Minneapolis Woman Spends Another Exciting Day Grappling With Finer Points of Commerce Clause (No, Not Shopping)

It's a beautiful day here in the Twin Cities and I can't think of a way I would rather spend it than sitting on my patio drinking a whole pot of Nicaraguan and studying Constitutional Law. I endured two days of intense grouchiness earlier this week, but I got ahold of myself. Now my spirits are high and I've got a big ol' party in my brain featuring exciting guests like L/T, FQ, sm jx, PP, SH dv st, EqP, RAP and the like. It helps to have a lovely patio on which to study, and even better to know that the next door neighbors are going camping this week, so things will be relatively quiet. And whenever I need some additional inspiration to keep going, I think of Isla Mujeres, where Geoff, Summ, and I will be disappearing to (with a suitcase full of books, booze, and scuba gear) for two weeks right after the bar:



I tried out a delicious new recipe yesterday that will help you use up all those green beans that are popping up in your garden right now. It's quick and really easy.

Green Bean and Fennel Salad

· 1/2-1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard (to your taste)
· 2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
· 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
· 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
· 1 lb. green beans, trimmed
· 1/2 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
· 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
· 2-oz goat cheese, crumbled

Place the mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar with a screw-top lid. Shake to combine. Add the olive oil to the jar and shake again to emulsify. Pour water into a large saucepan, add some salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the beans and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and run under cold water. Put the beans, fennel, and most of the walnuts in a bowl. Reserve some walnuts for garnish. Add some of the vinaigrette (you'll have extra vinaigrette) and toss to combine. Arrange the beans on a platter. Sprinkle with the goat cheese and reserved walnuts and serve.