Chilled Quinoa & Simple Kale Salad

I watched Toy's Story 1 with Meiwen today (her first time...smh). Good food, good music, good movie, good company. Cheers to friendship!

And...sorry if the above photo is misleading heh...my photos don't come out as pretty. :3

Chilled Quinoa & Simple Kale Salad

So I have developed a recent fascination with quinoa and kale. Yes, it is trendy, but I appreciate the versatility in these two main ingredients that allow me expand my culinary aptitude (or lack thereof).

But the environmentalist in me has recently been convicted in part by the contents of this article: Quinoa: Good, Evil, or Just Really Complicated? My friend from Berkeley was telling me about how quinoa, a staple diet, is no longer available to its original users because of its increasing market demand in America. Things are never simple. :3 But like the author of the article, I shall consume in moderation!

Today, my two good friends Emma and Meiwen came to visit. I think cooking for people is my way of showing my appreciation. Emma is my go to gal for all things art, music, & travel. We are quite tasteful if I do say so myself. I can't wait for our granny days when we become donors of the arts and travel the world a second time. Meiwen is probably one of the best listeners and source of support. So supportive, like no other. I am so thankful she's artsy fartsy and I can mooch off her talent! Thank you Meiwen for being someone that pays attention to the details and appreciates the effort...it makes the effort all worth it.

So today's menu items of the day...

// Chilled Quinoa //

marinated with Lemon, Olive Oil, Parsley, minced Garlic,

tossed with Sweet Peppers, Mango,

and sautéed Onions, topped with diced Avocado

// Simple Kale Salad //

drizzled with Lemon, Olive Oil, and Pepper,

and tossed with Strawberries & Avocado

Ingredients & Recipe:

1 cup Quinoa, 2 cup Chicken/Vegetable Broth
1) Rinse Quinoa in cold water
2) Combine ingredients & bring to boil
3) Low heat, simmer until no more liquid
4) Set aside in freezer to cool

2 Garlic Cloves diced, 1 Lemon, 1/2 cup chopped Parsley,
3 sprigs Thyme, 1 cup shredded Chicken,
1 cup diced Onions, 1 cup diced Cucumber
Olive Oil, S & P
1) Prepare Chicken, Onions, Cucumber, Garlic
2) Sautée Onions with Garlic & Olive Oil
3) Combine Quinoa with 2)
4) Chill Quinoa in freezer again

1 diced Avocado, 1 diced Mango, 1 cup Sweet Peppers
5) Mix marinade: Lemon juice, Olive Oil,
Parsley, Thyme, Garlic, S & P
6) Add marinade to Quinoa (once chilled)
7) Toss remainder ingredients into Quinoa

Kale Salad is simple:

1) Rinse Kale & dry
2) Chop Strawberries & combine with Kale
3) Dress salad with Lemon juice, Olivie Oil, and Pepper

Optional: Avocado