sharing what's good!

So much of our parenting is focused on sharing. We have 4 children. Not every single person is going to get an individual snack, toy, book, etc. on every single occasion. It just cannot happen. So we work on it. A lot. Lemme just say that sharing comes easier to some than it does to others.

I, personally, love to share and typically think I do a good job. Well, unless we are talking about chocolate. Then I get a little stingy. Ahem. But actually, I've seen my heart recently over some little things and bigger things, and I've actually been bummed out. Convicted. Nothing we have is really ours. Not our house, not our money, not our children. The Lord owns it all! Why do I want to keep my things or people to myself? Why would I not want to share all that is good??

None of the below are things I've been trying to keep to myself, but I just wanted to share a little about the sharing talks we've been having in our home and in my heart!

I plan to have my 4th or 5th or whatever it is Things I'm Loving Now post soon, so I can share some of my favorite tangible items, but these posts and links are to a few articles that I have really enjoyed lately. If you like to read goodness, then take a few minutes, when you get a few minutes and read away! And I couldn't not include a new quinoa recipe. Gotta share the good!

It's Okay to Stop Trying to Fix Those Kids by Lori Harris via Lisa Jo Baker
--I just discovered Lori Harris and am struck by her keeping it real (something I truly admire) writing and her church plant struggles as she and her family walk with the Lord.

When Strangers Become Your People by Allison Hendrix via Ann Voskamp's Only the Good Stuff
--This was incredibly touching and I just sat crying while I was reading it. In the best way! My favorite read over the past week for sure!

Turning Back Darkness with Gratitude by Steve Nash, founder of Advance Memphis
--I've read the excerpt from Ann Voskamp before, but I love Steve's new found view on gratitude and the story leading up to it. Love his heart for inner-city Memphis and the Lord!

And now for our newest quinoa recipe. . .

Red Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. . .

which I have renamed (gotta change it to something my kiddos remember). . .

Sweet Pepper and Black Bean Quinoa 

The dressing

5 Tbsps fresh lime juice

1 tsp salt
1 garlic clove, finely minced
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
⅓ cup olive oil
½ tsp freshly ground pepper

The salad
1 cup red quinoa (though you can use regular--just for appearance)
1 can (14oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1.5 cup corn kernels, fresh (or I used frozen, it's what I had)
1 cup finely chopped colored bell peppers (think red, orange and yellow)
1 whole jalapeño pepper, seeded, minced (I didn't use)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped green onions

Instructions

Prepare quinoa according to package. Let cool. Combine in a large mixing bowl the beans, corn, remaining vegetables, herbs, and cooled quinoa. Toss gently with the dressing. Can be prepared a day ahead for flavors to combine or served immediately. Serve at room temperature.

Serves 6 (or 3 of my 4 children once and Hubby and me twice). Because quinoa has so much protein in it, I don't add meat to it. We have meatless Mondays with a quinoa dish every week. No need for meat with this meal either!

And how did my family rate it? Our oldest 2 (9 and 6 years old) gave it a 2 thumbs up, I think Miles gave it a 1 thumb up and Hubby loved it! I'd say it's in my top 5 favorites and in the boys' top 3 favorites! Thanks to the Tasty Kitchen for the recipe!

cooking with quinoa | Day 2

Last summer I was introduced to the amazing. . .quinoa. Wow! This little grain or grain seed has provided lots of inspiration and health to our weekly meal planning! I first brought quinoa to the table in an effort to go meatless on Mondays. I put lots of different quinoa recipes in front of my family, which includes my hubby and 3 out of 4 little boy eaters (our youngest isn't quite into big people food yet). We've had fun ranking our quinoa favorites--this being one of my faves and this being one of my boys' favorites! And wouldn't you know, not everyone has the same favorites?!

However, this week, I tried out a new quinoa recipe that had everyone wanting more! Our boys even wanted seconds! And the best part about it in my opinion? It's healthy, full of protein, veggie-packed and light! So quick--if you've been wanting a new recipe, or to try quinoa, or to introduce your littles to quinoa, write this recipe down!! It was a two-thumbs up in our family!

