Edamame, Celery, & Fennel Salad with Candied Lemon

1. In a large saucepan, combine the lemon slices with 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lemons are translucent and the liquid is syrupy for about 30 minutes.
3. Let the lemons cool completely in the syrup, then transfer the lemons to a cutting board and finely chop them. Reserve the lemon syrup for another use.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the edamame and cook until they are tender about 2 minutes.
5. Drain and cool the edamame under running water; pat dry. Transfer the edamame to a large bowl.
6. Add the sliced celery, fennel, parsley, and shallot.
7. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce with the rice vinegar, sesame oil, Sriracha, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar; season the dressing lightly with salt and pepper.
8. Whisk in the chopped candied lemon.
9. Add the dressing to the salad and toss well to coat thoroughly.
10. Sprinkle the salad with the white and black sesame seeds and serve right away.

Winner in the 2015 Taste of Oviedo Celery & Citrus Cookoff

Recipe by Shannon Lehman