I blinked...

...and suddenly, it's November!  Days are shorter, colder, and darker - so it was great to get take a short "trip" to India this past weekend with my girls' club, where we soaked in lots of light and warmth and colour.

In honour of Diwali, the festival of light, we painted glass tea light holders.

Indian flavours do to the palette what Indian colours do to the eyes.  In your next bowl of quinoa, try a touch of curry powder, contrasted with cool, sharp mint.

3-Karat Quinoa

2/3 cups raw quinoa, soaked for 15 minutes in cold water, then rinsed

1 tablespoon butter 

2 shallots, minced
1 teaspoon curry powder

2 cups vegetable broth

3 carrots, peeled and diced
a handful of chopped fresh mint

Saute the shallots in the butter until transluscent.

Add the curry powder and cook for one minute, until fragrant.

Add the quinoa and broth, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cover.  After 15 minutes, add the carrots and cook for 5-10 minutes more, until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped mint.

Serve as a side dish or main course - quinoa is a complete protein! 


I blinked...




Gifts of Autumn

I've received some lovely presents this fall. First, my friend Anna brought me a pumpkin from her garden. Then my friend Pat gave me a little bag of mixed quinoa from The Grainry on Granville Island. Well, I thought it was a little bag, but it has magically multiplied to feed six people plus plenty more for lunches this week. Quinoa is indeed a wonder grain - watch for a post on it, coming soon!

Last but not least, my sister sent me a new apron - with pockets - and a cheery red, yellow, and brown pattern.

Mother Nature has been generous with her gifts, too, and just as colourful. Autumn is really becoming my favourite time of the year. I hope you are having a beautiful and fruitful season!

Bowl of (raw) quinoa

Tree in Sutcliffe Park, Granville Island

Autumn colours

Fall foliage, Granville Island

Some of nature's bounty




Gifts of Autumn