Quino-a and Granol-a

Quinoa, quinoa, quinoa. I keep reading about quinoa everywhere. These super-seeds pack a nutritional punch and can take the place--supposedly--of rice and other grains. Quinoa is a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and is gluten free. In other words, after one bowl you're set for life.

I know I've eaten this stuff once before. I seem to remember ordering an entree with it somewhere a long time ago, but I've never made anything with it myself. So, today when I saw a bag on the "hippie shelf" in the grocery store--you know what I'm talking about--I threw it in the cart. (It was even organic.)

This afternoon I made a batch in the rice cooker with some chicken broth for the liquid and whipped up a bowl of tabbouleh. So? It's actually pretty good. It isn't much different than the traditional bulgar. There is a texture thing going on though that might stop me from being a big quinoa fan. It's similar to tapioca or itty bitty fish eggs. Enough said. The rice industry is safe.

So what was I doing digging around on the hippie shelf in the store? I needed the ingredients for granola. My favorite granola has been discontinued. Sad. And most other pre-made granola is too sweet for my taste. I had Stumble-d Upon a recipe that got some good reviews and decided to make my own.

Megan's Granola is very dangerous. The reviews were right. This is a very good granola recipe that's packed with lots of good ingredients. I cut back a little on the sweetness, but not much and it's just about right. I have learned from past experience to store granola without any dried fruit---add it when you're ready to eat. Who knew raisins could get so hard? Plus, you can go with what sounds good that morning: diced apricots, dried cherries or cranberries.

As long as I'm talking kitchen duty...the homemade sauerkraut was excellent! We tried it first in Reubens to get the full on taste and then braised some sausages in it the second time around and both were terrific. The next jar is fermenting on the counter as we speak. I suppose once it warms up, I'll have to find a cooler spot to store the work in progress. Think how good it will be with grilled brats.

Finally, I just have to share my pimped out Kindle. Isn't it cool? My son gave me the Packer skin for my birthday. I suppose I should download a Vince Lombardi biography some day.