jin's day off

First stop:
My Organic Produce Guy.
I meant to take pics of his garden as it is phenomenal.
But I got lost in the moment...
smelling
tasting
enjoying sunshine & chit-chat
diggin' in the dirt
(note to self: next time don't wear a short skirt)

I filled my xB with succulent freshly picked greeeeen

A few dozen free-range eggs, potatoes (he doesn't sell these to anyone, they are only for his personal use, but I got me some...yes I did! Woo-Hoo!), sugar snap peas, squash, flowers (edible & decorative), baby lettuces, garlic & herbs herbs herbs!

Three bags full of French greens. MMmmm.


Next step:
Appropriate tunes for creating a delectable dinner.
Insert CD & turn volume to full.
(If the walls aren't shakin', it's not loud enough honey.)

I recommend dancing & singing until you decide what to make.
I practiced belly dancing to my fave song "Voodoo"
then decided upon Quinoa.
(Pronounced KEEN-wah)
I knew it'd be FAB with the fresh herbs.

Quinoa is a super-protein & tastes awesome if you make it right.
It's easy, I'll show you how!

Any combo of chopped veggies will do.
I used:
1 Vidalia Onion
1 Bulb Garlic (Not a clove, a whole bulb!)
2 Squash (pictured whole- bottom left & chopped- upper right)

Chop & set aside until ready to use.

I *heart* Monini Olive Oils. Superior flavour!

Heat a Tablespoon (or so) on medium.

Toss in about 1-1/2 cups Quinoa & stir constantly until they begin to crackle & pop. (It is not necessary to toast the grains before use, however it gives them a nice nutty flavour.)

I *heart* Rapunzel Vegetable Boullion. No chemicals!

Add 3 cups of filtered water & 2 vegetable boullion cubes to your popping Quinoa. jinny loves to hear it fizzle & spatter at this point! Look out!

Bring to a boil, cover & reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile:

Melt a few Tablespoons of Earth Balance (or Olive Oil or butter if you prefer) on medium. Add your garlic and saute for a minute, then add your onion & saute until translucent. Add your remaining vegetables & season to taste. I use:

because jinny likes it spicy!

Oh, look! The Quinoa is done!

Take it off the heat & leave it covered until you are ready for it.

Never interrupt & jin with her Cilantro.

MMMMmmmmm.....Cilantroooooo.
Smell it &
Taste it &
Chop it:

I've got about a handful of Cilantro & a handful of Italian Parsley.
Chop and set aside.

Now, stir up your cooked Quinoa
and
TASTE IT!

Hmmm....good, but it needs some:

MMMMMmmmm........Perfect!

Now stir your Quinoa into your sauteed veggies.

Finally, add the chopped herbs.

Voilà!

I served it with a few pieces of Garlic Toast, Calamata Olives & edible Nasturtiums (in the center of the plate). The flower petals are sweet, almost candy-like, but when you get to the center they are hot & spicy! YUM!

Here is mr jins plate. Notice the lack of olives. We disagree about the delicious mouth-watering perfectness of olives. He's wrong. :-P

There's even a takeaway serving for jinmom.


OH!
Almost forgot!
I served this for dessert:
;-)