There is something about cooking in the kitchen and creating something that is so relaxing. But let me be completely honest with you… I may love being in the kitchen (as it is a space for me to be creative), but that does not mean my food looks like "Pinterest Perfection." I like being in the kitchen because it is a creative space to express myself. I believe it is vital for everyone to find that judgment-free creative space. Unfortunately, our world is still filled with critics. But what if we intentionally create small spaces in our life where critics are not welcome? Then this attitude change could spill over into more areas of our life!
So, I invite you to Cooking with Mikayla! A space that is judgment-free and critic-free. Cooking with Mikayla is where I have felt comfortable since age 10. No joke, it started with my best friend as just a fun thing to do together as we both had big imaginations.
Recipes hold memories, and for the first recipe of Cooking with Mikayla, I want to share with you what my family calls "Lake Salad." This recipe unlocks memories for me of being in the hot summer sun and swimming all day. My Nana kind of came up with this and adapted it to be her own.
Let me give you a fair warning though… you also can make it your own! It doesn't matter too much with lake salad if you leave something out or add something in. Just this last time I made it, I forgot my favorite ingredient Chick Peas!!
LAKE SALAD:
Dressing…
1 small clove garlic
1 1/2 limes, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salad…
1 (15-ounce) can Chickpeas
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed(but the truth is any beans are good, I like to add black beans in there too)
1 1/3 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
salt
black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved AND/OR a can of diced tomatoes (I like a lot of these!)
1 small Hass avocado, halved, seeded, and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, leaves, and stems
And from here, it is pretty simple! Drain all the cans and toss the salad ingredients into a bowl. Do the same for the dressing! Throw it all together, give it a good shake, and then add it to the salad.
I would love to hear if you make Lake Salad! Contact me at Shine.FM by texting 855-987-4463 and make sure you say hey Mikayla!.
