This little button popped up on my birthday the other day and it was the icing on the cake. { Photos of my real little cakelet to follow on a later post. } The timing was perfect, after all, what kind of world is this, if a girl can’t win on her birthday? Unlike the…
The following is an excerpt from a post I made one year ago… The Field of Crosses “As my daughter quietly steered our vehicle home along Memorial Drive and the banks of the Bow River, we saw floodlights shining in the distance and the figures of people, photographers took shape and appeared out of the darkness….
Lovely post and beautiful dish.
I call it Israeli Couscous – which is another way of showing that we are all one and the same. Lovely post.
Thank you for your lovely tribute…”The larks, still bravely singing, fly…Scarce heard amid the guns below…”
Have visit quite a few of the war cemeteries in Normandy, France .. far too many of them.
And still every day men and women die for wars that isn’t even theirs. A beautiful tribute.
Love the photos – very respectfully.
I will do you’re couscous this week coming – and add some chicken to it. Will come back with verdict.
This looks lovely! I can’t wait to try this! Your photography is fantastic too.
Lovely heartfelt post my friend. Thank you.
Hugs
Uru
Very lovely post. Thanks.
Beautiful tribute, touching photos, and a great recipe to tie it all together “a la Smidge” 
I am also fascinated by different ingredients, and methods of cooking – sometimes I fall on foreign blogs and do my best to extract the “essence” using google translate – not easy, but it does give a tiny window to peek into a different world. Still, so many bloggers all over the world blog in English, those who speak the language are very luck!
Beautiful tribute, beautiful photos, lovely recipe. Thank you!
Linda
We are very fortunate indeed Barb. We had our minute of silence with the girls and paid tribute all who lost their lives all those years ago…. Just love israeli coucous and your salad looks full of flavour. Lovely post.
A beautiful post, Barb, and heartfelt tribute. We owe so much to the generations that fought before us. Imagine the World had they failed.
This time of year, there aren’t many salads that appeal to me — the veggies just aren’t at their peak anymore. This one, though, is perfect. The flavors are bright and the salad colorful — just what’s needed on these now gray-skied days.
That’s a lovely tribute Smidge and so true! I love that kind of couscous and with the ingredients you’ve put with it, it looks very pretty xx
Beautiful post Smidge. You have such a way with words – which is especially difficult when sometimes it seems as though words are not enough, yet you find a way. You have a gift.
Am an army brat, born and bred . . .veneration of those who paid the price was ingrained with baby milk . . .beautiful remembrance photos . . . I too am used yo calling this Israeli couscous: we speak of the same – beautiful recipe!
The field of crosses is so moving. Lest we forget.
The salad you posted is lovely and sounds delicious.
Very nice post. Thanks!
Such a great reminder and the dish looks so tasty!
Thanks for the lovely tribute Barbara! The veggies at the market have been looking very sad and dismal as they are no longer in season. So this is a great way to have a salad in the winter. Take care, BAM
A beautiful tribute Smidge! I have only ever used the small grain couscous – I will definitely be looking out for this big ball variety.
Mandy
There is tiny country cemetery near Godalming in Surrey, England which is filled with Canadian war dead from WWII. I know it because my Godparents are buried there, overlooking the cottage that they lived in. Remembrance Sunday is made even sadder by the continual addition of wounded young men to the procession of old soldiers remembering wars which have taught us nothing.
Very moving words. There is something about seeing fields filled white crosses (I have seen them in France) that really, really gives pause for thought and reflection. xx
Wonderful and meaningful post dear Barbara, I am impressed so much. And your recipe and photographs are amazing too. Thank you, love, nia
I just love the texture of the large pearl couscous. Such a fresh and lovely recipe.
The photo of the crosses is humbling; we are indeed very fortunate to live in such a generous and wonderful country.
Lovely post Smidge.
In the past have tried and failed to locate giant couscous, but I imagine plain cous cous or orzo pasta would work well with this recipe also.
A lovely post, and remembrence. The salad is attractive as well. I love salads like these in the warmer weather.
What a lovely colorful salad!
Beautiful post Smidge.
One of the reason I love all the bloggers is that they’re so willing to share things from their world. I’m SO grateful for that. It’s a great way to travel when, well, you can’t travel. I’m so excited about this recipe – one, because I’m desperate for some new things to have for lunch, two because it’s couscous and I’ve never tried it (shameful) and three, because of its ethnicity. I just love trying new things from new places! Thanks, Smidge
What a beautiful post my dear.
When googling to get a better handle on this Couscous, it was referred to as a pasta. I think the orzo would be amazing and would have the right “weight” to support the tomatoes and olives:)xx
That field of crosses is gorgeous. What a place to stumble upon. Your photographs capture it perfectly. And this recipe? Oh boy..you had me at cous cous. YUM!
A very touching and poignant post. xx
Wonderful tribute post.
Smidge, you touched me deeply with this one. And your field of poppies couldn’t be more perfect I think. Nothing but goodness. So grateful for you I am. xx
What beautiful and symbolic colors. The tomatoes do remind me of the red poppies people wear on Veteran’s Day. It’s mind boggling to see a peaceful field(s) of flowers and imagine the horrors that took place there. Here’s to the veterans of our countries!
Does this every look absolutely delicious! What a compelling read! Good luck with the Canadian Blogger contest!!
V
I think I would just dissolve in tears if I came upon the field of crosses! How do we ever comprehend the sacrifice of so many. Thank you so much for sharing this. And the couscous recipe is particularly nice, too. I do love couscous and could use a good recipe!
a humble dish for a humble post
Now chicken would be a great addition.. thank you for stopping by, as always. xx
I love Google Translate.. I rely on it, even though I believe it does wonky things to semantics.. it’s fun to use:)
Thank you, Barb xx
I hope you like it as much as we did. We’ve had a fair bit of sun recently, I will try to send some your way!!
