Smile and it makes the world a little brighter

A friend gave me a book when we left Needham six months ago. She said it was a simple book with powerful messages and it is a book that makes you really think. It is called The Richest Man in Town by V.J. Smith. I read it last night. I had tears rolling down my face when I finished and it certainly made me think.

The book is about an older gentleman from modest circumstances named Marty who worked as a cashier at Walmart in Brookings, South Dakota. When you came to his register, he looked you in the eyes and asked you how you are doing. Marty listened when you spoke and he came from behind the register to shake your hand when the transaction was completed. Marty had a profound impact on any person that stood in his line, and many people chose his line over others, each and every day. He took his time, yet held the highest IPH (items per hour) rate.  One man (the author, V.J.) was so affected by Marty that he wrote a letter to Walmart and Marty became formally recognized by the company and in speeches this man gave around the country. V.J. and Marty became close friends.  Even though Marty gained some local fame, he stayed the same throughout his life and died a very, very happy man.

V.J. learned three major lessons from his friend.  Relationships matter most in life. Try to do a little more. Only you can make you happy.

Wow. Sometimes the simplest concepts are the hardest to remember in every day life. If anyone wants to borrow, I am happy to mail it to you. I am extremely appreciative of my friend who introduced it to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now, put on King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men and get cooking!

Today's recipe comes from Smittenkitchen.com, a wonderful blog. Sign up for her weekly e-mails. You will definitely make more than one recipe from her and she has a great cookbook too. This is great for lunches or a side with dinner, steak perhaps.

Butternut Salad with Farro, Pepitas and Ricotta Salata
1 medium butternut squash (about two pounds) (OR buy it already cubed for a faster dinner prep)
5-6 T olive oil, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup semi-pearled farro (This is everywhere now, even in instant form. Follow cooking directions on box.)
1/3 cup toasted pepitas
3 oz ricotta salata or another salty cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup) (Traders has this)
1 T sherry vinegar
1 T water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Peel squash, then halve lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Cut squash into approx. 3/4 inch chunks. ORCoat a baking sheet with 2 T oil. Spread squash into a single layer. Sprinkle with S&P and roast until pieces are tender, about 30-40 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. Set aside.

While squash is roasting, cook farro in a large part of simmering salted water until grains are tender but chewy, about 30 minutes. (Again, so many varieties now, so defer to package. I have cooked in chicken or vegetable broth too.) Drain and cool slightly.

While squash is roasting and farro is simmering, in a small bowl, whisk together sherry vinegar, water, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp sugar until salt and sugar dissolve. Stir in red onion. It will be barely covered by mixture but don't worry. Cover and set in fridge until needed. 30 minutes is ideal but less time is fine too. (I sometimes do this first)

In a large bowl, mix squash, farro, red onion and its vinegar brine, crumbled cheese and pepitas. Toss with 3 T of remaining oil (use a 4th if needed). Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Keeps in frig up to a week.

Not the greatest picture from a couple of years ago but you get the idea. My mouth is now watering.....I need to make this and soon!!!

Enjoy and have a spectacular day!

PS...I tried to fix the comment section. Try and see if it is easier to work!!!