Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Shamelessly stole this idea from the deli counter at Harmon's Grocery Store.  We looked it up online to no avail, but found some comparable ones and improvised a bit too.  Very easy to tinker around with and adjust to your liking.  LOVE this stuff.

1 c red and white quinoa mixed, rinsed

1 can vegetable broth (plus some water)

1 tbs lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

½ c. green bell pepper, finely diced

¼ c purple onion, finely diced

½ c black/red beans

1/3 c corn (I use frozen)

½ c dried cranberries

¼ c cilantro, diced

3 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tbs olive oil

1-2 tbs agave nectar (could MAYBE substitute with honey?  Haven’t tried it…)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook quinoa in the vegetable broth/water combination on stovetop or in rice cooker at a 2-1 ratio (2 parts liquid to 1 part quinoa) WITH lime juice and garlic.

While it’s cooking, add everything else together in a bowl and mix.  Add quinoa when it’s done and mix again.  Trends suggest this be eaten cold, but I enjoy it warm as well- your call.  Measurements are an estimate- add more or less according to your own taste.  Serves as a bountiful side dish for maybe 8-10 people?

Tomato Soup

No photo, but this is truly awesome, regardless.  I essentially compiled a bunch of soup recipes and adjusted it to what we had on hand, and came up with this.

Tomato Soup

6-7 tomatoes, seeded & chopped

¼ onion, chopped

1 c. leftover tomato-based sauce (spaghetti, soup, etc)

1 can chicken/veggie broth (about 1.75 c.)

2-3 Tbs flour

2-3 Tbs butter/olive oil

1-2 c. milk/cream

12-16 basil leaves, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Simmer first 4 ingredients listed together in a covered pot, up to 30 min.  Mix flour and butter/oil in saucepan on med heat, then add milk.  Combine all in pot.  Immersion blend with basil.  Season and serve with grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate milkshakes.

In a pinch I’ll compensate with more sauce if not enough tomatoes are on hand.  As long as it’s heavy with tomatoes of some kind, I think you’ll be fine.