Tuscan White Bean Salad

From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen

We had one day and a half at home after returning from Canada and we are off again to our normal schedule for the week, leaving again for another weekend. We have a wonderful concert in Holland, Michigan with my husband conducting and two other conductors in the same program.

We are performing a Gospel and Spirituals concert with powerful pieces that make the whole choir move with great spirit. I love singing this genre of music because it allows me to sing to my God with complete freedom and expression, in a complete different way. I love seeing the whole group ignited with the same fervency that is contagious and wonderful to see. I am very much looking forward to a great concert.

From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen

With that said, my morning started with finding a beautiful fog and mist over the lake. The gorgeous thing about it was seeing the ice melting on the lake which led me to burst out, SPRING IS HERE!! It was eerie seeing the mist over the lake for the majority of the day because I somehow expected the sunshine to peer out, but it did not.

After a full day of work, I creaked out of my chair and decided to take a nice walk. What I did not expect was to take a 1.5 hour walk! I walked 4 miles and LOVED it! I like that kind of unexpected exercise because it gave me an energizing spirit the rest of the evening. As I walked back to the house, I noticed a neighbor’s tree with buds! Another SIGN of SPRING!

From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen

Can you tell that I am super excited? I really enjoyed the winter with the newness of snow, but knowing that I live in a place where seasons occur, I thanksed the Lord for being able to see creation at its most awesome expression. Kiss to my Creator!

On that note, I was inspired to make a great salad, full of protein, for my lunch. I really enjoy looking at items in my pantry and fridge and then having a “Ah ha!” moment of inspiration. Here is what I enjoyed!Tuscan White Bean Salad
serves 1 or 2 small portions

1 13 oz can navy beans, drained
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup green olives, sliced or whole
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasonings
1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
1 tsp paprika
salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and enjoy immediately. Accompany with green salad and slice of whole grain bread for a complete meal.

From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen