Fiesta Quinoa side dish or snack

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Quinoa is just awesome. And this easy to make, looks like you worked harder than you did dish makes it even better! This can be served cold or at room temperature so it is perfect for summer.You can make this for your next BBQ or to keep in the fridge ready to take out and eat as a snack or side dish.  (** the picture above does not have black beans OR cilantro)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cooked Quinoa
• 1.5- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half (you can cut it again to make it smaller if you wish)
• 1 large avocado
• 1 can or 2 cups black beans (you can get canned black beans or make them fresh! Follow bag directions for fresh black beans)
• 3 ears fresh corn
• 1 batch cilantro chopped 

Directions:

• Cook your Quinoa and then set aside to cool off completely
• dice tomatoes 
• chop cilantro
• dice your avocado 
• if you are using fresh beans this may take a whole night to prepare. Follow package directions. You can use cans if this is all you have.
• I think fresh corn is BEST for this dish. So try to avoid the canned stuff. How to make corn? You have options:

1. grill
2. boil
3. bake (simple and comes out really good! Add salt and paper to the corn before you place in the oven)

Let the corn cool off and then CAREFULLY cut the corn off the cob. 

After everything is prepared and cooled off you will get a large flat dish to lay out your quinoa. On the side mix the avocados, black beans, corn, tomatoes and cilantro. To this mixture add 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one whole juicy lemon! Salt and pepper to taste. 

Place dressing and vegetable mixture on top of quinoa. Do not mix. The vegetables are meant to say on top of the quinoa and get mixed in as people serve themselves.

This makes an amazing dish. If you have leftovers it keeps great in the fridge! Enjoy!

Wedding invitations by Lucky Penny Paperie

Most of my wedding invitations have been sent out and some are still on their way. But I am SO excited! It feels far more real now :)

I was searching for an invitation that would go with the "feel" and "theme" of our wedding. I wanted something chic, city, etherial, artsy but elegant  And I found it! I worked closely with Jessica the creator, artist and designer behind Lucky Penny and she was great. She personalized the invitation to make it more of what I wanted, and made little changes that made a HUGE difference. I found her while searching Etsy, and could not be happier. She was patient and went along with my ideas and worked with my budget!

My favorite part of the invitation is the invitation holder. It is a nice shimmery envelope and has a resealable sticker with our names on it and the wedding date! Gives the invitation a nice personal touch.

Wedding food tastings are my favorite. We went to about three different caterers, trying many dishes. I worked with the chef  in order to give my vegetarians some awesome food options. I am always excited when the vegetarian option at a wedding or event is NOT pasta. We came up with a filling, healthy and delicious vegetarian option. What better than quinoa and fresh vegetables! SCORE!

I will also be working with Jessica to help us create our wedding programs! This is so fun and exciting for me. Has anyone else found their wedding invitations? Where? Did you search online? Any luck on Etsy?

Healthy Holiday Recipes for your next Holiday Party!

21-happy-holidays

I searched the web to find what I felt were the top 3 easy to make and  healthy holiday recipes for you to bring to your next holiday party!

Stuffed mushrooms

Goat Cheese and Apple Canape

Quinoa Pizza Bites

I have never tested nor tried these recipes but I am planning on making the Quinoa Pizza Bites tonight, with a few changes. Have a healthy and happy holiday! Let me know which ones you make and how it goes!