In celebration of Vegan MoFo, I’m doing a month of themed dinner party ideas! The theme of the first week is… The Wizard of Oz!
When you’re stuck on a pole for months on end, you get a lot of time with your thoughts. After all, how do you think Santa gets all of those good ideas for snickering Elmo’s and blinking Furby’s? (Wrong kind of pole? Oops. Beg pardon.) Well, the Scarecrow was no different. He’d look out over the vast fields of corn and imagine all of the ways he could cook with it. He’d make corn on the cob, creamy polenta, cornmeal crust pizzas, and corn chowder.
Why, with one pull of the nail that was so uncomfortably wedged at his spine… (singing) He could while away the hours, cooking with corn flours, right on the yellow lane. He could stir and be merry (while, of course, avoiding dairy) if he only had that grain.
Oh, yes, and then there was also the matter of straw stuffed under his cap where a brain should be… If only he could get to Oz. Oz always had loads of ideas on brain and body wellness. On his way the Scarecrow would grab some corn. He’d meet up with the soothsayer himself, get his wish granted, and he’d dedicate his life to eating more brain food. (Might as well make the most of what he’s got.)
So when Dorothy came by with a big plan on how to meet Oz himself, well, of course, he was only too eager to stumble along. He was surprised when they went in the direction away from the Big Apple and towards the Emerald City, but what did he know of directions? He was still using Mapquest for goodness sake.
When they got there, you can only imagine his disappointment when the Oz of his imaginations, the one with connections to Oprah (not Ozma), was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was handed a paper diploma and sent on his way. But the Scarecrow pushed on. After waving goodbye to Dorothy, he returned to his field, shucked a few ears of corn (with its zeaxanthin), added black beans (a brain food full of anthocyanin that boosts memory and brain function), squeezed on lime, and added a handful of cilantro. Sure, he was bummed he never got to see the Great and Powerful Dr. Oz himself, but he’s not writing off Oprah spinoffs altogether. Next, he’s set his sights on Gayle. He’s always had luck with that name.
The Scarecrow’s Corn & Black Bean Salad
Serves 4
- 1/2 medium-sized red bell pepper, chopped small
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 1/2 cups (or 1 15 oz. can) black or adzuki beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 lime, juiced (about 1 Tablespoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced plus extra for garnish
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Congratulations to the winner of the EZ Tofu Press giveaway, Sarah K.! Look for another EZ Tofu Press giveaway later in the month!
Clever theme and fabulous looking salad = Vegan MoFo win!
Thanks, JL! I appreciate it!
You’re such a beautiful genius! Clever, caring and you can cook. Happy MoFo my friend. I love reading your posts – I’m actually staying up too late in Paris to catch up.
Oh, Lisa, what a sweet thing to say! You’ve totally made my day. I’m sure you’re having a marvelous time in Paris, and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
I’m totally into food like this. Simple & so delicious. (I loved your wicked witch of the west smoothie video, btw–you’re great in front of the camera!)
Yes, there’s something to be said for simple, whole ingredients. They come together quickly with no fuss but lots of fresh flavor. Thanks for the lovely comments about the video! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I love your take on the scarecrow’s song and the salad fits in perfectly with your theme. Your husband’s scarecrow costume is great too!
Thanks, Mel! My mom made that costume about 20 years ago! I bet she never would have guessed that someday my future husband would be wearing it.
I’m sure Dr. Oz would be honored to find himself in your post! So funny. The black bean salad sounds perfectly healthy and delicious.
Thanks, Andrea! I trust that Dr. Oz will include being on Cadry’s Kitchen on his resume.
Such a pretty salad, and I love the presentation in the corn husks!
Thank you, Bobbie! Now I’ve finally made use of the corn husks that I bought many moons ago to make the tamales from Viva Vegan. Oh, well. At least the package has been opened.
I love this! Thinking of more corn products for the Scarecrow: hominy, masa harina . …
With masa harina and the above corn husks, maybe the Scarecrow will make tamales! Then he could make those little creamy corn cakes that they have at Mexican restaurants, and of course, he could drink loads of high fructose corn syrup.
Hmmm, good thing I came back here, I commented on this fantastic post yesterday but it must have disappeared into the Ozmosphere. haha, I married a guy with brains, who dresses up in funny costumes, oh wait that’s not a costume David is wearing is it. I’m sorry
Is Dr. Oz the new wizard? Where Opie?
Super fun post and lovely tablescape/salad.
Thanks, Gigi! I’ve always enjoyed men who aren’t afraid to have fun and be silly, and David has that in spades!
Yummy! Looks simple and the presentation is lovely!
Thank you, Ashley!
This is HILARIOUS! I love how your husband, er The Scarecrow, is resting his elbow on Oz’s hip. My favorite post so far
Thanks, Cara! Yes, my husband and Mehmet are very close.
These posts are so entertaining! And that salad looks delicious, perfect for spring or summer!
Thank you, Mandee! I’ve also been enjoying the salad as a topping on massaged kale or served with blue corn chips.
I’m with Cara- those pictures of “the Scarecrow” had me cracking up! You definitely married a good man!
I used to make a black bean and corn salsa all the time and this just reminded me that it’s been a few years. Black beans and corn- what a great pair!
I know! One of my favorite things about David is how game he is to do whatever. I definitely appreciate that about him! It’s not every man who would don a scarecrow costume my mom made 20 years ago for a photo shoot!
You really know how to get into the mind of the scarecrow, ha ha. Nicely done! That corn & black bean salad looks delish.
Too funny! Thanks, Maggie!
Hi Cadry, I am really happy I won the EZ Tofu press. What do I do to collect my prize?
Hi, Sarah! Congrats on your win! I sent you an email a couple of days ago, but perhaps it went to your spam folder. Just email me with the address where you’d like the press sent, and the EZ Tofu Press people will ship it to you. My email address is: cadryskitchen@gmail.com
Awesome theme and such a lovely looking salad!
Best,
Sihi
Thanks so much, Sihi!