Black Bean & Couscous Salad

I bought a bag of  Manitou Trading Co. Mediterranean Couscous Blend at Costco because it looked healthy, but I wasn't exactly sure what to make with it. As I searched for a good recipe, I found this one HERE.

I made this salad for our Labor Day BBQ and it turned out so yummy! Be sure to follow the cooking instructions for couscous from the recipe and not the back of the bag or you will have slimy, sticky couscous. I also doubled some of the ingredients for the sauce, which was recommended in many of the comments.

Black Bean & Couscous Salad

1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained
salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in 2 quart or larger sauce pan and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and remove from heat. LET STAND FOR 5 MINUTES.
2. In large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar and cumin. Add green onions, red pepper, cilantro, corn and beans and toss to coat.
3. Fluff couscous well, breaking up any chunks. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Kids Temple Bags for Wedding

I have to blog about one more beautiful wedding this summer. My husband's sister's wedding can be described in one word - CLASSY! From the invitations and flowers to the bridesmaids dresses and food, the only thing that didn't cooperate was the weather (which was a little stressful, but after it stopped pouring rain, we all came out from huddling under the patio and were seated around the pool). Instead of a traditional reception, she chose to have a dinner party. She invited her closest family and friends and had a program with a live band. It was charming! I have to add that my favorite part was my incredibly talented husband singing "She's Got a Way" by Billy Joel.

 

Before we all enjoyed ourselves at this lovely reception, we gathered together at the Timpanogos Temple for the happy couple's sealing (if you don't know much about the LDS Church, look HERE). Young children are not able to go into the temple for this sacred experience. Some temples have a waiting room with activities for young children while they wait for their families and others do not. The Timpanogos Temple does not. Knowing my 2-year old would last for about 5 minutes without something to entertain him, I offered to put together temple bags for the kids who would be in the waiting room.

One quick trip to the dollar store later, this is what I came up with:

 

Each bag contained:

coloring book, picture of temple to color & crayons

granola bar, fruit snacks, animal crackers & bottled water

watch

chap-stick

bag of pipe cleaners (the kids loved this the most)

In the temple we are married for "TIME" and all eternity. 

This is special chap-stick to help you use your quiet voice and say kind things.

Work together and use these to build your own temple.

Each child was so happy to have their VERY OWN bag of goodies to carry around - I like to think it made the day go a little more smoothly. For anyone planning a temple wedding with children involved, I highly recommend temple bags!