Signature Dish

My husband and I both love to cook and we love sharing food with friends.  Whether we go out for a nice meal, attend a cooking class together, or host a potluck, it's always interesting to see what people like to make and eat.  This summer we've been planning an August food evening with a group of friends.  The hosts will be preparing their signature dishes (shrimp appetizer, ribs, and caesar salad - yum) and we will all bring something to add. 

This talk of signature/famous dishes got me wondering if I have one.  I try to experiment in the kitchen and use new recipes all the time.  At one point I know I wanted to get really good at making soup (since homemade is just so much tastier and typically healthier!).  My husband has pretty much mastered chili and gets rave reviews when he serves it to a large group.  I don't think I have one dish that I'm known for (yet!).  I do enjoy making muffins, roast chicken, soup, and vegetable dishes (someone has to make sure they're included!). 

Since it's Q's Day I am asking:

Do you have a signature dish?

If you feel like sharing the recipe I know I would love to hear it.

Enjoy your last day of July 2012,

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Friendly Potluck: Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Last weekend we invited some friends over for a potluck.  As I've mentioned numerous times, food is a large part of our society, but what better way to share food than to have your friends bring a dish over?  We don't like to plan our potlucks, so people just bring whatever they want or whatever they were inspired to make, bake, or create.  It's a great way to learn new recipes, see what others like to eat, and sample lots of different tastes at one meal.

I was personally inspired by the quinoa sitting in my cupboard, so I pulled out my cookbooks and came upon Vegetable Quinoa Salad in my Dietitian's of Canada Simply Great Food cookbook.  Quinoa (keen-wa) is an ancient grain from South America that is considered to be a complete protein.  It can replace rice in recipes, be used hot or cold, and is quite easy to cook.

Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

1 c quinoa, well rinsed and drained
2 c cold water
2 tomatoes chopped
2 large sprigs Italian (flat leaf) parsley (leaves only), chopped - I used dry parsley
1/4 English cucumber, chopped
1/3 c chopped red, green, yellow, or mixed bell pepper

Vinaigrette
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, bring quinoa and water to a boil.  Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until the white germ separates from the seed.  Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.  Remove lid, let cool and fluff with a fork.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, and bell peppers.  Stir in cooled quinoa.
3. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, hot pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss to coat.

Per serving: 108 Calories, 5.1 g fat, 13.6 g carbohydrate, 1.6 g fibre, 2.6 g protein; high in magnesium

The Nutrishus Blog currently has one other recipe with quinoa: New Take on Carrot Cake and I have another breakfast favourite that I will post soon.  Happy potlucking...

Steph Wheler, RD
something nutrishus counsellign & coaching
www.nutrishus.com