My husband often refers to himself as a navy brat.. thank you for stopping here. xx
*sigh.. I miss those summer markets.. You take care as well! xx
I want to dig my spoon into the screen! It looks scrumptious
That is truly heartbreaking…
I hope you like it, Sarah.. I think many different ingredients could be added to it..
As I you.. xx
Will do it this weekend coming … *smile If I can find the right couscous!
Such a colorful dish, it just brightened our rainy, dreary morning. Never worked with Lebanese Couscous, need to get some, I could have a bowl of the salad right now.
This couscous salad looks so tasty! I love couscous (all forms of it!) and all the fresh herbs in this salad sound so delicious with it, especially with the light lemon dressing
Wow, that is beautiful. I have seen similar fields near D.C and Virginia but never that close.
This is such a beautiful post with a beautiful dish to tie it all together =)
Beautiful post and I’ve got all the ingredients in my pantry, including moghrabieh so I’m making this today. It’s perfect.
Indeed a breathtaking view, shocking in the same time…
It seems like ages ago, but then the last war is still in the air some parts of the world.
The couscous in Lebanon is so huge, like the one from Israel. I have never cooked or indulged in this type, we are used to the small Moroccan type.
I agree, we can estimate ourselves lucky to live in a almost peaceful century, in a world where we can share and communicate with each other, nearly without borders.
A beautiful post Barbara. Let’s not forget
What a beautiful, vibrant and healthful dish Barb. What a striking and sad photo. Thank you for helping us to remember and find grace and humility when thinking of our fallen soldiers.
I haven’t come across this kind of couscous before, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it
And a lovely set of photos and gentle words, a good reminder to us all Smidge
touching. and regarding the food… this looks so delicious and healthy! I love Libanese cooking and this dish sounds just made for my tastebuds. thank you for sharing!
Thats a nice salad, I need to buy those type couscous. Looks so delicious!
Seriously I need to eat everything on your site.
http://wearyourvitamins.com
As a historian I never forget….wonderful post.
Barbara, this is a beautiful tribute!! Very moving.
Your couscous looks delicious. I love the recipe!!
Beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you for sharing!
[...] About 8 weeks ago Barbara@ justasmidgen posted this fantastic recipe – on Remembrance Day, 11-11, “Vegan Lebanese Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives” [...]
That is a very tasty couscous recipe!!!
[...] about 3 hours out in ambient temperature. For the couscous I decide to got back to Barbara’s – Lebanese Couscous (borrowed) – that I really like, but didn’t have all the [...]
my parents had the family over for dinner last night { before they headed out to the lake.. thankfully flooding has subsided } i was asked to bring “a salad” i’ve been making salads for my mom since i was old enough to stand on a chair and whack out a few carrots on her…
Good looking salad!
Love prawns. I bet they tasted delicious in this salad.
Oh Smidge! I adore every single word in this post. What a fun read! I just love your new bike!!!! And of course, that salad could not be any more perfect for this time of year. I have got to try it. Thanks so much for this!
I love the photo of your graduation. Love the hair! What a great bike. And that salad – so many yummy ingredients and that dressing must be delicious. I’ve never candied nuts. I’ll have to try that. xx
Fair warning, Smidge, I’m kopying your bike! And maybe even your skirt, and for sure your salad! (…or, wait, did i already?? crimeny, I can’t keep us straight, except you make way prettier cakes!!) xoxo
Love this and your fab photo! Wow Smidge you must have given all the boys a run for their money! Beautiful!
Hahaha you can make anything you want spree… You’re my foodie hero and it would turn out so pretty!! And much more gourmet!! I’d love to see you do a makeover:) xoxoxo
Sent from my iPhone
I love Earls (we just got one here) an this salad looks great! Congrats on the new bike, it looks like fun. I recently got a basket for my bike, and it makes those trips I the grocery store and library that much easier!
Hi, Sarah.. I’m glad you enjoyed.. I can’t wait to go zooming around the neighborhood.. Baguette in the basket as they say:D
Hahaha.. We had fun with our Farrah Fawcett hairdos:D
Excellent grad photo! I’m just getting ready for a high school reunion and have been doing some things with grad photos – such great hairstyles! Looking forward to making this salad! Thanks!
Your new bike is super cool just the thing for whizzing to the shops on. I like the sound of this salad and it its so healthy – I am going to make it this weekend. xo
Loving the sound of those candied pecans – what a delicious addition to an otherwise wonderful sounding salad! Great idea – thanks for sharing Smidge
This was a really fun post my friend (she copied… Flattered you by wearing the same gown )
Stunning salad of course!
Cheers
CCU
I’m with Spree! I wanna be just like you!! Though I haven’t been on a bike since I was about 12 years old…
That’s the way I choose to think as well:D Thanks CCU!
They’re my favorite part:)
Cool bike and you were rocking that Farrah Fawcett hair style
Hahaha.. We just loved to flip our hair back then!
I seem to run out for one last ingredient all the time, so this will be handier.. Unless it’s raining.. Like it has almost every day so far:P
Hahaha.. It’s funny looking back now, eh?!
What a lovely summer salad, Smidge. I hope your weather has come around and is a bit warmer, if not, let me know and I’ll send some of our hot and humid weather round to you! The bike is adorable. I had fenders put on my bike so I don’t get the splash up on my back. When you get a basket, make sure it’s not too heavy; I got a very sturdy one, but it puts about 10lbs onto my bike which makes it tough to carry up stairs.
It’s funny, I had Farrah hair too…very funny.
I have a bike quite like that — with a basket in the front! Lovely salad. Must try it soon.