Thai Veggie Quinoa

(slightly adapted from Avacado Pesto)

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa--cooked according to package directions. Make sure to rinse first!

3/4 small red onion, diced

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

1 cup broccoli, coarsely chopped

couple of handfuls of cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup of grated carrots

 4 Tbsp of peanuts (I used lightly salted), chopped

Dressing

2 Tbsp of sesame oil

2 Tbsp of rice vinegar

2 Tbsp of tamari (similar to soy sauce and often gluten free)

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 limes, zest and juice

Directions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package. Let cool while preparing other ingredients.

2. In a large bowl, toss cooked quinoa, red onions, green onions, broccoli, cilantro, carrots and peanuts into a big bowl.

3. In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients.

4. Pour dressing over quinoa and veggies and mix until combined. Serve chilled or room temperature.

Serves 4-6

I massaged a salad. . .a Kale-Quinoa salad!

Way and I had lunch downtown today with my Biffer, aka, Aunt Mary! So fun to just sneak away and grab lunch just the three of us! Turns out my meal came with a side of quinoa salad, which reminded me that I had not yet shared my new favorite quinoa recipe. . .

Thanks for a fun lunch date, Biff!

So, it's been a few months since I've posted a quinoa recipe. Some of you are new around here. Some of you have never tried quinoa. Some of you need a new recipe. And I'm guessing, ALL of you like yummy food, right??

Well, stop what you are doing. Go grab the ingredients. And then, prepare yourselves for a healthy and delicious meal! Plus--easy peasy to make. What could be better??
Oh, and you get to massage a salad. Fancy stuff.

A friend of mine sent me the Kale-Quinoa recipe, but I made a few changes. . .

Kale-Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
1 bunch kale--torn into bite size pieces (you can add more or less)
1 cup cooked quinoa (don't forget to rinse the dry quinoa first)
shredded carrots
dried cranberries
pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds)
walnuts/almonds, etc.
You really can use any fruits, veggies or nuts here

Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp honey
juice of 2 lemons

Directions
Whisk together dressing and then massage onto kale, add quinoa and stir well. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and then add the other ingredients!

Now for the kiddo rating. Let me preface this by saying Luke does NOT like olive oil, which is why I cut back the olive oil a bit, you can actually use a touch more. He noticed the dressing right away. He's also not a fan of Craisins. So that being said, it wasn't his favorite. Charlie did well with it, finished his and Miles did too. Luke ended up finishing his after being bribed with a piece of chocolate. Because that's how we roll sometimes! Chocolate makes everything worth it. Should be a hashtag! Hubby and I devoured it, and lucky me had leftovers the next day! I'd put this quinoa recipe right up there at the top of the list with my Lemon-Cilantro Quinoa recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Go try it! Let me know if this tops your list too!

FYI Friday -- Food (think quinoa) and an important reminder!

It's Friday and now one week away from Black Friday! Do you get into that? I can't say I do. There's not much in me that wants to get up super duper early, or to fight crowds the day after stuffing myself with delicious food. Really, I never want to get up super duper early, but moving on. . .

A few things coming at ya this FYI Friday. . .

1. This weekend is the last opportunity you will have to fill and drop off a shoebox for Samaritan's Purse -- Operation Christmas Child. If you never heard of this, it's a wonderful way to provide Christmas to children around the world by sharing God's love. You can read more about Operation Christmas Child here, including how to pack a shoe box and look up where you can drop off your shoe box in your city! We're excited to pack and fill our boxes this weekend! Will you join us?

2. I finally sat down and wrote out Day 2: Animal Kingdom from our Disney Adventure. More tips, stories and photos coming tomorrow, on Saturday! You can read it, but you should also make sure you stay tuned to college football, i.e., the Baylor Bears! Game Day is in Oklahoma, where our #4 Baylor Bears will be taking on #10 Oklahoma State. Hoping for a huge win!!! Sic 'Em Bears!!

