Thursday, June 28, 2012

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

Adapted from foodconfidence.com.
1 c cooked quinoa
1/2 c chopped blanched almonds
1 c old-fashioned oats
1/4 c unsweetened shredded coconut
2 T honey or maple syrup
1 t vanilla extract
2 T nut butter
1/3 c chocolate chips
1/4 t salt

If you quinoa is still hot, it will melt the chocolate chips when you mix it, so plan accordingly: if you want the chips to be whole, let the quinoa cool.  Mix nut butter, vanilla, and honey together in a small bowl and set aside.  Mix remaining ingredients and then add in the nut butter mixture until combined.  Roll into small balls and store in refrigerator or freezer (chill before eating).  Makes 2 dozen 1" cookies.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Notfried Pinto Beans

1 lb dry pinto beans
3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp salt
1 green bell pepper
1 onion
ground cumin, oregano, salt to taste

Soak pinto beans and cook using your preferred method, with the measured salt, cumin seed, and bay leaves.  When the beans are done, preheat oven to 400.  Chop finely the onion and bell pepper and place each on a baking sheet (no oil needed).  Roast for about 20 minutes or until the pieces have lost most of their moisture and are beginning to brown (check every 5 minutes).  Strain beans, reserving liquid.  Puree beans with onion and pepper pieces, adding liquid as needed.  Season to taste with salt, oregano, and cumin.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Summer Reading Programs

Half Price Books: Read 300 minutes in a month, earn a $5 book credit.  Runs June 1 - July 31.
See link for downloadable reading log and more information.

Barnes & Noble: read 8 books, choose a free book from list.  Grades 1-6. 
Reading journal & more information available at link.