quinoa Archives -

December 5, 2016

Lentil Quinoa Chili

How about a warm and nourishing bowl of soup to balance out all of those holiday sweets? With all of the cookie-baking and festive gatherings, I’m already having to pace myself. This chili is an updated version of a lentil chili that Ryan’s mom would often serve during our dating years, and there are many happy memories associated with this recipe. Here I’ve added quinoa for heartiness and fresh roasted green chilis for an extra layer of flavor. Nothing against canned chilis, those are great in a pinch, but taking an extra few minutes to roast them fresh adds depth and really sets this chili apart. Having big a pot of soup simmering on the stove in the midst of this hurried and often stressful month is always calming and quieting for me. Hope it is for you too.

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November 9, 2016

Stuffed Mini Pumpkins

Our local raspberry farm was running a special on mini pumpkins this year- an entire bucket (nearly 40!) pumpkins for eight dollars. I had just volunteered to supply my daughter’s class with mini pumpkins for their decorating activity at this year’s harvest party, so you can imagine how happy I was. Inexpensive AND I was able to support a local farm- perfect.

October 6, 2016

Cornmeal Quinoa Waffles with Honeyed Cinnamon Ricotta

After writing last week’s post and reminiscing about my past dreams of living in Maine, I realized how far I had come in my struggle to have a content heart. For the longest time, my eyes failed to see the beauty around me because I was so focused on all that I didn’t have but so badly wanted. Looking back now, it all seems crazy. Today I find it difficult to comprehend just how much I have. I am more able to appreciate the little things around me. The leaves are changing into a splendor of colors, and the air feels clean and crisp. This past weekend we enjoyed doughnuts at the cider mill and apple picking afterwards. Small joys build a grateful heart.