3. And last but not least, I found another quinoa recipe, and I'm here to share it! Last Friday was just screaming chili, so I made the Veggie Quinoa Chili, we ate it, and I'll be making it again! This meal was vegetarian and gluten free and just about the healthiest meal you can eat! The colors of the veggies on the cutting board were beautiful--I should have snapped a shot of them! It was also very easy to make! Like all of my other quinoa recipes, I've let you know the verdict of our littles. It turns out, this was not their favorite. They did eat it, but I think Luke ended up ranking it 5th out of 6th? Charlie wasn't a huge fan, but he doesn't like chunks of tomatoes in anything. That leaves Miles to like it the best out of the kiddos. Chad and I really enjoyed it and have had it for leftovers twice! It's even better the next day. A perfect meal for a cold, college football weekend night! You're welcome! ;)

Veggie Quinoa Chili

Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced ( I used half and then diced the other half for toppings)

2 (15oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 (15oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
2-3 tablespoons chili powder, depending on your taste (we used 3)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish with green onions, avocado, cheese, chips, etc.

Directions

1. In a medium sauce pan, combine the quinoa and water. Cook over medium heat until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, jalapeño, carrot, celery, peppers, and zucchini. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the cooked quinoa. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer chili on low for about 30 minutes. Serve warm.
**We topped our chili with green onions, avocado, some of used cheese and served with chips! Delish! Makes a lot and freezes well!

FYI Friday: food, babies and sports, what else do you need?

I haven't been this excited for a Friday in a while--well maybe since the Friday we left for Disney--next post on Disney coming soon. Really. My sister informed me that I was being a tease on the Disney posts. So sorry! I want you salivating for Mickey! Not really, just takes time to get everything together! ;)

But back to me being excited for a Friday. Hubby has been traveling a lot the past 6 months with a leadership training program at work. So lots of travel on top of the work trips he already takes. Well, today he is done-zo! Hooray!!! That, on top of today starting cold and rainy, which I love (I might should live in Seattle), makes this day awesome!!!

And since it's Friday, I have several FYI's for ya!

1. Remember this post? It was the one where I shared a couple of sickness prevention and remedies. Well, I visited my allergist this week for a yearly follow up. I haven't needed antibiotics for a sinus infection since May. Why??? My allergist confirmed that me drinking Apple Cider Vinegar splashed in my water, has truly helped! I told him I actually like the taste of it! He does too. And, I told him that when my oldest boys back talk, their consequence is "sassy sauce", which is a Tbsp of, you got it, Apple Cider Vinegar. My doctor laughed and whole-heartedly backed me up. Said it was good for everyone's stomach, as well as sinus issues. So, high-five for ACV!

2. I am making Veggie Quinoa Chili tonight. And, I.Cannot.Wait. to try it!!! I've been off of my new quinoa recipes for a bit, but it's time to bust a new one out. Perfect day for it!! I'll be sure to share when I get the results in! It's gluten free, so stay tuned. Check over in the side-bar if you need a quinoa recipe now and can't wait for this one!

3. Baby Waybe had his 15 month check up today. Results: He's still a little underweight, that being due to the soy-milk he was on for a month. Don't worry though, he's back at the whole milk and we're putting olive oil in his veggies to fatten him back up. Whole everything and lotsa fat. Must be nice. The rest of the appointment went like this. "He's awesome!" We definitely agree!! I also have a much needed catch up post on Way, too. Coming. At some point. But this for now. . .

 You'd never guess he was underweight with those cheeks, right?!! Squish 'em right up!!

4. Our Baylor Bears have another big game tomorrow. We're ranked #5 and we are coming off a big win against Oklahoma. Tomorrow's game is at a neutral field, against Texas Tech, but I know the Baylor fans there will make our Bears feel at home. AND, I can guarantee we will be watching and cheering loudly. They may even hear us from Tennessee! Now, you are up to speed on college football! And since Waybe was waving above, surely he'll be doing the Sic 'Em Bears sign soon! For now, I'll let our Baylor Bear show ya how it's done!

