Discovering a new grain

Long time no post! I've heard a lot of talk about Quinoa (KEEN-wah) - a highly nutritious, gluten-free seed from South America. It's a great source of protein and good option for anyone looking for a substitute for rice or couscous. I've most recently tried this at Pure and Simple Cafe in Greencastle - a spicy quinoa wrap - sooo good! Pure and Simple is a great place to pick this grain up in bulk for a good price! This recipe is straight off the package and really tasty.

Quinoa Summer Salad

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock or water (I used vegetable stock)

1 cup quinoa

4 cups combined vegetables or fruit: Fresh raw diced or sliced cucumber, tomatoes, stone fruit, peppers, mushrooms, or grapes and/or lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus spears, sliced zucchini, green beans, pea pods, corn kernels, peas, squash or pumpkin dices (I used english cucumber, red peppers, mushrooms)

1/2 large red onion, diced

2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 T wine or sherry vinegar

3-1/2 T extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

3 T sliced or slivered almonds, toasted

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro

Cook quinoa with broth according to directions, allow to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the vegetables, lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil with salt and pepper. Toss in the cooled quinoa, almonds and herb of choice, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve chilled.