tabbouleh + one lovely blog award

one of my most favorite birthday traditions is going to the ocean with my mom, gram and sister.

this has been our tradition since my 24th birthday - it is one that i hope we continue for many years to come. instead of feasting on greasy boardwalk eats we like to pack a lunch to bring along - so much tastier and not to mention healthier.

there is nothing better than blue sky's, sun, family and jumping through the waves - well maybe this tabbouleh might rank in at a close second.

have i told you how much i love having a garden - just a few quick steps and i had the perfect beginnings of homemade tabbouleh.

cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, oregano and chives.

a bit of fresh lemon, olive oil, salt and bulgar and you have yourself a wonderfully fresh and simple lunch.

i am told traditional tabbouleh requires you to finely chop all the ingredients, almost to a mince.

i personally prefer a "chunkier" tabbouleh

once made and assembled this keeps really well for a few days - that is if it lasts that long.
if i know a hectic week is coming up i like to make a double batch to the last the week for quick and easy lunches & dinners. a few pitas, lettuce and if you are feeling saucy a bit of hummus makes for a filling super good for you meal.

also super delish when enjoyed with seedy or wheat crackers .

i love the fresh herbs and the brightness of loads of lemon juice.

this also just make an appearance at book club on tuesday - we will be discussing

Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk. tell me are any of you in a book club? if so i would love to hear about your book club get togethers!

before i let you lovelies go i was so awesomely bestowed the one lovely blog award from 

Sarah @ Inside & Out. i have to say that i have met some awesome bloggers through this award. sarah is a pretty amazing lady and has an awesome blog- if she hadn't contacted me who knows how long it would have been before i found her blog, same with gabby from the veggie nook- two people that i am so glad to have met all thanks to this blog. part of this award is to list 7 random facts about yourself - so here it goes:

1. i am almost just as obsessed with flowers as i am food - i love the way the yard smells just after a summer rain and the perfume of the flowers envelopes you

2.  i really, really want a beach cruiser

3. i am trying really hard to find the motivation to stick with a running program

4. i absolutely love fall hiking and long drives in the fall on NH back roads

5. i am totally into reiki

6. i am so bad at remembering names of bands and songs - i am clueless

7. i am in love with fiona apples new cd

so, i would like to pass this award along to:

Melissa at Vegan Fling

Shelby at Everyday Vegan Girl

Tabbouleh

serves 4 for lunch or 6 as an appetizer

you will need:
1/2 cup bulgar + 1 cup water

1 cucumber peeled and cubed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered

1/4 cup parsley, minced

2 tbsp oregano, minced

1 tbsp chives, snipped

2 tbsp red onion, minced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 large lemon

salt to taste

for serving

pita

lettuce

hummus

assembly:
in a small sauce pot bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add bulgar & cover - simmer on low for approximately 10 minutes. remove from heat and allow to stand covered while preparing remainder of recipe.

in a large mixing bowl add all your prepped veggies, toss with minced herbs.
add the bulgar on top of herbs, drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the bulgar.
toss all ingredients together ensuring all ingredients are distributed evenly.
season with salt - serve warm or store in fridge until ready to serve.
best made the day prior, allowing the flavors to mingle.

serve with pita, hummus & lettuce

enjoy!