From the Diary of a Kitchen Goddess: Lemon Juice adds a Touch of Sunshine to Salads

At the End of a Summer's Day

Saturdays are busy days for me. From sunrise to sundown I can be found tending the garden, cleaning, or adding a touch of charm to the inside of my cottage. As the late afternoon sun begins to hang lower in the sky, I often sew in my rocking chair, and encourage neighbors to join me in sipping iced sun tea when they walk by. That is how I have gotten to know most of the families in my small village. On certain evenings of special magical significance, I invite them over for a picnic dinner at the big, round table on my back patio. Most are very pleased to stay outside their own kitchens in favor of a cool evening of rest, play, and lively conversation.

Today is the eve of the feast day of St. John the Baptist, otherwise known as St. John's Eve . It is often a night for revelry, and unexpected magic is often afoot, especially where there are cozy tree groves. It is the perfect evening to picnic outside on my patio, by the light of colorful paper lanterns. These homemade lights seem to encourage the fireflies to float in the direction of my backyard. They seem to know how much heart and soul the children of my village put into their creations. The lanterns also encourage fairies to visit and dance among the trees that separate my backyard from that of other neighbors.

On such nights, I often make a salad to share with Esperanza, and whoever decides to visit me. Together, we set out several different types of salad, including garden salads, coleslaw, and ambrosia. I set out dress-up clothes for the children to put on and play in. Bubbles and musical instruments are also provided for them to play with, but sometimes they bring their own. Young ladies, and a few young men, often stop by early in the evening to ask me a candid question, or to share a confidence. Later on, the young ones run in to give me a hug and kiss, drink the tea, play games, and eat a chocolate treat, such as brownies. Esperanza often engages the children with her charming gifts as a storyteller while I chat with the adults. We often end our evenings together with a giant sacred circle dance for the adults and children to enjoy together.

On hot summer evenings, the perfect meal is often a salad, chased down with a tall glass of fresh sun tea. Fresh-squeezed lemon adds a sweet and savory zest to the salad that satisfies the palate as it cools the rest of the body. The lemon juice blends together all of the flavors form the different ingredients to taste scrumptious. They belong together, like a small village of vegetables in a giant wooden bowl. The brave little souls give up their lives for our health, and we thank them for their gift before we eat them.

There are many ingredients that can be thrown together for a filling salad that makes a complete and colorful meal. Some of my favorites are listed below. Quinoa, tofu, or chicken can be added for extra fiber or protein. Fruits and nuts add extra flavor and crunch to a salad.

Do have a blessed evening with friends and family, and enjoy a salad to keep you cool.