Earth's Crammed with Heaven

Wheat Berry and Lentil Salad
3 cups water
1/2 cup wheat berries, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup brown or French lentils, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 TBSP finely chopped shallots
1 clove garlic, minced
1 TBSP Dijon-style mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 TBSP torn fresh basil leaves or 2 tsp dried basil, crushed

1.  In a medium saucepan combine the water and wheat berries.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer one hour.  Stir in the lentils and continue cooking for 30 minutes mores.  Drain, discarding liquid.  Cool to room temperature.
2.   For the dressing, in a medium bowl combing lemon juice, shallots, and garlic.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Whisk in mustard.  Add oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until combined.  Stir in crushed red pepper.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Set aside.
3.  In a large bowl combine the cooked wheat berries and lentils, garbanzo beans, tomato, parsley, green onions, and basil.  Add the dressing; toss to coat.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I took this to work for a tasting and all who tasted enjoyed it.    Each bite is filled with flavor and it seems that even a small serving will satisfy a hungry appetite.

Have you noticed the amazing summer creation all around you?  The bursting forth of grass, flowers, and leaves?  I recently took a canoe trip down the river in town and I was amazed at the natural beauty that abounded along the banks.  As we heaved the canoe in and out of the water, my shoes were off and my toes squished in the cool sand.  Matted down grass, dandelions, and tree branches cushioned my steps.  I was incredibly thankful to be there, at that time, able to appreciate the beauty around me.  I was also thankful for the teamwork that my husband and I were able to pull off on our first canoe ride of the season.

      
             Earth's crammed with heaven,
   And every common bush afire with God,
     But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
   The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
              -Elizabeth Barrett Browning