Thursday, July 29, 2010

Pesto Quinoa Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Broccoli

1/2 C pest
1 bunch broccoli
2 roasted red peppers (see explanation how below, or buy jarred)
1 C cooked garbanzo beans
2 1/2 C quinoa
4 C water, or broth
1 t. salt

1. Add the quinoa, water and salt, to a medium size sauce pan. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into little florets. Lightly steam them in salted boiling water, so that they are bright green and slightly crunchy. Once done, drain the broccoli and run cold water over it.

3. Take the quinoa off the stove and let it cool. Once the quinoa is compelety cool, add the pesto, garbanzo beans, broccoli, and red peppers.

4. Toss to coat well, enjoy!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Blend Tec Tamper What You Have All Been Waiting For


This post is for you wonderful ladies’ question, who I met last night in Melissa's cooking class: Where to get a Blendtec tamper. Before I answer that question, I just want to put in a plug for Melissa's cooking classes. It was so fun! She did a healthy desserts class, and all of the desserts were fabulous, fast, and GOOD FOR YOU!! She is teaching more classes at Jacobs Farm. They are a great deal and worth attending to learn how to cook with seasonal fresh foods. The link to her website is rawmelissa.com. I will have to make her apple crisp and post about it because it is that good. She doesn't cook it, which saves time, making it fresher and better for you.

Ok, on to the question......

It might be blasphemous to even say there was something that I didn't like about my Blendtec, because it is my FAVORITE thing in the kitchen, but the first couple of days I owned it I almost returned it because of the lack of a tamper. I shredded a few spatulas trying to make hummus and peanut butter and almost threw in the towel with the pricey appliance, but then I found this tamper and my love affair with the blender began. I can't find the exact place I got mine, but this is the same thing that I have, just a different company. The website is http://www.3blenders.com/BlendtecAccessories.html. The tamper is just a wooden dowel, with a small wooden cross bar that fits the blender perfectly so you can push stuff down without hitting the blade. It costs $8.75. You could probably make one really easy, but if you want to save time just buy one of these babies. It is worth it!