5. And, I'll end with a confession this Friday. Our city has a radio station that starts playing Christmas music maybe beginning of November. I always steer clear of it, until December 1st. Just Christmas music in general, is not acceptable for me until December. Okay, maybe last year we started playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Anyway, our city also puts up Christmas decorations on the light poles down our busiest street. Those went up this week. Well, this cold and rainy day, and this lit up snowflake just called to me. I took a bite of the apple and flipped the station. Bing Crosby came on singing, of course, "White Christmas" and belted along as I tried to teach Miles and Way the words to this dreamy, Christmas song. I promise that I quickly changed the station back after it was over and will try to uphold the Thanksgiving standards I set for myself for here on out. Whew! I had to get it off my chest. Thanks.

Happy Friday!!  

Sic 'Em Bears!!

FYI Friday--pumpkin quinoa dish fail and a call for help!

**We made it back from Disney last night--just shy of this morning. And like I predicted, lots of babies to cuddle and encourage and heap grace upon and already they've had to give me grace too. So I'll plan on being back fresh next week.

But, 2 things in the mean time ( I had this post already worked up--planned on posting before we left, but it didn't happen). . .First, I mentioned last week that I am now a monthly contributor over at One Fun Mom. Well this week, Christy has been posting the contributors information, (my info is up today) so you can get to know them better. I'm excited to get to know them as well!!
Second, hopefully you know I try to keep it real here. I've been super thrilled with several of my quinoa dishes lately--well all of them so far. . .(have you tried any of them?) until now. I tried this dish last week with my family and it did not work. So I need your help. . .all of us need your help. Who doesn't want a delicious pumpkin quinoa recipe in October??

Y'all, this pumpkin quinoa just didn't work for us. I didn't follow the recipe exactly (hmmm, maybe that's the problem) because I had to triple the recipe in order to feed us, so I may not have used enough pumpkin or almond milk. However, it was just bland. Hubby was encouraging and said it wasn't a disaster, and I ate it, sort of, but we didn't even have our boys finish it. Just bleck. I lined our bowls with pita chips and apples, and when we dipped the pita chips and apples into the quinoa, that helped. In fact, that's how I ate as much as I did. Chad attempted to spice his up with pepper flakes and green onions---which definitely helped as well. Also, ours wasn't warm when served, contrary to what the recipe told me to do. Soooooo, that may be some of the problem. But I know there are some of you reading out there who might be able to salvage this recipe. Wanna try? Here's what I sorta followed. . .

Pumpkin Quinoa (that needs your help)

Ingredients:
--1 cup canned pumpkin
--1 cup cooked quinoa
--1/2 cup Almond Breeze (unsweetened)
--Sea salt and pepper to taste
--Shredded coconut to garnish

Mix together. Heat and serve warm.

**So, maybe this dish isn't making you want to run out and try to fix it. Or, maybe it is. I'd truly love to hear if you have ideas, OR if you actually make the dish and think it's great. After all, it is Fall y'all and a pumpkin quinoa dish that tastes flavorful would be awesome for all of us!!!

Happy Friday!!

FYI Friday

It's Friday and I am thrilled! This week has been wonderful having Hubby home (finally after 2+ weeks of being gone to India)! My only problem has been that I feel like I am the one with jetlag!! I'm exhausted and Hubby's been trucking along like he's slept for 20 hours straight! I'm so impressed!!

Big week ahead. Miles' birthday and party, October arrives, I'm going to be a blog contributor (will tell more later), and we have a special surprise for our older two boys at the end of the week. Can't tell yet--haven't told them, and don't plan to until we arrive at the airport. . . .!! I. Cannot. Wait!!!

But for now, I'll leave you with a little FYI. . .

