Medallion block, black bean and rice salad, and "Gobsmacked" Kaleidoscope

This creation belongs to my friend Jody Goddess ( LOL ). She did the center applique and then passed it to me, hoping I'd come up with something brilliant! It takes courage to develop something creative on someone else's block! I trimmed it to an exact size (fear!), put the block on point, added the large corner triangles, then bordered it with the QSTs. My first effort at QSTs were much too dark, so I redid them in softer colors - much more appealing I believe. Other gals will add additional borders.

Next - Carol posted this Black Bean and Rice Salad - yummy and I'm thinking it's not even filled with calories. The lime and cilantro gives it an entirely different flavor than my own BORING salads. I'm repeating it because it is sooooo delicious! Several months ago, I promised to try one new recipe a week - this is the result.

1 can (16 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 cup cooked white rice ( 1/3 to 1/2 cup raw)
5 oz. frozen corn thawed
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 Cup chopped fresh cilantro


Dressing:
1 T. balsamic vineger
2 T fresh squeezed lime juice
1/4 C. olive oil
1/8 t. salt/pepper

Mix all ingredients, toss with dressing and refrigerate. Keeps well for several days. Great vegetarian/vegan main dish, or side dish with grilled meats. Recipe can easily be doubled to serve a big group - it's always a hit!
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I already had leftover rice, leftover corn, my vinegar was Tarragon, and I used lime juice from a bottle. Delicious! I'll make this again, especially for Pot lucks as it's something different!

My last photo is one you've seen in various production stages (I think). It's called Gobsmacked, named by Sheila, in Australia. I'm giving a workshop in September and could not find a photo, so maybe it was never posted, finished. Uh ohhh - another Senior Moment? LOL