Sometime I add roasted red bell pepper and black beans if I am in the mood and switch out the basil for cilantro.

    You could not have said more gracefully, Lisa. It is the simple pleasures in life that we should not take for granted. Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is one of my favorite summer salads Lisa - I made it last weekend :) What a thoughtful reminder to hold one's family close and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love all the ingredients in this salad. It looks wonderful and perfect for the Summer!

    ReplyDelete
  7. A grilled corn and tomato salad would make me very happy! We enjoy grilled corn all Summer long, especially in salads;-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lisa, such pretty pictures for the perfect summer salad.

    I can't fathom what must go through someone's mind to commit such an unspeakable act. Thanks for the reminder that life is precious.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely post Lisa, such a horrific and sad event. I will never understand how someone could do such a thing.

    Your salad is just lovely, and simple is often the most comforting and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Simple is always good! Especially when simple involves fresh grown sweet corn, and tomatoes I can pick from the garden!

    ReplyDelete

It simply makes me smile when I receive a new comment and I look forward to hearing from you!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.