Oh.. So there are lighter baskets.. I’ll take a closer look at those. I will also look at getting fenders put on, that’s a great idea! Yes, the Farrah Flip.. We thought we were so stylin’:D
So I’m copying you;) We could go for a ride… with a salad packed up front:D
I haven’t been on it this year. Truth told, I fell off it last year and made rather a mess of myself. I must work up the nerve to try again.
Yep, I think I might have to copy that bike – love it!! And the recipe, it sounds delicious. (And I adore your blast from the past picture, too.)
I have nightmares of sleeping with curlers in all night – great BIG curlers!
Definitely a blast!!
Beautiful Post and that salad looks delicious – YUM:) Have a Wonderful Day!
You too 
Sent from my iPhone
Awesome bike, Barb! Please get streamers. You must have streamers!
This salad sounds like a winner, too. That dressing is definitely going to make an appearance here — and soon. And I’ll be making those candied pecans, too. I just don’t think many will make it to the salad bowl. Who am I kidding? None of them will.
Hahaha.. For some reason I knew you’d tell me to get streamers!!
The salad looks delicious, but I love the graduation photo most of all! Matching Farrah Fawcett hair!
Nice photo, Smidge! Fantastic, hehe. Also, great salad Love strawberries in unusual places
I’d love to ‘copy’ this salad – sounds like a wonderful summertime treat. And I love the throwback picture, you look fabulous!
Excellent salad and nice bicycle too
This looks bright and pretty, with plenty of protein from the feta, pecans and optional prawns. I know you will enjoy your new bike. My particular vehicle fantasy is an adult tricycle, but, if I have to choose, I’d rather go back to France next year.
There used to be a TV show called “Dinner and a movie” where the hosts would share a recipe and, if I am not mistaken, suggest the most enjoyable movies to watch while eating the meal, or actually show a movie with a few interludes for cooking. I am not sure which anymore, but now I am thinking “Salad and a Bicycle,” a new show by Smidge. Doesn;t it sound good?
I would love that! A video of someone (you and I?) going down a dirt path with a picnic in our bike baskets:D Ah.. It’s good to dream! xoxo
Oh… I saw one of those when I was out scouting for a bike! They are really cool.. And much more practical than mine.. I was worried it wouldn’t get on my bike rack to take to the lake or I would’ve chosen that one for sure! But France… Hands down that’s the best choice:)
This is definitely my kind of salad. I might just have to copy you copying someone else now. It looks delicious. Love the pecans!
Ring ring… Ring Ring… Smidge is passing through. A basket is a must so that you can bring your yummy treats to the neighbors. What a fun post and a yummy interesting salad.
I’m in! You do the cooking though… we would not want to scare anyone with mine.
This is for sure how recipes get around.. And then someone else will copy you.. And on and on:)
I’m looking at which basket to get.. Some are wicker, but I think they’d fall apart in this rain!
Yum, this sounds delicious! I love candied pecans and feta in salad. Enjoy your new bike!
Love the bike, adore the hair, and I want to make this salad (except we don´t have pecans so will have to make do with walnuts)! And yes, imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery (as long as credit is due)
…as long as credit is given…but you knew I meant to say that
You make me want to eat salads !!!
What a perfect salad for a warm summer day like today. That looks delicious! And your bike looks like the opportunity for such wonderful, spontaneous fun…enjoy it, Smidge!
OMG I want your bike!
That grad picture – I think was the most sincerest form of flattery, hair and dress and shoes and all, and why not! Are we gonna see a picture of the bike with the basket for grocery? I hope so. It sounds good enough to want one!
Salad will be copied.
I just got my bike on Friday.. It took a while to pick out the right sized basket and attach it. Then I had to buy a lock.. Then a bell.. Hahaha.. I forgot about all of those things. Next.. It will just be groceries, but then I might need a back bumper basket:D
This salad sounds wonderful. I love the bike. Congrats!
That bike will suit black tie too *smile – really like the model. Can I replace quinoa with couscous in the salad? We don’t have quinoa in Sweden. Love everything about this salad. Especially with prawns or chicken ….
[...] on November 25, 2012, by admin in Lifestyle a. b. There’s nothing more charming than a pedal pusher. I love the banana seat bicycles [...]
foraging this place i trek parallels the spring run-off, churning to my left, its rumble demands and unsettles
I love the salad server. Is it a star fish on the handle? Lovely! And I read John’s post on dandelion leaves too. I’m not sure we can buy them here. I’ve certainly neither tried nor seen them. I do love mangoes in salads though and yes, they are great with a bit of chilli. And I make mine with avocado so we avocado oil in the dressing our salads are fairly similar! Love the images of spring and I hope the Farmer’s Market opens soon xx
This looks like a great salad. I know I need to add a lot more green things to my diet and this looks like a great way. Honestly, I used to think that fruit in salad was crazy (well… before I actually started eating salads with fruit in them), but I’ll admit I’m converted now. The mango in this salad looks seriously mouth-watering!
This post is a wonderful little vacation for the reader. I’m a big fan of your lovely, descriptive prose Barb. I get lost in wherever you’re writing about and I love it. The photos are beautiful too. Your dandelion greens salad sounds so refreshing! Thank you for sharing that!
This salad looks stunning my friend – fresh and green just like your beautiful poem and lovely photography – you keep me in touch with nature
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
That salad looks good! I know my friend Alain would love it.
What a beautiful escape, despite the rain. I love the idea of foraging – what a great way to be mindful about what you eat and cook! Thank you for this lvoely post.
The quality of these photographs is outstanding Smidge. Such delicate blooms. I love it (greens too!)
I had no idea one could eat dandelion leaves… I’d always been told they weren’t edible as a kid, but this is the second time I’ve seen someone use them recently… I’m really curious as to the flavour. I wonder where I can get some good, fresh greens from which haven’t been “sprinkled” by the plethora of dogs which are taken for walks in the forest next to my house! Looks delicious anyway – well worth a try
I need to get down to our olives and pick me some dandelion leaves! I love your poem, so vivid, and the photos are stunning. Thank you!
