Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Toasted Quinoa Salad for Summertime Eatin'

Feels like Summer is here...Memorial Day Weekend is coming and it's heating up in Middle Tennessee...how about the 90's? I long for something easy and light to eat when it gets that hot. Here is my standby recipe that is usually made and waiting for me in the fridge.






Toasted Quinoa Salad
Makes about 6 cups

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 teaspoon fine salt, divided, or to taste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup teardrop or grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 cup peeled and finely diced cucumber
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion tops (I use red onion, finely diced)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)

1. Place a medium saute pan over medium heat; add the quinoa to the dry pan, and toast the grains until they are light brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. 2. Place quinoa and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Add 3/4 tsp salt, and immediately reduce the heat to a simmer; cover and cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it appears translucent and tender. 3. Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, pepper, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and oil. Pour over warm quinoa, and stir to combine. Place in a large bowl, and allow to cool. When cooled completely, add the tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, green onions, parsley, and mint; gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the salad.  Sprinkle with feta and serve chilled, or at room temperature. I have also added avocado or raw cashews. YUM!!!

Bon Appetit!
Victoria Lynn


Thursday, May 17, 2012

After weeks of window stalking, Sophie is hoping today is "the day" she catches the squirrel in our back yard.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Everything's Coming Up Roses!









The weather has been incredible this spring and apparently my roses are in love with it too! My clematis is also going crazy right now. I thought I would share some pictures of how lovely the roses are right now.

My life is so blessed and things are very rosy right now.  Hope things are coming up roses in your life too!

Hugs,
Victoria Lynn

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

I'm in love with spring!


We are so blessed to be having amazing weather this spring here in Middle Tennessee. Spring has come early and two of my favorite flowers in the whole world are blooming right now...roses and lilacs! I love the spring! (Except for the sneezing part) How does your garden grow?

XO
Victoria Lynn

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Time To Put On Your Easter Bonnet






I have always loved hats and especially at Easter. The Brits have always worn hats. I remember the Queen and then Princess Diana. And now Kate is very chic with her hats and "fascinators". Do you think they will catch on here in the States? While shopping at a local department store recently, my daughter and I had so much fun trying on fascinators... I felt like a fashion model and was pleasantly surprised at how good I looked in one, haha! I also have a small collection of vintage hats. The kind that look like a cake, all done up with velvet flowers and velvet ribbons - my favorite! Are you planning on wearing a hat this Easter Sunday? I just might! Have a great week!

Hugs,
Victoria Lynn

Friday, March 30, 2012

It's Spring In Tennessee!

After a mild Winter, we have been so blessed with the warm weather with sunshine. I thought I would share some of the gorgeous flowers I have been enjoying in my gardens. Happy Spring!