Dani Spies

My initial plan was to make this salad using farro, but I couldn't get my hands on any so I turned to the cupboard for a convenient alternative.

I wanted to use a heartier grain or rice and thought Israeli couscous would do the job.  Couscous is really just another form of pasta (it's like really little pasta balls).  The only difference between Israeli couscous and regular couscous is the size. Israeli couscous is bigger and the size makes for a great texture (just be sure to cook your couscous like you would your pasta... al dente!).

Can you believe February is just about over?!  Wow. Wow. Wow.  What can I say, time really does fly by when you're having fun!

So this will probably be my last Quinoa recipe of the month and I am hoping that you guys have at least given it a try by now.  I mean jeez, I've been eating this stuff all month and I haven't gotten sick of it yet... that's how good it is!  Not to mention, I haven't even made a dent in the quinoa recipes I would like to try!

Here's another great way to sneak some Quinoa into your diet... top it with some fruit and yogurt.

Once again guys, this is a meal you could make a million different ways!

When it comes to finding a quick way to spruce up a side dish the key is ingredient is FRESH HERBS.

Fresh herbs are a small way to pack BIG FLAVOR, without needing a lot of time or additional ingredients.  Just chop up a few tablespoons of whatever herb you choose and you can completely transform your dish. 

Okay, so I got a little distracted with Valentine's Day (Chocolate Covered Strawberries can do that to me) but I haven't forgotten this months Food Focus... Quinoa!  

I've got more Quinoa recipes coming your way, starting with my Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets! 

New Quinoa recipe number two... Quinoa Porridge!

I've made this recipe a few times in the past but was recently reminded of it when I saw this post over at Closet Cooking (I love that site, Kevin is always trying something new).

Batters up!  Here is my first new recipe using Quinoa this month.  I must say, quinoa is one of those ingredients that just has my wheels spinning... there are so many things you can do with it.

For some reason my mind keeps going toward sweets like muffins, cookies, and puddings but don't worry, I'm determined to get some savory dishes in there as well.  As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about making a Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata for dinner tonight... I'll keep you guys posted.

I've touched on quinoa before, but I really wanted to take it a step further... so here's my  "Quinoa 101" video. 

I'll be posting recipes using quinoa all month, so if you are looking for some more ways to sneak quinoa into your kitchen, be sure to stay tuned!!  

Hey, did you guys notice the new box over in the top right hand corner of the page?? 

The one that is titiled "Food Focus"??  Let me tell you all about it... cause I'm really excited!

Basically, here's the deal:

This dish is a perfect example of how a little "pre-preppin'" can save you A LOT of time.

I always have a container of some type of rice or grain ready to go for the week so when I'm pressed for time I can still eat something that is clean, simple, and d'lishes!:). 

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away?? Just two weeks!

I don't know that I'll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year.  In all honesty, I have been experimenting with different Turkey Day dishes since September, so I kind have that, "been there, done that, and don't really need to do it again" feeling.  But then again who knows.  I've been known to change my mind.

Anyway, let's talk turkey, or in this case, stuffing!

If you haven't tried Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) I'd say, "now's the time".  It's clean, simple, and d'lishes (I know I'm a dork, but I couldn't resist).

Technically, Quinoa is a seed, but for all intents and purposes we'll keep things simple and group it with the grains.  And in the world of grains, it just doesn't get any easier than Quinoa.

So for the first QuickBite of the New Year I thought I'd share a really interesting side dish that's a hit everytime I make it... Cinnamon Spiced Rice.