Beautiful photographs and writing… Great post. Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Dandelion greens are to big now over here for using in the salad … can see that the spring has arrived over there – love the “forget me not” – what a delicious little flower.
You’re a very talent woman in many ways … poem, cakes, salads, photography- stunning photos. Will try this salad – use baby spinach instead.
Sounds like a terrific long weekend, even though it rained. I agree that nostalgia can be a source of great inspiration. Love the flower pictures from the cabin.
I too took a break from the kitchen all last weekend. It was a nice respite as we party hopped, but nothing so tranquil as your walk or nutritious as your salad. Lovely.
Beautiful photos, Smidge, and wow, that salad! I love it. And the addition of mango just brings it all together.
Wonderful post Smidge. Fabulous photos. It is always a treat to visit your blog.
Regards Florence x
It is indeed lovely to get away a little bit; sorry that your weather isn’t quite a spring-like. We had amazing weather at our cabin up north, in fact, it was warmer up there than in Toronto! I even had a dip in the lake.
What a lovely salad, so fresh.
Well, for one thing, thanks to the rain there are loads of dandelions in the garden…. Brilliant post!
I will have to remember not to put “Weed be gone” on them! I will have to try them some time! Beautiful photos and poem!
Like my mom said many times over growing up; eat your greens. Beautiful post – thanks for sharing:) Have a Great Day!
Beautiful words and gorgeous photographs! But of course I’m not surprised, your blog is always amazing and awe-inspiring! Your salad looks wonderful. Our farmer’s markets have just opened but I didn’t bother to go last weekend because I thought…what could they possibly be selling? We’re still in the beginnings of our spring, but like you, I certainly look forward to fresh greens!
Lovely poem. Glad to hear you had a lovely few days respite – shame about the mixed weather.
This post was a pleasure to read, Barb. Your photographs of Spring’s blossoms were beautiful, each prettier than the one before. I’ll be heading back to Michigan in a couple days where, with luck, I’ll go foraging for enough dandelions for a salad for my Zia. I hope it’s not too late for picking. I do wish I could find some to buy. The only ones I ever see are quite large and not at all tender. Now, we may enjoy our dandelion salad but you’ve taken it to an entirely different level. It sounds delicious!
luv it! brings out my artistic side!
I’m a bit jealous Smidge. . . There is no way I could go foraging where I am currently. Do you get morels near you? That is the one think I really wanted to do while I lived in Michigan and just didn’t find time for (seriously, why did I spend all of that time studying?!). Apparently morels are everywhere after a summer rain in Michigan.
You are so fortunate to find dandelions just through foraging.. I’ve found a spot here where wild asparagus grows, supposedly, so I’m going to have to sneak out at night with my flashlight;) My dandelions were large, not tender.. And it was torture walking my dog past those that looked yummy but likely laced with pesticide. Take care!! Smidge
Hahaha.. My dog was happily “watering” the dandelions on our walk today. I had to resort to a grocers.. As even our yards feel unsafe these days… They were surprisingly pleasant. I tried blanching some as suggested in a recipe, but that just turned them to a soggy mess.. I think just a quick cooking in the wok was the best way to make a warm salad. Cheers, Smidge
Terrific salad and I so agree with you about food memories.
I know nostalgia spurs me on at least weekly in the kitchen. This sounds wonderful and refreshing.
We’ve been lashed with rain too Smidge after being seduced by the sun. Heartless Spring! You’ve used a few ingredients I’m not familiar with, but know enough of them (and know YOU well enough) to know this salad will be brilliantly good!! xoxox
Love the white flowers with the red flower background.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, today, Sarah:) I feel the same way when I visit your blog:) xoxo
Baby spinach will work for sure! Thanks for all of your compliments!
Oh.. our lake.. would have been brrrr!! Lucky you!
Hahahaha
I know, you’re right.. but I thought.. maybe a few little greens:) Or even some crafts.. but I got nothin’! Soon.. our blogs will be just overflowing with our haul from the market, eh?
I don’t know about morels.. I’d have to look that one up, now wouldn’t truffles be just awesome, lol, but only in France…
I think you’ve had your fair share of rain, spree.. that’s just not fair!! If spring gets here first, you should come stay here.. and use my kitchen:)
ps it hailed today:(
I love using dandelion greens in salads. Your salad looks delicious, thanks for sharing it with the Hearth and Soul Hop.
BTW, I didn’t see a link back to the Hearth and Soul Hop. Please add a link back to one of the hosts.
I am not sure I can find dandelions here but I love the idea of this salad and that serving spoon is just beautiful
That trail looks gorgeous! I would lovee to go there. Ataulfo mangos are so good. I just tried one for the first time about a month ago. This salad sounds delicious!
I would love to go foraging but we don’t have many edible wild plants where we live. The salad sounds delicious
I would just love to forage anywhere even close to where you took me today! Lovely–so inviting and restful. I just enjoyed it as a little mental break, Smidge! The salad sounds devine. I love avocado oil, and don’t use it often! I seem to forget about it…and I’m not familiar with macha rosettes or atalfo mango, but I’ll do a little local homework. I could live on salads like this…I really could! Debra
Such a lovely post….beautiful photos, beautiful writing, beautiful food…love this! Really wish I had that salad for lunch today. xx
I love your photos of your mother’s garden! You have inspired me to try taking some of my own when we head to my parent’s lakeside cottage this weekend. Like you, I usually spend time helping them in the garden and setting up the lawn furniture this time of year. I enjoy the camaraderie as well. It’s wonderful to work together in the sunshine (or the rain).
Oh my goodness, Smidge. From the poetry to the photos of those gorgeous flowers to that amazing sounding salad (I, too, hold treasured memories of mango, lime and chile from Mexico)…I’m inspired.
