Monday, March 19, 2012

Quinoa Salad with Lemon Cumin Vinaigrette


Lydele made this salad for a group last fall, it was a hit and goes with anything. This Quinoa salad can be changed using a variety of vegetables or nuts and flavors.
Quinoa is actually a seed that has the properties of a grain. It is a complete protein, high in fiber and easy to digest.
In a medium saucepan add 1 cup of Quinoa to 2 cups boiling water, lower heat to simmer and cover until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and turn onto baking sheet to cool.
3 Tablespoons raisins
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced dried apricots (I used orange cranberries)
Soak raisins and apricots in hot water for 5 minutes, drain and set aside.
2 avocados, diced
2 medium green onions, sliced
2-3 Tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted

In a bowl, combine Quinoa, raisins, apricots, avocados, green onions, and most almonds.

Lemon Cumin Vinaigrette:
1 finely grated peel from a large lemon
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon coriander (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Whisk together well. Toss with salad, salt and pepper, to taste.
Top with remaining almonds.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Gluten Free Desserts from Trader Joe's


For those of you looking for a ready to go gluten free dessert, Trader Joe's has two really good ones.
The first is a crispy, chocolate chip cookie, 14 cookies in a bag.
In the freezer section, Macarons a la parisienne. There are 12 petite macarons, 6 chocolate and 6 vanilla. These are much smaller than the macarons we had in Paris but are a nice addition to a dessert or for afternoon tea.