1. My super talented writing cousin, Jody Casella, has her first book, Thin Space, out and on the shelves! It's a Young Adult novel and it looks pretty intense! Jody is graduate of Rhodes College, another reason for you locals to check out her book! If you read it, let me know what you think. Jody, I'm so excited for you!

2. I haven't forgotten about quinoa. In fact, we had our fave Lemon Cilantro quinoa this week. Still keep getting rave reviews from our family, so I think it's here to stay. Healthy and delicious! What more could you ask for? Oh, you want more quinoa recipes? I'm whipping a new one up this weekend--just in time for October (my favorite month of the year)! Stop by next week!

3. And my fave photo of the week. . .

I told them it was fine for them to get their feet muddy and went inside to feed Baby Way. This is what I came out to find. . .a muddy mess! Muddy boys melt my heart!!! Wish you could have heard their squeals when they were being hosed off!! Love them!! Happy Friday and Happy Fall!

FYI Friday--favorite quinoa recipe yet!

Lately, around dinner time (oh who am I kidding, the instant) the littles walk in from school, they want to know if we are having a "recipe." It makes me laugh every time they ask! It sure sounds like I hardly ever cook a meal, doesn't it? Well, what they meant by "recipe" early on, was "something we've never had." But now, "recipe" means a new quinoa dish!
Yes, quinoa has been all the talk around our house! We're pretty exciting! But actually, what was exciting this week, were the rave reviews received from our latest quinoa experience!

And yet again, I've just shortened the original name, because you just can't fit every ingredient into a recipe name and have people ask for that dish by name. And, after thoroughly enjoying this amazing meal the other night, our little boys, in fact, have been requesting. . .

Lemon-Cilantro Quinoa

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans--drained and rinsed)

2 cups of chopped spinach

1 bunch of cilantro

1/4 cup sweet onion (purple or white work)

2 small cloves garlic (I used already diced garlic from a jar)

1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half

2 avocados, diced

The dressing

juice of 2 lemons

zest of 1 lemon

2 tsp dijon mustard

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp sugar

dash of salt and pepper

Directions

1.Bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add quinoa. Bring back to a boil and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid. 

2. Remove from heat and spread quinoa out on a cookie sheet ( to help cool faster). 

3. In a food processor, add the spinach and cilantro. Process until they are finely diced. Add the mixture to a bowl, and set aside.

4. Finely dice the onion and add onion and garlic to the greens mixture.

5. Add the chickpeas and stir until everything is combined and nicely coated.

6. After the quinoa is cooled, add it to the chickpea mixture.

7. Whisk the dressing ingredients together. Pour over salad and mix until combined.

8. Add in tomatoes and avocado and mix.

9. Put in fridge for 15 minutes before serving to set the flavors.

10. Enjoy!!!

**Per usual, a couple of things. This recipe should be fairly quick to make. I, had issues with my food processor, so it took longer than expected. Next time, that won't happen. BUT--you can do some of the dicing ahead, as well as the dressing, so when the cooking time comes, it's done in a flash! 

**And, all 3 of our table-food eating boys, gave it 2 thumbs up! They want to have this "recipe" again! Hubby and I loved it too! Our favorite quinoa dish so far! Let me know if you try it!!

Happy Friday and Happy Eating!

FYI Friday--fun facts for your summer's end

The season of Summer is ending, though technically there's a month left. It seems that most are ready to welcome Fall at this point. I'm ready (always have been a Fall and Winter girl), now that school has started. Summer isn't really summer to me once school is back in session. So bring on Fall!

But, before we leave summer. . .I thought I'd share just what I learned this summer. Emily shares what she's learned at the end of each month, but I thought I'd just cover the summer for my first "go" at it. . .

A Few Things I've Learned This Summer

 (the Important to the Trivial and Everything In-Between)

1. Every full moon has a name. I learned this from my friend Sarah and thought this was such a fun fact and tid-bit to have tucked away! Apparently this dates back to the Native Americans, when they named full moons to keep track of the seasons. You can check out more details on the Farmers Almanac, but here are the names in the meantime.

