good grains salad (aka Gracie's Sound Of Music Salad)

A quick, delicious lunch to have on hand for the rest of the week. Basically, I took Gracie's favorite things to eat (get it? sound of music...favorite things?) and mixed them together to welcome her home from school this week. Come on Emily, time to go get Sis!

good grains salad:

2 cups french lentils

1 cup quinoa

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped parsley

Quinoa Tabouleh

With so many great cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley at the farmer's market (and hopefully our garden soon) I can;t seem to get enough tabouleh. We were heading to a birthday party on the fourth of July and with the traditional bulgar wheat not working, quinoa came to the rescue. I think I may even like it better. Quinoa is a complete protein too so it is better for you as well.

Quinoa Tabouleh:

1 cup quinoa (I used red and white)

cook with 2 cups water 20 minutes or so

chopped tomatoes

chopped cucumbers

chopped parsley

lots of lemon juice

olive oil

Graduation and Grilled Bruschetta

My cousin's son graduated from high school on Friday and is heading to Northeastern in Boston in the fall. I had mixed emotions as we are so proud of him but it is hard to think about him being so far away and missing things like our family's Thanksgiving traditions. He has grown so fast as he was the ring bearer in our wedding and I remember his kind words as he stood next to Ryan at the front of the chapel.
"Tears of joy I presume." It all goes by so fast doesn't it?

Here is one of the many fabulous treats we had at the party. You can prep everything in advance and just assemble at the last minute. Great for potlucks or picnics

Grilled Bruschetta:

Combine and let rest for at least one hour at room temp
6 diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped basil
evoo
white balsamic vinegar
1/2 red onion (or a sweeter variety)
1 clove garlic

Lightly grill one loaf of bread (sliced very thin) We are using TJ's whole grain loaf tonight

Scoop tomatoes and juice onto bread and serve.