My Big Fat Greek Obsession

I'm a mut. An American mut. I have German-English-Scottish-Irish-Indian-Texas White Trash blood. And not that I'm displeased with my heritage. Quite the contrary. I'm proud of my roots. My dad's family is traced back the the 1600s in Germany. I've been to the town in Germany from which we, well, sprung. There was a church with WWI and WWII POW and MIA and my maiden name was listed at least 8 times. His family also built most of Kendall County, Texas and were Texas Rangers, sheriffs - cool stuff. I just wish there was a little Greek in there.

*pause while my ancestors turn in their graves*

I'd make a great Greek girl.

I'm curvy, loud, outspoken, boisterous - everything I know Greeks to be. But I'm quite pale, and blond. There's no Greek there.

Greeks have great food. And huge families. They love to celebrate. And they eat lots of feta. I'm in!

TV Joe and I have become quite obsessed with Greek salads. We love a good Greek salad. Cucumber, onion, tomatoes, olives, Greek dressing topped with feta. We could eat this every night. We pretty much do! We like to eat it with chicken, some pita and hummus. So good.

I found this recipe last week and I just had to try it. It's from one of Paula Deen's shows. Tracie's Couscous Salad Recipe. I don't know who Tracie is but I now love her. It's freak show good. I mean amazing! I love everything about it. Except the lime. Don't add too much lime. Just one lime to kinda brighten it a bit. My word this was a good salad. I added some shrimp and we chowed. I beg you to try it soon!

Tracie's Couscous Salad

Recipe courtesy Tracie Farmer, via Paula Deen

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 5 min

Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 box flavored couscous (garlic or Parmesan), cooked (I used Parmesan)
  
• 1 can chickpeas (drain and rinse those bad boys - you don't want 'em tasting like can!)
  
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (I think this could use 2 cukes - but I'm obsessed with cucumber right now)
  
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
  
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (I add this to the top - feta breaks down after time if you have leftovers they taste better if you add the feta right before devouring)
  
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 to 3 limes, juiced (I did one lime, then tasted - did not want to make it too citrusy)
  

Directions

In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients with the olive oil and lime juice, to taste. Season to taste.

Prepare to love this - it's that good!