{keen-wah}

Quinoa {keen-wah}

Whenever I used to think of it I'd get grossed out. I tried it once plain and did not like it. I'll give the credit to my sister Kara (a soon-to-be fellow fashion and lifestyle blogger), this is something she loves!

Quinoa is considered a whole grain, which is very good for you, although its actually a seed. Some people use quinoa as a substitute for rice. Its also full of protein, which is another pro! It's also sold in a gluten-free option too for those of you who have allergies. You can eat it plain, put it on salads, add some olive oil and lemon juice, or make a vegetable stir-fry. Since I wasn't sure what to do with it, my sister suggested the vegetable stir-fry.



First go to your closest store and buy some quinoa. I bought mine at Trader Joe's.
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1/2 onion
Feta Cheese

1. Cook your quinoa according to the back of the bag. More than likely it will be 1 part quinoa to 1 parts water.

2. Cut the peppers and onion into strips and fry them in some olive oil.

3. Put the Quinoa, peppers, onion and cheese (however much you want) in a bowl and mix.


You'll notice it makes more than you will be able to eat, good thing about it is it lasts for a few days!
There is your simple lunch or snack! Kids will even enjoy it, maybe the husband too. :)

Now go cook! Enjoy this healthy, protein filled snack and feel a little better about yourself.


I'll leave you today with a song from one of my favorite artists, Jessa Anderson. Check out my tabs above to learn more about her! This song is such an encouragement in my life. God is so great!

Peace, Love and trying new things!
-Meredith

Let's go for #2

I'm not really sure who to give credit to on this recipe... My mom or Aunt? Either way this recipe is probably the easiest and most simple, and if it's not to you, well we have a long ways to go. :) My husband even makes it! The best part about it you can freeze or keep in your fridge for a while and eat it whenever!

Now after you see this recipe you're going to think both of these are so simple you just combine everything, why yes that is true, but I'd thought I'd dive into this easy and get readers than go hard and no one read. Don't worry we'll start to get into cooking tips and tricks as we start this blog as well!

Pizza Burgers and Homemade French Fries

1 lb organic ground beef 

8 oz grated cheddar cheese

8 oz grated mozz cheese

1/2 onion chopped and diced

1 cup black olives chopped (these are optional, I've had it with both, i like both, just depends on what I have in my cabinet)

1 can tomato soup

3 tablespoons olive oil or veggie oil

1 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp oregano

1. Cook ground beef, drain and set aside to cool. 

2. In a bowl mix all the ingredients (including the meat)
This is where you get your hands dirty. Clean your hands and literally put them in the bowl and mix. Don't use a spoon, it won't be worth the time. 

3. You can either put the mixings on the bun and cook right away or I put it in the fridge to sit and soak up all the flavors.

4. Put the mixings on a hamburger bun.

5. Put in the oven on BROIL and cook for about 5 minutes. You will need to watch them. I like them a little crunchier at the botton (hense a pizza) so I do about 6 or 7 minutes.

You will realize this makes a lot, and if you cook too many they don't keep too well. That is why I make how many I think we'll eat and freeze the rest of the mixings for a different night.

For the Fries:

Now if you don't have a french fry cutter invest in one. This cuts vegetables too! I love french fries, fresh ones. Unfortunately they aren't that healthy for you, but when I make my own they are much healthier than Mcdonalds or any fast food joint. It's probably cheaper too!

3-4 Potatoes (this can be any kind red, russet, yellow. I used Russet it was on hand)
olive oil
sea salt

1. If you don't have the french fry cutter then cut your potatoes into long thin strips.
2. Put them on your bar stone or cooking sheet. Remember to use a pan that has edges on the sides for            that the olive oil doesn't spill over.
3. Lather them up with olive oil and sea salt, mix up with your hands.
4. Put them in the oven on 450 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Turning once or twice.

VOILA! Your meal is complete!

Tip: I usually will cook the fries first so that the oven is hot and ready. Since the Pizza Burgers don't take too long the fries will still be hot!

I'm excited for the next blog! Potato soup is up next just in time for the start of fall this weekend! Be sure to let me know if you need any tips or anything I can help all you readers out there with!

Check out this song from my churches worship band.

Peace, Love and Simple Blessings!
-Meredith

Special shout out to my hubby for designing this.. I'd be so lost!

Recipe #1

If you're reading this blog and expecting it to have every recipe exact... you might want to stop reading.

I wanted to start a blog of recipes and things that I cook. I'll help you readers out there, who, lets just say cooking isn't your forte'.

Let's get started with an introduction. My name is Meredith. I'm married, have no kids and I love to cook. I live in the Windy City while my husband goes to school. I love cooking, it's one my passions. I've loved cooking (and baking) since I can remember, probably because my mom is a great cook. Did I mention I have a husband who loves to eat. He's my taste tester, and boy is he honest (in a good way).

Now what would a first blog post be without a recipe to get it started?

I got this recipe out of "season's best". Remember I didn't follow it all word for word.


Crunchy Chicken Lime Tacos
12 hard taco shell (I think soft would be great too!)
2 limes
1/2 cup mayo
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (If you want more spice use it, i didn't have any on hand or else I totally would have!)
3 cups cooked & diced chicken breasts
1/2 small jicama (this is super cheap at the store mine was $.99 for a big one)
1 small mango
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp salt
1 avocado (optional)

1. Start off and cook your chicken, dice it and set it aside. Organic chicken is what we use. I'm all on board with eating healthy and right. My husband hasn't been persuaded too much yet but he never can tell. ;)

2. Zest your limes to make about 1 tsp.

3. Juice the limes for 3 tbsp.

4.Combine zest, 1 tbsp. juice, mayo, cumin and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

5. Take about 1/3 cup of the sauce out and set aside, then add the chicken to the remaining sauce.**

6. Chop up your FRESH cilantro.

7. Peel and dice up the mango and jicama. (some people like a lot of jicama some don't. I prefer not too much so I just did about 1/2 cup.)

8. Combine mango, jicama, cilantro, salt and remaining lime juice to the chicken mixture.

**use the remaining sauce to put on top of the tacos for some extra sauce or taste!

VIOLA!

You did it! Well, almost, now you just have to serve it!

You can always add lettuce, avocado and even tomatoes if you want to load up your taco or eat as a taco salad!

Remember don't be too concerned with measurements and making sure it's all perfect. That's the fun in cooking, you learn new things by experimenting! Hopefully this is satisfies your taste buds!

I'll leave you with a song..
Loving this one by Chris August.


Peace, Love and a Launch Blog!
-Meredith