January: Wolf Moon

February: Snow Moon

March: Worm Moon

April: Pink Moon

May: Flower Moon

June: Strawberry Moon

July: Thunder Moon

August: Green Corn Moon

September: Harvest Moon

October: Hunter's Moon

November: Frost Moon

December: Long Night's Moon

2. You need to have a fine mesh strainer to make quinoa. I tried my first quinoa recipe this summer, but found out that a fine mesh strainer make the preparation LOTS easier! No big deal--just run to Target and pick one up! There's no quinoa recipe from me this week, due to a 2 hour doctor appointment that ran until 5:45 last night, but I'll be back with another next week! In the meantime, my sister @ cookingonthebrightside comes through with this quinoa dish. . .

3. An okapi can clean its ears with its tongue. Cool! What is an okapi you ask? It's this. . .

And we are getting some of these in our amazing zoo next year! But I learned this info while reading Ranger Rick Jr. with my Charlie--we even tried to clean our ears with our own tongues. Didn't work. :) His bigger bro reads Ranger Rick, but both are awesome magazine subscriptions we receive! If you want a fun, gift that keeps on giving, for boys and girls, then check out these magazines, chock full of info and stories all about animals!

4. And finally, Ann Voskamp has written a new book! Yep, she just shared that information today! It's called The Greatest Gift and it's something she's been alluding to all week! And since I just ordered it, here's how Amazon is describing her book. . .  

Beginning with Jesse, the father of David, The Greatest Gift retraces the epic pageantry of mankind, from Adam to the Messiah, with each day's profound reading pointing to the coming promise of Christ, so that come Christmas morning you find that the season hasn't blurred past you but your heart's fully unwrapped the greatest gift you've always yearned for. 

I just love Ann and her writing and Christmas and Jesus and just cannot wait to start the holiday season with this book!

That's it!

Happy College Football Weekend to you!!

I just can't get enough. . .

Yes, so I've been on a quinoa kick, all in the name of meatless Mondays and health! I'm definitely not the girl who has revamped her pantry to banish processed foods or stock only organic foods. Sometimes I wish I was. But let me just be honest, I don't have the time or energy to do so right now. Judge me if you need to, but in this household, we're making baby steps! Finding fun and delicious recipes to add some spice in recipe routine, has been my motivation in the kitchen! And I found another quinoa recipe to add to our mix this past Monday!

The original recipe is here at Cookin Canuck and is called Quinoa Salad with Apple, Chickpeas, Toasted Almonds & Apple Cider Vinaigrette. But, like I did with Cashew Quinoa, I had to shorten the title in an effort to have anyone in my family under 8 ask for it by name! I also tweaked the recipe a tad, and dubbed my version of the recipe. . .

Quinoa Apple Salad

Ingredients
The salad
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 c. sliced almonds. toasted (key)
1 can chickpeas
1 large Gala apple, cored and diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (green and white parts)
3 Tbsp of gorgonzola cheese (if desired, but if you know me, I surely did NOT use cheese)

The vinaigrette
1/3 cup apple juice or apple cider (I used juice--couldn't find cider yet)
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey or agave nectar
1/4 tsp kosher salt

Directions
The salad:
1. Rinse quinoa well (in a fine-mesh strainer) and drain.
2. In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn heat to low. Cook until all the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff. Transfer quinoa to a cookie sheet, spreading the quinoa in a thin layer to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix together cool quinoa, almonds, chickpeas, apple and green onions.

The vinaigrette:
4. Whisk together apple juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey and salt.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss to coat. Serve. Be happy, because your mouth will be!

