Kale and Broccoli Quinoa

Yum! I tried this recipe for the first time just this week.  It was delicious!  This is a great way to get some vegetables in because it tastes so good.  

I tripled the amount of Quinoa in this recipe and used 2 heads of broccoli and one whole bunch of kale, and a package of shredded parmesan.  

I would recommend this as a side dish or something fun and new to take to a potluck.  

Kale & Broccoli Quinoa

serves 2

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry quinoa, rinsed and drained
3/4-1 cup water, to cook quinoa (you could also cook in broth to give more flavor)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4-1/2 cup chopped red or yellow onion (to preference)
2 cloves garlic, grated into pan
1/3 cup vegetable broth
1 medium or large head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 bunch kale, leaves removed from stems, and broken into bite size pieces
salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese, for garnish
lemon juice, if desired

Directions:
1. Cook the quinoa in a medium pot to package directions, until tender and liquid is absorbed
2. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the chopped onion. Cook for a couple minutes until translucent (don't let burn), and add the garlic grating it straight into the pan. Stir for a minute, not allowing to burn, and add in the broth.

3. Rinse off the broccoli and kale and add them both to the pan with onions, garlic and broth. Reduce heat slightly and cover. Let cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is tender and kale has shrunk. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Add quinoa and veggie mix to a serving bowl and mix together. Garnish with parmesan cheese and eat warm.

Recipe Credit:
http://www.carlasconfections.com/2013/02/kale-broccoli-quinoa_12.html

Easy Cheese Ball

I admit it... I was really craving a cheese ball during the super-bowl weekend.  I don't know if it's the time of year, or just because the Super-bowl is another excuse to eat junk food, but I really felt like I needed a cheese ball.  So, I dug up an old recipe and made a couple of cheese balls.  Yippie Skippy.

This is an old recipe that is incredibly easy and makes a decent cheese ball.  Hope you enjoy it!

Easy Cheese Ball Recipe

Ingredients: 

8oz Cream Cheese

1 Packet of Ranch Dressing Mix

8ox shredded cheddar

1/2 Cup chopped pecans

Directions: 

Slightly soften the cream cheese in the microwave (for 30 seconds or so).  Put cheeses and ranch dressing powder in a bowl, mix with hand mixer until combined.  Shape into ball(s).  Roll in chopped pecans.  Let sit for a few hours, or overnight.  Serve (over crackers) and enjoy!