What's Cooking With Karen Harris?

We asked our authors to share with us some of their favorite recipes.  Be it food or drink. This is what we got.

Written by Karen Harris

My go-to summer recipe is for Black Bean Salad.  I adapted it from a 1990 Gourmet Magazine recipe, which called for soaking beans overnight and using fresh corn.  I do use fresh corn in the summer, if I have leftover ears, but canned works just fine.  It is a terrific side dish for grilled meats, tacos, grilled fish, or with chips for a quick lunch.  It only keeps about 48 hours, but I rarely find it left in the fridge that long.

Black Bean Salad

2 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15oz can corn kernels, drained

2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 bunch fresh cilantro, rough chopped

1 bunch scallions, diced

2 lemons, juiced

1 cup olive oil (may use extra virgin)

salt to taste

In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients.  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice, adding salt to taste.  Pour vinaigrette over the salad, stir, and cover and refrigerate at least one hour.  Allow to sit out thirty minutes before serving.  Serves 6.

About the author: Karen Harris is a writer and editor from San Francisco, now residing in Virginia Beach.   Her story “I Have A Dress” appeared in By the Bay: East Beach Stories.  Her story “Comings and Goings” appears in By the Bay 2: More East Beach Stories.

Flying Proms

Written by Karen Harris

On June 10^th, Military Aviation Museum on Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach held their annual Flying Proms.  A British tradition that has made its way to our shores, the Proms delivers fun and excitement for aviation buffs and music lovers alike.  A wind ensemble serenaded all comers as we made our way through the gates.   Aircraft from the beginning of flight through World War II were on display in and out of the hangars, a restored WWII British/American control tower was open for touring, food trucks and drink tents did a brisk business, and this was all before the main event. The concert featured Symponicity, flights of vintage aircraft from World Wars One and Two, and a massive fireworks display.  As the evening began to cool and the sun dipped behind the trees, the orchestra played music classical and movie music while several antique airplanes flew overhead.  The biplanes and more modern fighters from both Allied and Axis sides of the wars were a sight to behold, and what a thrill to watch them taxi to the sides of the stage!  Close enough to touch a piece of history.  The fireworks gilded the lily: one display topping another, until we were certain, “This must be the grand finale!” until the next set began.  While the tickets may seem a little pricey, it is a full afternoon and evening of fun, and this event benefits a remarkable venue and museum.  

About the author: Karen Harris is a writer and editor from San Francisco, now residing in Virginia Beach.   Her story “I Have A Dress” appeared in By the Bay: East Beach Stories.  Her story “Comings and Goings” appears in By the Bay 2: More East Beach Stories.

What Are You Up To?

Wonder what's going on with our authors since the release of By The Bay 2?  Well here's what's going on with Mike Owens!

Mike Owens, of East Beach Writers Guild, announces the publication of his new novel, SCREWED, a torrid saga based, in part, on the lusty adventures of Defoe’s 18^th century tale, MOLL FLANDERS.

“Her employment resume includes stints as stripper, madam, and courtesan, all unseemly, but all paying well above minimum wage. Now she’s a fugitive with fifteen million in a secret Swiss bank account and a pack of killers hot on her trail.”

SCREWED

Available from The Wild Rose Press

www.thewilderroses.com

www.mikeowens42.com