**A couple of things. . .First, toast your almonds--makes all the difference!! Second, I served this quinoa over spinach leaves--to make it a true salad! Delish! Lots of protein, too! And finally, like I've done with my other 3 quinoa recipes I've shared here, here and here, I can tell you how it went over. Once again, Chad and I loved it! And, I was thinking my boys would too, with the apples and all. Still though, Luke's fave is the Southwest Quinoa and Charlie's is the Cashew Quinoa, but Miles' ranked this one the best! He gobbled his down! We didn't have to fight anyone to eat the Quinoa Apple Salad, but I think the Apple Cider Vinegar reminded them of the "sassy" sauce they get when they are sassy with us. Not, that that ever happens. Ever.

Happy Healthy Eating!

FYI Friday--food for the weekend

Happy Friday!

Lemme just get right to it! I'm so excited about the quinoa recipes I've been making! They are yummy and healthy and different! I found this recipe in a Bible study book I've been doing. I changed a smidge of the recipe, and put it below, but basically, it's the same. Once again, hubby and I loved it! But this time, Luke ate it ALL up and declared he really liked it---the best so far! Miles ate it too, but it wasn't Charlie's fave (mainly because it has corn in it, and he doesn't like corn. What??) He still votes for the Cashew Quinoa as the best. And since I added an avocado to the recipe, Baby Way had his first bite too (of avocado, that is)! Success! The recipe was originally named Tasty Quinoa, but that didn't cut it for us. Wouldn't tell anyone what it was like, or what it had in it, ya know? Instead, our family voted on names, and decided Southwestern Quinoa was our new name for the recipe! And, without further delay, here's the recipe for. . .

Southwestern Quinoa

Ingredients
1 tsp of Canola oil
1 onion, chopped (I used a tad less)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped (I use the already chopped in a jar)
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1.5 cups of chicken broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1 can black beans (or 2)
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado (not necessary, but super yummy addition)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Rinse quinoa according to package directions. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until lightly browned. Mix quinoa into saucepan and cover with broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Stir frozen corn into saucepan and continue to simmer about 5 minutes. Mix in the black beans and cilantro. Add avocado on top if desired!

Serve with chips and salsa as a nice bonus!

Thumbs up in our house!

Have a great weekend!

FYI Friday--food for the weekend

Cashew Quinoa

Okay, well I hinted there may be a recipe in store for you today, that is, if Luke's swim meet didn't last forever or if I didn't die from heat. Well since I'm writing this, clearly, I didn't die from heat--though, boy, it was hot!!! However, there was quite a long weather delay! No rain, just lightning. Bummer. Everyone out of the pool.

just chillin' during the weather delay!

BUT, it resumed after an hour, maybe more, and so the meet cotinued! And though it was a late night, and I didn't get a post written last night, I'm still here sharing this recipe with you now. I don't like to disappoint people, in case you don't already know that about me. On with the dish. . .

Not really sure when I, of all people, started making FYI Fridays about food. Oh wait, it was only last Friday and today. Don't expect more, just be pleasantly surprised if it happens! ;)

Once again, I tackled quinoa (remember it's keen-wah)! Goodness gracious, why I have I not tried this before a week ago? Thanks to Pinterest, I'm finding all kinds of recipes, and thanks to the summer, I have time to try them out! Monique at Ambitious Kitchen shared this recipe of a quinoa concoction and I had to attempt it! I had to shorten her name for it, so when my people ask for this recipe (which may only be hubby right now) it doesn't take a mouthful to come out! I think I'll call it Cashew Quinoa, but she calls hers Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad with Ginger Peanut dressing that is vegan and gluten free (if you make it that way). Fancier name, for sure! Anyway, my littles ate it, but it's still something they are getting used to. Luke did mention he might like the Cashew Quinoa a little more than the Roasted Veggie Quinoa, but in his own nice way, he let me know that doesn't mean he wants it every night! Ha! Charlie's not a fan of cashews (who in their crazy mind . . .) so it wasn't his fave either. Miles ate more of last week's quinoa. BUT, once again Chad and I thought it was delish and healthy! Here's the recipe!
 

