Whew it’s been awhile!!  Where has the month of July gone?!  Things have been hectic but we have been managing to enjoy our summer months ’round here. 

Ava is having a blast spending time with family and even making a quick trip to the beach.  She will be starting kindergarten soon {cries}! She is so very excited to finally be one step closer to high school! LOL I’m always telling her real high school is nothing like what the movie High School musical protrays!  She tells me I’m a liar!

Anyhoo, on hot, muggy nights the last thing I want to be doing is slaving over a hot stove.  So I whipped up this short and spicy recipe it lacks all the time consuming qualities but holds nothing back with flavor like some stove top recipes do.

Spicy Red Quinoa

{Ingredients}

2 C red quinoa
1 T EVOO
1 garlic clove {minced}
1 small yellow onion
1 small green pepper
1 t chili powder
½ t cumin
Pinch of cayenne
Salt and pepper {to taste}
1 ear of corn {1/2 Cup}
½ C black beans
1 can {8oz} tomato sauce
1 ½ C chicken broth {or Veggie broth}
Cilantro

{Directions}

• Saute onion, green pepper, and garlic in EVOO.
• Add seasonings
• Add quinoa, black beans, corn and stir for a few minutes
• Stir in broth, tomato sauce.
• Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 25-30 min.
• Keep a watchful eye and add more broth or water as needed.
• Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork.
• Serve and top with cheddar cheese and cilantro, if desired.

This dish makes great leftovers once the ingredients have had time to marry. I love warping it up in a whole wheat tortilla. Mmmm…so good.

When your life flashes before your eyes, make sure you’ve got plenty to watch.  ~Author unknown