Quinoa Salad

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a whole grain that looks really funny once it's cooked but is super good for you. This is a great salad to bring to a BBQ as a side. It’s really refreshing and did I mention really good for you? Lot’s of fiber, protein, and iron. It tastes great too! I buy mine at Trader Joe's but I've seen it at Costco and some local grocery stores near the dried rice.

Ingredients:
1C quinoa
2 C water
1 med tomato cut into 1/2 in. cubes
4 to 6 green onions, finely chopped
1 med cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2 in. cubes
1 small red pepper seeded and cut into 1/2 in pieces
1/4 to 1/2 C finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 C freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 teas. salt

Rinse quinoa thoroughly. I just put the 1 cup of quinoa in the pot I’m going to use to cook it and add enough water to cover and swish it around with my fingers. Slowly drain the water out trying not lose too much quinoa. Repeat this at least one more time. Cook quinoa per directions on package (should be 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water). Remove from heat, fluff, and allow to cool for about 30 minutes. Add the chopped ingredients. Mix lemon and EVOO together and pour over quinoa and veggies. Salt to taste. This is best when it’s been chilled in the fridge for at least 2 to 4 hours. The longer the flavors mingle the better.

Strawberry Sauce

I found this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, Our Best Bites, that can be found at ourbestbites.com. This sauce is so versatile. You can put it on pancakes, ice cream, toast, warm sugar cookies, and even mix it with your fave lemonade to make strawberry lemonade. The possibilities are endless. I made a double batch and it made about 4 small jars. Easy to make and freezes quite well. Your kitchen will smell amazing while making this delicious sauce.



Strawberry Sauce

1 pint strawberries

1/3 c. white sugar

1 tsp. almond extract (my favorite) or vanilla extract

Wash strawberries and remove stems. Roughly chop the berries. Combine berries, sugar, and extract in medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for five minutes, stirring/breaking strawberries up with a wooden spoon constantly. After five minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (if you have a glass blender jar) and a lot (if you have a plastic blender jar). When cool enough, transfer mixture to blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy!

TIPS

I used almond extract and at first it smelled so strong I thought I was going to regret it but it cooked way down and tastes perfect. Next time I might try vanilla just to try something different. I used a potato smasher to mash up the berries while cooking. I made my sauce very smooth, no chunks at all.