 Cashew Quinoa

Ingredients

• ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage (you can buy this already done in small bags)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup diced green onions
• ½ cup cashew halves /pieces
• Fresh lime, for a bit of tang
• For the dressing:
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

1. To cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa with cold water in mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add in quinoa and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa has absorbed all of the water. Remove from heat and fluff quinoa with fork; place in large bowl and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes. You should have a little over 2 cups of quinoa.
2. To make dressing: Add peanut butter and honey to a medium microwave safe bowl; heat in microwave for 20 seconds. Add in soy sauce, vinegar, and both sesame and olive oil and stir until mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add as much or as little dressing as you’d like to the quinoa. I poured maybe a couple of Tbsp of the dressing in first. Mixed it around with the quinoa to give it a light coat. Once everything was folded in, I added a bit more. I didn't use the entire dressing, though it was delish and could have used a bit more.
4. Next fold in red pepper, onion, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro into the quinoa. Garnish with cashews and green onions. Serve chilled or at room temperature with lime wedges if desired. 

A couple of things to note. . .
*If you want the exact recipe from Ambitious Kitchen, click on the links above.
*I bought, but never used the ginger, mentioned in her recipe. Not a huge fan, but it could be great if you like it!
*I served this right after making, so it was warm and yummy! However, I refrigerated the leftovers and had some for lunch the next day. It is really good cold too! So, if you make it ahead, serve chilled, or if not, serving warm is fine too!
*I didn't have gluten free soy sauce, but a friend told me that if I had used that, the entire meal would be gluten free! FYI.

Hope you enjoy! Happy Friday!

FYI Friday--food for the weekend

Gotta just tell you that I've been on a How-about-I-try-making/creating/cooking-one-of-those-pins-I-pinned? kick this week! Goodtimes! And I thought I'd share with you too! I'm linking back to the original websites, because that's just what you do, but here's proof a real live person you know, (or maybe don't) can make these too!

Joanne at FifteenSpatulas had this recipe popping up on Pinterest and I pinned it a week or two ago. I'll be honest, she calls her recipe Watermelon Meyer Lemon Slushies, but for the life of me, I couldn't find Meyer lemons. Or maybe I could and didn't know them from a regular lemon? Yep, just sayin'. Head on over to my Biffer's (sister's) blog, CookingontheBrightSide, if you want a real treat in the kitchen! Anyway, you can see how little Chuckles is ready to get his hands tastebuds on this yumminess! And yummy and refreshing it was! Try these slushies out this weekend!

Watermelon Lemon Slushies!

Further proof these drinks hit the spot! Good to the last drop and hard to pass up on silly faces!

And how about one more delish recipe? I was on a roll this week, I tell ya! I found another pin from Lauren at The Talking Kitchen for Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad. Folks, I may be the last person on the planet to have tried quinoa. And, I'm pretty sure I've never used "folks" before. I'm more of a "y'all" girl much to hubby's dismay. But as I was saying. I hadn't ever eaten, much less made quinoa, (pronounced keen-wah, fyi) until this week. I up and declared a meatless Monday for the second Monday in a row after finding this recipe! Turns out, the adults in our house devoured it! We loved it! Our littles were a little touch and go. It wasn't Luke's favorite meal, but it wasn't his least favorite either. That's actually saying a lot, considering there's a good amount of olive oil in the recipe and Luke cannot stand olive oil! He didn't know and he wasn't gagging! The other 2 eaters were okay with it--eating more of the quinoa when I mentioned there may be lime sherbet floats afterward! I will say that the recipe was a tad time-consuming, but only because I didn't have a superfine strainer and you need to wash the quinoa before cooking it. Who knew? I did make a Target run later this week and we now have a superfine strainer, so this Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad will be on our dinner menu again soon! Enjoy! And just a note. . .I didn't use the fennel or smoked salt that Lauren mentions and for the fresh herbs I only used cilantro! A tastebud treat!

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad

First the veggies--healthy and delicious

then add the quinoa!

Happy Food Making Weekend!