recipe: LEMON SHALLOT QUINOA

I love quinoa! It makes a filling and healthy meal or side dish, and it's so easy to prepare. Quinoa tastes great with so many ingredients but here is just one of the ways in which I like to prepare it...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 Persian cucumbers (aka mini seedless cucumbers)
• 1/2 an avocado
• 5 large asparagus stalks
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:
To prepare the quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa.  Place 1 cup of quinoa into a pot and add 2 cups of water.  Bring the water to a boil, cover, then let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes (until all the water is gone).  Place quinoa in a bowl and put in the refrigerator to cool.

Steam asparagus, cool, and chop.

Chop cucumber, avocado, and shallots; add to quinoa along with asparagus. 

Squeeze lemon juice, add olive oil, salt and pepper.

Mix and enjoy!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

recipe: SHALLOT YOGURT

It might not sound that exciting but this dish is a real crowd pleaser!  I discovered this dip when I worked at a Los Angeles restaurant called Axe a few years back (PS - if you are in LA or visiting any time soon you should definitely eat at Axe, it is incredible!).  This dip has been a favorite snack of mine ever since and everyone I have ever made it for absolutely loves it.  Plus, it is so simple to make and it's full of calcium; it's a win/win!  Check it out...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 24 oz container of plain yogurt (I prefer to get Greek or European style yogurt)
• 1 large shallot

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place a colander inside a large bowl.  Line the colander with a paper towel.  Scoop the yogurt onto the paper towel and place the bowl in the refrigerator overnight, uncovered.  This process drains any excess liquid from the yogurt making it very thick.

Scoop the thick yogurt into a container and put aside.

Peel the shallot, chop very fine and add to the yogurt.  Mix.

That's it, your done!  Now you can spread the mix on crackers or bread, or just eat it plain.  Since it is nice and thick sometimes I will even spread it on a bagel instead of cream cheese.  Trust me, it's beyond delicious! 

GTBB,
Bad Joan