Sounds so fresh and tasty, Smidge. Sorry your market wasn’t open yet, but soon, right? And to spend time at the cabin gardening sounds heavenly to me. The flowers you show are gorgeous!
Please do! I never tire of looking at flower photos.. I live vicariously until my own garden gets done. I’ve been tempted to plant.. but we had torrential hail yesterday!! Where is your cottage??
I hope it’s soon.. we have one in Calgary, but it’s just not the same…
Your walk took me back to my French Alpine walks, particularly around the time of the melt – your words “my heels, crushing pestles on the pine ” were music to my ears. Thank you!
And to go foraging, how beautiful, I’ve only just learnt about Ramps from John’s blog. and your salad – YES please, my problem here is in finding ripe mangoes, the shops sell mangoes but so often they are un ripe or never ripen. Humph, I WILL find them as this sounds like a perfect pairing – sweet mango and crunchy tangy greens.
Ah, now you’ve answered a query of mine, Smidge: a French foodie indicated that dandelion leaves were edible and I couldn’t quite believe it. But a salad! I must try it!
Wonderful pictures! I love the forget me nots – and the colors! My grandma used to make dandylion salads…I’ve never eaten them, though!
I love the idea of foraging! Would be handy to have the tips on what to pick and what not to, I’d be the person who’d pick the poisonous mushrooms otherwise haha. Stunning pictures as always Smidge, thanks for taking us on your vacation!
Plymouth, Massachusetts. Many swans swam around our cove while I was there (about 9), but they wouldn’t let me get close enough to take a good picture. Because of the northern climate, the garden wasn’t in full swing yet, but mom’s peonies looked lovely, and she has so many pretty vignettes inside the house. I’m still ruminating about what to say (along with the photos). I plan to post a new entry later this week.
Food-Induced Coma (Food Coma, Common) The Facts A Food-induced Coma is a condition resulting from the sudden abnormal over-consumption of an excess quantity of food and, on occasion wine, typically ingested over a very limited period of time. Symptoms listlessness, a feeling of weakness and low energy a decided lack of ambition, often accompanied by…
Beautiful and so good post, I loved it, and I noted too… Thank you dear Barbara, the photographs are so nice but your lovely dog is the best. Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
DOC…I think I have it! lololol…wonderful article!
After a two week holiday, followed by Easter, I definitely could do with a spinach salad remedy.
I know exactly how your adorable dog feels but sadly I don’t look that cute sprawled on the floor, groaning over my very full belly!
This morning as I sluggishly peeled myself out of bed, I was thinking it was time for some salad days to recover from all of the Easter eating. Then I wake up to your beautiful salad!! It was meant to be.This will be my lunch today. I have everything but the pine nuts and will substitute those with sliced almonds maybe and use vegan parmesan.
Very nice. I call it the food slump.
Oh I do love your photos! And this post reminds me that I should get to the grocers for some spinach
Oh yum! I could survive on salads — I might have been a rabbit in a previous life, or more likely a cow…..
Yes.. The Pupster is the best.. He’s been out of sorts lately, so maybe he was slipped a little too much ham as well;)
Hahaha.. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hahaha.. Yes, the slump around the table, when conversation gets a touch “blurry”.. And loud!!
I hope you like it.. It’s easy to substitute for sure:) I’m trying to get motivated to go to the gym!!
I love spinach salads.. All sorts of them:)
Hahaha.. I think a bunny would be the right fit;) I, sadly, was not a bunny in a previous life, I’m not certain which animal survives on sweets.. But that would be me…
he he he…. Blessing him. and kisses too Love, nia
Love the photo of your pup, says it all! Oh yes, a salad week is the perfect cure from too much … anything. I think I’ve got everything here, looks like this will be lunch today.
I hope you like it:)
Dr Smidge, I’m suffering from newbaby-love-induced coma. (The scientific name escapes me.) Would you recommend the same remedy? (oh please!)
(and Smidge, you are such a clever gull! I loved this post! xoxox)
I love your jars! And there is such a simple beauty in the salad, it’s great.
Very clever indeed and both we and our pups can relate to you and your pup! Big Man is out digging the veggie garden right now and has just called out to me that the first of the spinach is ready for picking – how opportune is that?! We can now give your lovely salad a go and I am sure the bacon is good for replacing essential salts (or something)!
Love, love, LOVE the photo of the pup, made me melt like a dark chocolate in warm cream… ooops, maybe I should not be using this image… sorry! Go eat your spinach, and be a good girl!
Oh.. Spree.. I have devastatingly wonderful news.. Your condition has no cure.. It will be a life sentence of pure and utter joy, the only way to reduce symptoms are lots of baby cheek kisses and cuddles. Unfortunately the remedy usually creates even further inflammation of the symptoms:) xoxoxo Smidge
Yum! You are right. After overeating, a salad is just the right thing to take the sluggishness and guilt away!
Thanks:)
Hahaha, yes, essential salts are important. I know your pups can relate.. I’ve seen them sleeping:) Sooo cute!
Hahaha.. Now craving dark chocolate and cream.. In little pots.. Oh heavens, get thee away.. Temptress!!
Brilliant. First a cut photo of lovely white woolly doggie, followed by an analysis of over eating and the symptoms to a wonderful non-recipe. Love it all (except the symptoms)
What a clever, witty post you shared today, Barb! I fear, however, that PETA may not be pleased that you “used” your pupster to exemplify one suffering from a food coma. I’m sure you have his signed consent form handy, just in case.
This is such a great salad recipe! Of course, anything that combines both cheese and bacon must be good and can only help to dispel a food coma. I mean, anything that tastes that good must be good for you, or so I’ve heard. (If only I could remember when and where…) Beyond that, your photography is, once again, stellar. All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable post.
