Springtime Quinoa with Green Peas, Feta and Mint

Springtime Quinoa with
Green Peas, Feta and Mint

It is finally Springtime here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, although this past weekend felt more like summer with temperatures reaching into the upper 70s.  The only things missing were the leaves on the trees, green grass and flowers.  Not that I was complaining.  I spent as much of the weekend as possible outdoors, raking my recently thawed garden beds, sitting on my front steps enjoying the sun and playing baseball with my kids.  And the best way to celebrate the end of what I think was one of the stormiest and coldest winters I have ever experienced, is to eat a couple of good meals outside, listening to the sounds of birds chirping, wind blowing and children yelling. :)

Although I couldn't go to my barren garden to get any of the fresh ingredients for this dish yet, I definitely plan to make it again once I have my own green peas and mint growing in abundance. The combination of the mint, the feta and the Greek olives give this salad a Mediterranean twist that tastes as fresh and wholesome as it is good for you.  If you are like my husband and I and have never been keen on the strong flavor of regular quinoa, you really should give organic red quinoa a chance.  It has a much milder flavor, while still providing a large serving of protein and fiber.  It cooks up quicker than rice and can be served warm or cold.  We ate this salad the night I made it with a side of rotisserie chicken and organic grape tomatoes, but it honestly tasted better the next day straight out of the fridge.  The perfect Spring (or Summer!) salad is only about 30 minutes away!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola

Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola
with chia seeds sprinkled on top

Late at night, when the kitchen is "officially closed" sometimes you just need to have a snack.  I have been known to eat spoonfuls of Nutella or peanut butter right out of the jar or grab a handful of dark chocolate candies.  So the other day when I got the bedtime munchies and saw the big container of tropical granola I had made, I thought, why not make a chocolate version that would be great for dessert as well as breakfast? This delicious treat is what I came up with.  It has no more sugar than my other varieties, but contains a good dose of antioxidant rich dark cocoa powder and some heart healthy walnuts.  There is only half a cup of mini dark chocolate chips, which I might use even less of next time, because the cocoa is so rich in and of itself.  It even turned the soy milk I poured on top of it chocolate, which I always think is fun. So the next time you find yourself reaching for a bag of cookies late at night, remember this recipe and plan ahead so you have something that tastes like a treat while still being full of the complex carbs and protein your body is craving for a reason!

Coconut Chili Lime Steamed Shrimp

Coconut Chili Lime Steamed Shrimp

It has been awhile since my last post, probably the longest I have gone since starting this adventure six months ago. I have a feeling I am not going to have much time to cook in the near future since I will be running around to my kids' sporting events every night for the next three months.  I have been joking that unless I write about all the ways in which to make a peanut butter sandwich, I will probably only be publishing one or two new posts per week.

During that time, this recipe might become a weekend staple, because after running around all week, and Saturdays too, the last thing I have energy for is an elaborate meal.  This is one of those one pot wonders that you can leave and forget about for a few minutes and it does the work for you.  The flavors are mild but complex and the shrimp can be served with whatever type of starch or salad you prefer.  Sometimes fast and easy food can be super nutritious.