Keen-wah! Keen-wah! Keen-wah!

Brand new grain available on the market... that is, if you don't count the last 5000 years. At one time Quinoa was known as 'the mother grain.' It is higher in protein than any other grain, its a source of essential fats, ITS DELICIOUS, and its quick to cook!

Check out www.quinoa.net for more info on this amazing grain.

Here is a delicious Quinoa salad recipe sent to me from my darling mother-in-law, Debra:

2 c. quinoa, rinsed and drained well
3 c. water with 1 tsp salt
Boil the quinoa, water and salt, then cover and reduce heat.
Simmer for 15 min.
Remove from heat and fluff with fork.
Cool to room temperature.

Mix or whisk together vinegarette:
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
1/2 c. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
salt and pepper

Mix together:
1/2 c. crumbled feta
1/2 c. marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 c. sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Toasted pine nuts for garnish

Put quinoa in a large bowl, toss in vegies and stir.
Add the vinaigrette, toss to combine.
Garnish with nuts or tomatoe and extra feta.
May be served cold or at room temp.

*Quinoa plant photograph from www.quinoa.net

"Salads can be a healthy way to include potato chips in the diet!"

I said this to my lovely housemate Julie this morning while crushing chips onto my breakfast salad. But seriously, I think it is important to acknowledge that including little treats that we like in a healthy diet creates a sense of balance and keeps you from feeling deprived. It certainly does for me! And it adds a little crunch too!

Here is my breakfast salad that I dreamed up while running this morning:

Fill your bowl with greens and sprouts,
add turkey, olives, a little bocconcini, hemp hearts, a few cilantro leaves,
and drizzle with lemon juice.
For the dressing I combined a little hummus and yogurt (yum!).
Then I crushed a few chips (grinning wickedly) and
added a slice of apple for colour.

Delish!