When I eat too much Barbara, I definitely have to try your solutions in this post lol. First I have to pig out first lol. I also LOVE the spinach salad. I am such a huge spinach person and this would be perfect for lunch
This looks beautiful in that last photo, Smidge. But if I ate bacon in salads I’d have to go running. Shudder. Without the bacon, this looks like lunch or dinner.
This looks more beautiful than any spinach salad I’ve ever ordered in even the best of restaurants! Trouble is, I want it NOW (it’s lunch time). But I can gather the ingredients soon and after this past weekend, both my husband and I need to detox. Your suggestions regarding food coma prevention and suggested deterrents are noteworthy! You take beautiful photographs of all your ingredients, Smidge. Debra
Poor pup- is he responding well to spinach salad???
Yay, a recipe not beyond my capabilities and done with such style. Thanks Barbara.
Love your write-up! Been there…done that…the food coma. Totally LOLed!!!
I recently got back from Portland and talk about eating and drinking – WOW!!! I made a nice stirfry for dinner last night and am trying to drink plenty of water and get back in the gym too. Have a Great Day:)
Oh well, if I lived there I would have those kind of coma’s every day from over-eating for sure! What a lovely sweetie you have there! Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing hon. *hugs*
Hi, I’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve nominated you in turn. If you’re interested check out the rules at http://www.susartandfood.wordpress.com. Great blog!
Hahaha!! I know the ailment well. Too well, but I feel I can conquer it from here on out with this oh so special spinach salad. Ohhhh, it sounds so good right now! It’s pretty too. Thank you for sharing this one Smidge. You must be reading my mind again? It’s a terrific post!!
Your puppy is downright adorable. What a sweetie you have for a sous chef! Lucky girl
Hugs for a happy Wednesday Smidge!
xo
Lol, Smidge! I definitely suffered this holiday — and felt like laying on the floor like your pup! This salad is a perfect remedy.
Oooh yes, Easter eating often leads to a food induced coma – at least in adults. In small people, all the chocolate seems to lead to hyperactivity! Maybe we need to feed the adults chocolate to bring them out of their coma?
Although I do think your delicious salad would be a much more sensible option. And bacon is healthy – we all need a little protein.. xx
Cute puppy!
I’ll remember your advice doctor! I think I have had this illness more than once 
– I will follow your treatment (and this delicious recipe) to the T
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I feel kind of like your pup after this past weekend. I LOVE your spinach panacea salad and that it’s warm, which is lovely. I’ve bookmarked this one…it would be great any time!
Great salad and intro, Barbara! I don’t eat enough spinach, that’s why I have such puny muscles!
That is very funny Smidge. Arabella was moaning and groaning all day yesterday, lying in bed with half eaten Easter eggs and foil wrappers all around her, saying she couldn’t do any study and could I take her to the doctor and do I think she’s a binge eater and ‘Could you get me a water?’ and I just yelled, ‘Self-inflicted’ and closed her bedroom door. I guess if I was really kind I would have made this delicious salad!
Post Easter I am definitely suffering from excessive consumption of sweet things and I appear to have more than two symptoms from the list. Oh dear I hope I will not have to remove excess chocolate for too long. Your puppy is gorgeous.
Hahahaha.. nor do I, trust me on that one!
I’m not sure the guilt ever goes away, lol!
Thank you:) yes.. those symptoms are not fun;)
Hahaha, trust you to act on behalf of my pup’s animal rights! I wouldn’t expect less! I’m not sure he’s suffering from a food coma, or just sulking because he wanted even more snacks to be offered down to him while we ate;) Yes.. bacon and cheese are dubious “healthy” ingredients.. but I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind these days! xo
I can’t imagine you pigging out, Kay:) It’s a great lunch salad because it’s easy to prepare for sure.
Oh, my, we wouldn’t want that to happen! Does that mean I have to run now! Drat! That was not in my plans, running and I don’t see eye to eye these days;)
Oh… if only the detox lasted.. someone needs to rehide these chocolate eggs..
He would appreciate the garlic in it.. and he would manage to take out the bacon, the rest.. he would neatly leave strewn around his bowl, I’m certain!
Thanks Gretchen! If we didn’t laugh.. well..
Now.. I’m certain you’d be able to this for sure!!
Looks delish! Such a fun post. I’m continually amazed by your creativity!
I love it. Well, OK. The picture of the dog won me over. Everything else was gravy. Not real gravy that’s coma-inducing.
Ohh. Ohh, I have 2 or more of the symptoms. Sounds like this is serious. Various pastel wrappers are laying about the house. I also feel like if I look at anything chocolate for a while i might pass out. Ok! I’m on my way for a power walk to the grocery store to get some supplies to make your spinach salad. Take Care, BAM
What a fun read Smidge – I have had to learn to go very s l o w l y on the chocs as they skip the coma part with me and just hang around my hips and tummy! Your pup is the cutest fluffy furry child and I love the salad – scrumptious!
Mandy
I seem to have a need for this every time I visit with my friend Erica
Wow!
I’m not in a FIC, but I have to try this salad ASAP It looks great, tasty and easy to do.
I wonder whether I could have persuaded the kids to try this cure for excess chocolate…
I’ll take a food induced coma, thank you! And that salad looks very pretty but also fits into my style of eating. Lovely photos as usual!
Looks delicious and I love the way you photograph food? Do you use strobes or natural light or both?
This absolutely could be my favorite! Perfect cure for the food coma.
I laughed out loud at the symptoms of food induced comas ! It’s such a common thing with someone like me who seems that have eyes bigger than my tummy.
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I posted a “congratulation message” on your Facebook page, but just to make sure you see it: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Awesome job!
This salad is quite unique, I love everything about it – mango is such a cool addition. I might try to make a version using farro, as a friend of mine brought a 5 pound bag for me and I want to put it to good use.
