always just commonly

I recently made a quinoa salad with chicken sausage and it was a hit. It was so popular, a week later, I was requested to repeat the meal.  However, since I didn't plan for it, I had to use what we already have in the fridge/pantry.  Luckily, quinoa and frozen veggies, as well as majority of the basics (chicken broth, s&p, chili powder...etc.) are staples in our household. However, I did not have any zucchinis.  What can we do? The good thing about this recipe is that it's so easy to substitute and change it to what fits for YOU. Click on the above link for the recipe, and see what I used this time around.  This is also a great recipe for vegetarians - see below for vegetarian options. So this time: I've used 1 pack (about 8 oz) of frozen edamames instead of zucchinis for the 'crunch' and green.    For the chicken sausage, I used a sweeter, instead of a spiced chicken sausage, so I added more chili powder for the 'kick'.  And this is how ...

Gluten. In recent years, the term gluten-free diet are all over, in restaurants, TV and even amongst friends.  It's something you start wondering about. What is it and is it only for those with celiac disease or will following a gluten free diet be beneficial to anyone, or say, athletes.  For instance, the current number 1 ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic is gluten intolerance which affected his game until he went on a gluten free diet.   Celiac disease is a disease that means your body can't process or is basically allergic to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye products.  There are also instances, like Djokovic who is intolerant to gluten, which does not have the full-on symptoms of those with celiac, but will have an adverse reaction to gluten, fatigue and headaches being the major symptoms. Nancy Cain , the owner of Against the Grain Gourmet  recently published the book, "Against the Grain"  which is a gluten-free co...

Today, I was inspired to fix up a healthier pasta salad than normal.  Since my quinoa patties turned out to be a hit, I wanted to use quinoa again.  Quinoa is one of the super foods / grains out there.  It turned out quite pretty too! Don't you think so? Scroll down for recipe. Here are some benefits of quinoa according to an article in Forbes magazine: Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat.  It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains.  Fiber is most widely known to relieve constipation. It also helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Fiber lowers cholesterol and glucose levels, may lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids, and may help you to lose weight (it takes a longer time to chew than does other foods because it makes you feel fuller for longer and is less “energy dense,” which means it has few...

So do you need a healthy mind in order to even consider a "healthy mind" cookbook? Or is it vice versa, in which you are perusing a "healthy mind" cookbook in order  to have a healthy mind? Well, which ever way it is, this is the book for you. And what book is this, you ask? It is "The Healthy Mind Cookbook" by Rebecca Katz (with Mat Edelson).  " The Healthy Mind Cookbook " is just what it says, for the healthy minds, and for a healthy mind.  I just love the simplicity of this title, and the more profound meaning to what it could mean.  Since I'm not here to get philosophical, but to share my opinion on Ms. Katz' book, I'll let you figure it out.  I'm not too familiar with Rebecca Katz and therefore don't know if she's a premiere "health food guru".  However, upon doing a little further reading of her bio and on her website, (www.rebeccakatz.com) , I'm quite impressed. She is the  senior chef-in...

Where Trust Lies, Return to the Canadian West Book 2 by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan continues the story of the young Elizabeth Thatcher.  The cover notes that this is the companion series to the Hallmark Channel TV Series, "Where Calls the Heart".  I have not followed the TV series, based on the Hallmark Channel's TV Movie of the same name. which really is based on Janette Oke's Where Calls the Heart, Return to the Canadian West Series, Book 1, but I have watched the TV Movie.  I loved the movie, but I enjoyed the story of young Elizabeth (Beth) Thatcher much more than her aunt's story.  I wanted her to end up with Edward, but the movie story did not continue her story.  So I was very happy to receive this book.  If you're like me, who enjoy Beth & Edward's story more, then it's time to continue.  At least that's what I thought Where Trust Lies  continues.  Where Trust Lies continues a year after Beth had taught in Coal Valley...