1ST COURSE - a slew of Mermaid Salad Recipes

and effective form of exercise, but provides a tranquil sense of wellbeing

unlike any other activity. Muscles work in harmony without the stress of gravity, and distracting sights and sounds are swallowed up in languid serenity.

In an era of Thighmasters and Shake Weights it's reassuring to know that there is a fitness alternative that is guaranteed to get results. And it's been around as long as women have been having babies and people have been skinnydipping.

Siren School's Mermaid events include water dancing & choreography, using the forms & style of basic belly dancing, with optional tails and props.

For occasional aquatic retreats around the county as well as DVDs for personal use at leisure, check out AquaAerobics with trainer Pauline Ivens. Her program is especially geared toward water exercise instructors.

Gorgeous handcrafted ceramics by Summerland Cottage Studio

TOSSED TOGETHER - A MEDLEY OF MERMAID SALADS FOR YOUR SAMPLING

from Joy de Vivre

I thought to create a recipe here for a 'Mermaid Salad,' not expecting that sort of thing to necessarily exist. Boy, was I wrong! I found all sorts of them and was having a tough time deciding which one to post. So, I decided to let you do the choosing. Here are half a dozen representative recipes to tickle your taste buds. Though I can't guarantee how well they will serve under the sea. Mermaid Salad #1

A quinoa and avocado salad, flavored with sea salt and turmeric and accented with toasted sesame oil and sea vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of arame • 1/4 cup walkame • 1 1/2 cups filtered water • 1 ripe avocado • 1 tablespoon organic lemon juice • 1 cup dry quinoa grain • 2 cups water

• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil • 1 tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt • cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

1. Soak arame and walkame in filtered water for 20 minutes or until the seaweed is fully hydrated; set aside. 2. Slice avocado into 1-inch cubes and marinate in lemon juice. 3. Place 2 cups water and 1 cup quinoa in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. 4. After quinoa is cooked, place immediately in a serving bowl. 5. Mix in toasted sesame seed oil, Braggs Liquid Aminos, tumeric, salt, cayenne; set aside. 6. Drain arame and wakame through a strainer and press out any remaining liquid. Add to quinoa and lightly toss. 7. Stir in marinated avocado and serve warm.

May be served chilled. Yield: 8, 1/2 cup servings

[source: KellyKeogh] Pewter Mermaid Salad Set approx $95 on Amazon and eBay shown here from CanadianListed

Mermaid Salad #2

Minutes to Prepare: 10 Minutes to Cook: 30 Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 C Macaroni -- cooked • 1 C Crabmeat • 2 C Frozen cooked Shrimp • 1 C Celery -- diced • 1 C Red Bell Pepper Diced • 3 Med Dill Pickle, diced • 1 Tsp Dill Pickle Brine • 1/4 C Sweet Pickle Slices, diced • 1 Tsp Sweet Pickle Juice • 1 1/2 C low-fat Mayonnaise • 1 Tsp Prepared Mustard -- with seeds • 1 Tsp Prepared Horseradish • 1 Tsp sea salt • 1/4 Tsp pepper, white

Directions

1. Cook elbow macaroni till tender, rinse in cold water and drain. 2. Add all the above ingredients, combine and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

[source: SparkPeople user OKANOG]

Mermaid Plate on Etsy

Mermaid Salad #3

Ingredients

• 16 oz Small Shell Pasta • 1 pkg. imitation crab meat • 2 1/4 cup mayo • 1 cup of milk • 1/2 cup sugar • 4 green onions • 1 sm. bottle of capers (optional, but recommended) • 1 green pepper diced small bits • 2-3 celery stalks diced small bits • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp dill weed • pepper to taste

Directions

• Boil Shells as directed on box or package. • Thaw crab if frozen. In large size bowl put cooked, drained shells. • Add mayo blending well throughout pasta. • Add milk, sugar, salt and again stir well. • Add green pepper, onion, celery, capers and seasonings - mix all well and chill in fridge prior to serving.

[source: PartyTimeBaby.com]

Mermaid Salad #4

Or more correctly, 'The Magical Mermaid Salad'

Ingredients & Directions

1. Soak Wakame seaweed (from the

Korean grocery or health food store) in enough cold water to cover it. 2. While the seaweed soaks, chop cucumber, red onion, red pepper, artichoke hearts, and avocado. 3. Drain the seaweed and mix all the ingredients together. 4. Add lemon juice, sesame oil, and sea salt to taste.

[source: Rachel Rosen 'Fitness Superstar']