I think green is a nice base color for your next design… go for it!
Congratulations on your awards, what a wonderful birthday gift!!!!!
Love your new design, both the color and the layout.
My kind of salad, great idea with the addition of mango.
Happy birthday and congrats on your blog award!
Massive congratulations on the well deserved award and on your birthday..am doing a one man (or woman) mexican wave for you right now! Beautiful salad, just seeing those vibrant colours makes me feel full of energy
Oh, this salad looks yummy! I’ve been staring at a bag of edamame in my freezer– now I have plan. Wonderful news of the award and you birthday–congratulations on both.
Great looking salad with wondrous ingredients. Green’s good – it makes me think of spring and that’s good for me and my mind.
Whoo Hoo! Congratulations Smidge!! You’re on fire
Loving this salad too! I too have had my hand in the candy jar one too many times and trying desperately to keep my hand out of it. LOL! Lots of kale and veggies in my house at the moment. And Ranger Craig just brought me a lovely fresh kale/beet/carrot juice. I think I’ll have a breakfast cookie with this. Wishing you a delicious day.
I hope you kick some major tail in this competition, my friend!
I never seem to be nominated or even hear of these things, but I’m glad to see you have a shot at getting some much-deserved recognition!
Ah, thank you, Barb, something that looks great, and I can eat without feeling guilt !!!
Paul
Congratulations! Nice salad too
Great spoons!
Congrats Barbara, very cool! Your blog is quite lovely, I haven’t changed mine since the beginning!
What a great salad for such bone chilling temperatures! Gorgeous colours.
Happy Birthday my friend and BIG congratulations
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Congratulations to one of my favourite ladies, and belated birthday wishes, Smidge. This is one blog that whenever I catch it in my reader, I can’t resist visiting.
Congratulations. You are my talented and amazing friend. Enjoy the feelings associated with your honor. How was your weekend?
Sharon
Sent from my iPhone
That really is too cold. If we have a day of +14C it makes the news because it’s just so cold. Love your green salad – it really does look not only good for you but inviting too xx
I am loving the new layout!! And this salad looks delicious, you can NEVER eat too many sweets..but eating too few greens in indeed possible!
Sprightly!
Smidge, that looks perfectly healthy and delicious, and just such a gorgeous colour! Congratulations on your win, and a belated happy birthday! xx
This would be a perfect accompaniment to my new Cross-Trainer. Which, incidentally, I need because I too swore I would give away 99.9% of what I cooked, but the decimal place slipped.
Huge congratulations on your award Barbara – very well deserved. LOVE your blog design, and green is my favorite color. This salad looks absolutely fab, with all that beautiful green goodness. Love the edamame/mango combination.
Congratulations Barbara! (And happy belated birthday) the salad looks and sound delicious
Congratulations! That is a lovely bright salad to brighten a winter day.
This reminds me about the salad I had in Seattle – it was wonderful, edamame beans I will have problems with … but I’m sure I can use another green bean. So I put this on file until the sun comes out and salads goes on the menu again. Congratulations to the award … and your Valentine cake will get it’s post this week. Fantastic cake .. take everything back that it was too sweet, the next day is was PERFECT!
Ooh, how very exciting – congratulations on the very well deserved award Smidge! Your salad looks good enough to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mandy xo
YUM! and something that won’t leave me feeling guilty!!
We’re definitely going to have to try this. Baby Lady loves edamame and sugar snap peas. I love the brightness the mint gives the salad an the sweetness and tropical flavor of the mango. Pinning it now for later use.
I’ve never done anything with edamame – despite living surrounded by soybean fields! You, as always, inspire me.
Well how many ways can I say congratulations! Happy Birthday, and how absolutely tremendous to be honored for your creativity. I’m really delighted for you. Your blog is a gorgeous place for a reader and follower to luxuriate. Poetry, art, fabulous photography and the best food and stories! I love to visit, and I’m truly delighted to see you’ve been acknowledged! And this salad sounds just wonderful to me! It feels springlike—and yes, green! Don’t eliminate the roses on your banner too soon though! They are so lovely! oxo
That indeed looks healthy, we love edamame here
Hi Smidge ! Sorry for the hiatus – I was in the US for work for the last three weeks and am really in need of non-meeting food, or rich (and large portions of) American fare. I am a firm believer of “when in Rome”, but I do need a break (both from tastebuds and from waistline !) from burgers and fried food.
SO, this is a WONDERFUL inspiration for me to go and make yummy salads for my meals – thank you !
Belated happiest of birthdays Barbara and a big shout out and congratulations on the wonderful award! Soooooo well deserved!!!!
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Such wonderful news, Barb! Congratulations and belated happy birthday wishes, too! Love your banner photo. The roses are stunning, as are the rest of the photos that follow within the post. And then there’s the actual salad. It sounds delicious, a mix of tasty ingredients of varying textures with a simple dressing. This is a real treat!
Congratulations, Barb! You are so deserving!! By the way, I love the Mark Twain quote. He could not have been more right!
Well done! So much more rewarding to win. A juried competition! I will make this salad for Dave without the mango which he doesn’t like
Congrats on the award Smidge! Well-deserved!!! And happy belated birthday.
I hope it was a memorable one and that you have an amazing year to come. I’m not much of a fan of peas, but sugar snap peas I actually do enjoy. I bet this salad would go over well at our table. And I’m with you – the color would be welcome right now. Love the beautiful rose up top as well. Very happy.
Congratulations Barbara on your much deserved recognition. I love your light and healthy salad and I kknow we all give about 90, well at least 50 pecent away and the teenagers inhale the rest. Loving the look of your new site always so fun to come and see new things. Take care, BAM
Congratulations on this award! How wonderful!! I’m loving this salad…healthy and beautiful too. I haven’t used white balsamic vinegar much, so thank you for a nice recipe with which to try it again.
