Friday, May 27, 2011

Blueberry Basil Quinoa Salad

Blueberry and basil may be an unusual pairing, but I like it!  I was in the greenhouse looking for some cilantro, but it's all gone to seed so I turned towards the basil--and it's still going strong! 

4 c. cooked CHILLED quinoa
1/4 c. diced green onions
1/4 c. fresh basil, coarsely torn
1/3 c. cold pressed olive oil
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp. whole fruit only blueberry jam
1 pint fresh blueberries
1/2 tsp. cumin
sea salt to taste

Mix quinoa, green onions, and basil in a pretty bowl; set aside.  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, blueberry jam, and cumin.  Toss gently into salad.  Add sea salt to taste.  (I used around 1 1/2 tsp.)
Refrigerate leftovers.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

vegan orange julius

The kids had been out playing all morning and where we are, even the mornings are hot.  So when they came in, I knew they were ready for something cool.  I had some orange juice concentrate in the freezer and thought I'd try for an orange julius-type smoothie.  It turned out just right.

In a high-powered blender, mix on high:

14 ice cubes
1 12 oz can oj
1/4 c. agave
2 cups almond milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla bean powder

serves 4