BLT Bliss Bowls

I love that the internet allows for recipe sharing!  This gal at lovely little kitchen has some great recipes and amazing pictures!  I couldn't improve upon her recipe, so here is her exact recipe and picture.

 

Author: Lovely Little Kitchen

Prep time:  20 mins

Cook time:  13 mins

Total time:  33 mins

Serves: 2 bowls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon oil (I used avocado oil)
• salt and pepper
• 4 strips center cut bacon
• 2 packed cups mixed baby greens
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Topping: Balsamic glaze* plus additional avocado oil, salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Place tomato halves one side of a baking sheet, and toss with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Lay strips of bacon on the other side and place in the oven. Turn the oven on and set to 400 degrees. Cook the tomatoes and bacon for about 13-14 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the bacon is crisp. The oven will just about reach 400 degrees in that time.
3. To assemble the bowls, place mixed baby greens on the bottom, and top with cooked quinoa and sliced avocado. Top with crumbled bacon, blistered tomatoes, and feta. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle with a bit more oil and balsamic glaze.

Notes:

You can find balsamic glaze at Trader Joe's in the oil and vinegar section. It's wonderful on salads, but also on grilled veggies or chicken. You can also heat balsamic vinegar on the stovetop slowly to reduce it into a glaze. It becomes sweet and tangy!

Quinoa Basil Salad

This is a recipe that doesn't have exact measurements.  Hopefully you won't hate me.  I just find every time I make it my ratios are a bit different depending on the supplies in my fridge.  Sometimes it doesn't have any brown rice, other times it is heavier on the rice.  Sometimes I don't have any feta, or other times I substitute tomatoes instead of peppers.  FRESH basil is a key ingredient that really adds to the fresh unique flavor.  Using the bottled dressing from Costco makes this recipe very simple, but it you can't find it I've given you a substitute recipe you can make!

Combine all ingredients in large bowl:
Quinoa, cooked (I like to use a combination of red and white quinoa)
Short Grain Brown Rice, cooked
chopped cucumbers
chopped bell red/orange/yellow peppers (or cherry tomatoes)
Shredded carrots
crumbled feta cheese
fresh basil, chopped
toasted pine nuts (optional)

Drizzle with:
**White Balsamic Citrus Basil Dressing (this is also good as a fish or chicken marinade)  Add dressing to taste!

-Garnish with some extra chopped basil and toasted pine nuts
-Serve cold or at room temperature
**If you can't find this dressing, you can make your own using 
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

6 tbsp fresh lemon juice 
1 TBS honey, sugar, or agave
1 teaspoon lemon zest 
1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped finely 
Salt and pepper, to taste 

Quinoa Pancakes

With your leftover quinoa...put 1-2 cups in your pancake batter! It must be a bit more filling than just plain whole wheat because I think for once I had a few leftover pancakes! Normally my kids eat 5-6 pancakes and still ask for more! Serve with maple syrup, cinnamon applesauce, and strawberries.

Quinoa Pilaf

This is a great side dish recipe from a sister-in-law, that I think is even better as leftovers. It is also easy to take in a lunch the next day.

Saute for 5 minutes:
1 TBS olive oil
1 medium onion
Add:
1 red pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp basil
1 cup rinsed uncooked quinoa
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

-Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 14-16 minutes until broth evaporates and quinoa tender. Add 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained and salt to taste. I'd serve this with steamed vegetables, salad, and some bread/muffins. Serves 6.

Whole Grain Cereals

Most of us have had warm oatmeal for breakfast. You can prepare very similar dishes using pretty much any whole grain. Cook grains in water, add a little milk, cinnamon, and fresh/dried fruit and whala! A healthy and filling breakfast. These cereals also make great baby cereals!

Ratio of uncooked grain to water:
Roasted Buckwheat groats 1 to 3
Millet 1 to 3
Brown Rice 1 to 2 1/2
Whoel Wheat or Spelt Berries 1 to 2 1/2
Whole Rolled Oats 1 to 2
Quinoa 1 to 2

Quinoa Cereal

My children LOVE this breakfast. Quinoa is VERY good for you with lots of protein and vitamins. It has a texture that reminds me a bit of tapioca. Give it a try!

Cooked Quinoa
milk
Cinnamon
Raisins (or fresh fruit)

-RINSE quinoa in strainer (for about 1 minute) to get off film that doesn't taste good. Cook quinoa according to package directions (about 15 minutes).
-Serve with cinnamon, raisins, and milk.