Quinoa Caprese Salad

This salad is a variation on the traditional Tomato Caprese by adding the versatile cooked Quinoa as an additional ingredient. 

Quinoa (pronounced ‘kinwa’) is a species of goosefoot which is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudo cereal rather than a true cereal so quinoa is actually closely related to species such as beets and spinach or Swiss chard.  Quinoa cooks up with a fluffy, creamy and very slight crunchy texture.  It has a slight nutty flavor when cooked and it makes a great alternative to white rice or couscous.

Quinoa’s protein content is very high (12%–18%) and is considered a great source of ‘complete protein.’ A complete protein includes all nine essential amino acids which is very unusual among plant foods. 

Ingredients

€        1 Cup – Quinoa

€        2 Cup -- Water

€        1 Lb. Grape Tomatoes, Quartered

€        8 Oz.  Mozzarella Pearls (the small balls)

€        Fresh Basil Leaves, Cut Into Ribbons

€        ¾ Tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt

€        ½ Tsp. Fresh ground Pepper

€        Extra Virgin Olive Oil

€        Options:

Ø  Use dried ground basil if fresh herbs are not available

Ø  Add a touch of Balsamic Vinegar with the EVOO

Directions

1.     Rinse the Quinoa seeds

2.     Prepare quinoa by boiling 2 cups lightly salted water plus 1 cup quinoa.

3.     Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes then remove and stir then let stand for 3-5 minutes.

4.     Drain in a fine sifter/strainer and dump contents into a medium mixing/serving bowl.

5.     This recipe can be served hot or cold (the Quinoa)

o    Either let it cool completely or

o    Immediately after draining the Quinoa add in the tomatoes, cheese, basil, salt and pepper.

6.     Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over top and serve!

Kabobs!

Chicken Kabobs and Twice Baked with Brocolli...quick and easy dinner while watching the Gators go down to Alabama.

Ribeye, Fresh Sweet Corn and a Special Salad

Nothing extra special about cooking another fabulous Sam's Club Ribeye with Dizzy Pig COW LICK...T REX STYLE; however the farm fresh insecticide free Sweet Corn was maybe the best I have ever tasted. The key to this meal however was the salad...while it doesn't look special the combination of ingredients made for a truly special dish.

Ingredients
Fresh Lettuce, Shredded Parmesan, CORN, Yes CORN off the Cob, Texas Toast Croutons
Garlic Ranch Dressing, 1/2 medium tomato (Serves ONE)