The North Carolina General Assembly’s Legislative Research Commission appointed twenty study committees to study various issues – from assessment of utility fees to unmanned aircraft systems.  The committees can make recommendations for new legislation to the 2014 short session in May and a final report from each will be made to the 2015 General Assembly.

Some of the topics that they will study include elimination of Certificate of Need, who can deliver health care in NC, water quality in Jordan Lake, Common Core Standards, foster care and adoption, and a property owner protection act.  You can review the list of committees, the membership and what each group will be studying here.

As the study committees are getting underway, gathering information and analyzing complicated matters, JLF will be sure they have the latest research and information available.

They’ll also need lots of brainpower.  Here are 10 foods recommended for maximum brainpower.

I put together seven of the ten in this “highly brainy super thinkers smart person salad” for our Friday afternoon recipe this week.  Should work for the committee members and for the rest of us as well.  So read the latest JLF research, eat brainy and let’s get smart!

Smart Salmon Salad

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 salmon fillet

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup mixed greens

1/4 cup grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons dried cherries

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts

5 small broccoli florets

Handful of blueberries

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

1 slice whole wheat bread, brushed with olive oil and toasted, cut into small squares

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper. Add the salmon to the hot skillet and cook for 7 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat.

Combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, dried cherries, pumpkin seeds, nuts, broccoli and blueberries together in a bowl. Whisk together the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar and chives. Season with salt and pepper and pour half over the salad. Place the salmon on top of the salad and pour over the remaining dressing. Toss toasted whole wheat bread squares over salad.

Adapted from a recipe on FoodNetwork.com