I think farro would be a lovely switch out for quinoa.. I’ve got a huge bag of quinoa from Costco that needs using up first:) Thanks always for your messages, Sally!
Thank you, Norma, it was a great surprise! I sure enjoy changing my blog, probably too much someone would say, but it’s too much fun not to:) xx
Thank you!
Haha, thanks Chica.. waving right back at ya’!
Thanks so much, Alice. If you try this salad, I hope you like it as much as we did. xx
I love green, emerald green is the color for 2013 I hear. But reds and oranges won me over this time:D
Haha, yes, that candy jar AND the cookie jar need a lock in my house! Thanks so much:D
Well.. there are many categories, you should look into it another year:)
No guilt here, I promise!
Thanks:D
They were my neighbors, I think about her every time I use them.. she’s moved away and I don’t often see her.
I find it fun, digital photos and such are interesting for me.. almost as much as food, but not quite:D
A big thank you:D
It’s difficult to be everywhere on the blog reader.. I always appreciate you stopping in! xx
Thanks, sweetie:D It was a great escape, warm temperatures, great x-country and wonderful food.. xx
I really must get over to your country one day! So much traveling that needs to be done! xx
You’re a sweetie yourself!! I love that philosophy! xx
Thanks, Kathryn.. it’s lovely having you pop in:D xx
Thanks so much Celia! xx
Hahaha.. that darn decimal, I was never good at Math!!
I will have to incorporate more green next time.. at least there are green leaves in my photo:D xx
Thanks Giovanna.. It was a happy one:)
I know you love the color green.. just thinking of your garden makes me love the color green more:D Thanks so much!
Hey, no worries, Viveka.. it was an Ina Garten recipe.. everything she makes is “fully loaded” with butter and sugar. Reducing the sugar is not a bad idea at all! xx
Well.. maybe with a little egg right in the middle it would be good for breakfast:D
It’s tough to find recipes that are guilt-free and appealing, isn’t it? I’m finding more and more on different food bloggers sites though. xx
I hope Baby Lady loves it as much as we did.. if not, I know you would be able to tweak it to her perfection:D
I don’t usually either.. we typically buy the packaged edamame from Costco and steam the packages for snacks. Thanks for your compliments, Gretchen! xx
You always know just the right words, I feel so blessed to have connected to writers like you. I love those roses, too! They were my birthday bouquet:D xx
Glad to hear it:D
No worries, Carolyn, I hope you had some fun while you were in the US?? I look forward to reading more posts from you now! xx
Hey, Thanks Danny!!
xxx
Thanks so much, John. I wondered if you’d like those roses.. I also wondered if you have ones like that in your garden?? You’ve so many varieties, I couldn’t remember. Glad you liked this post:)
Isn’t it true?! Lol, it’s just not fair:D
Thanks, Tandy.. I’d love to know what changes you make.. then I could try this salad a new way:) xx
I think the color craving comes from our winter.. it does seem to drag on sometimes. The roses do make me happy:) xx
Thanks so much Bam.. you’re right about the teenagers. Congrats, by the way, on your new blog.. I can’t wait to see it!! It’s very exciting!! xx
Thanks:) I think we’re both cooking pretty healthy these days! Just wait ’til Valentine’s Day, lol, that’s when my good intentions go right out the window! xx
No, Barb, I don’t have any that special over here. You’d know if I did. I would have featured it in post after post.
Congrats on the award! you so deserve it! love the new colours on your page.
hmm this edamamae and snap pea salad looks like a lovely meal for one. So easy to put together too! I should really get down to some healthy eating myself!
I use a lot of sugar in cooking – specially my sauces …
Cakes I can’t eat if too sweet – but it came out perfect the next day and I made an other for mum this morning.
Today I posted your cake .. and put some romantic music to.
I love the new rose header, Smidge! How lovely. And I adore everything about this salad – the freshness, the colors, and the crunch! x
I want this salad badly! Can you think of an alternative to the edamame as I am allergic to soy
I do not think one can ever eat too many sweets so long as they can still crawl out of bed in the morning. Cheers Barbara!
Wow, my friend, you are indeed the bee’s knees!
What a string of well-deserved accolades and awards! I told you a long time ago (not to do an I-told-you-so ….. ok I told you so) there was to be no stopping you! You’re headed to the heights dear Smidge, and you belong there! This recipe sounds to-die-for though I don’t like that expression and can’t imagine why I used it! 
It sounds rather like one of those things to live for and to savor. Good salads are like that. A big and joyous Whoop! for you, Barb! Couldn’t be happier!
First, congrats and happy belated birthday, Smidge! The bright green of this salad just drew me in. I love edamame and the thought of it with mango is making my mouth water! BTW, love the new tweaks to the blog. The rose banner is gorgeous! You’re getting ready to bust out of winter, aren’t you? lol!
Love the green and the promise of spring it conveys! This salad looks like a winner to me! And, of course, your beautiful blog is a winner too. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour. You’re one of my blogging role models!
Barbara, how did I miss this? Oh yes, I have been overdoing the sweets too. And like you I really only taste and give the rest away. Congratulations on your awards, well deserved! Your blog is phenomenal on all levels. What a wonderful birthday gift!! This green salad looks delicious and refreshing! I absolutely love sugar snap peas and with all the rest of the ingredients it has to over the top delicious!!
I saw the title of this post and straight away saved it to my favourites. I love Endeme, the only time I’ve had them from fresh is when I tried to grow them (not very successfully I might add!) but I can get them frozen and so this WILL be ade. Thank you x
I would love to live in a place where I could even consider growing them, lol! Mine were frozen.. alas, they shall probably always be frozen:) But they still tasted great! xx
This salad looks so fresh and healthy and delicious! You have a beautiful blog!