Mushroom Quinoa, Rainbow Salad & Roasted Chicken

What about quinoa??? Some people are definitely afraid of it - like my bf - usually when I make it or suggest making I see the stink face.  And last night was no different - he didn't know I was making it but when he saw what it was he immediately started rustling through the refrigerator and cupboards looking for carbs!!!!!  But then........by some twist of fate he decided to try it ........and he LIKED IT!!
So this must be some good quinoa:)

Good too if you're sick of the same old grains - try it out!



Also, I didn't really roast the chicken myself:)  - I picked it up at the Farmer's Market - (the one's by Lake Merrit Farmer's Market are delicious by the way!).  This is a great idea - if you eat meat - and if you're on an allergy-friendly or elimination diet.
Seriously, when I first started eating this way, roasted chickens from the supermarket got me through many a meltdown.  You can get them most places and they're usually delicious......Chop some up & put on a salad for a quick lunch to go.

The radishes are of course from the garden - we harvested all the stuff yesterday out of the garden that needed to go!! So I made this delicious salad with some of the veggies.

Mushroom Quinoa
I made mine in the rice cooker, but you can definitely use the stove top if you don't have one.
1.  In a rice cooker(or pot), combine: 3/4 cups of quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 Tbsp. oilve oil, 1/4 cup dried mushrooms (or substitute), 1 Tsp. salt, 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley & 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped thyme.  Stir it all up.

2.  Turn on the rice cooker & let it work for ya! - This should take about 20 minutes.  (If you're doing it on the stovetop, bring to a boil, then lower the heat & simmer for 20 minutes).  Stir occasionally.

Rainbow Garden Salad
1.  In a large salad bowl, combine: mixed greens, spinach, handful microgreens, chopped broccoli, handful of sliced mulit-colored mixed radishes, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 small sliced avocado & WHATEVER else you have lying around!
2.  Mix up, cover w/ dressing & serve.

Slice up your roasted chicken & put it all together - DEeeeeeeeelicious!!

ENjoy!