Quin-what? Quinoa!

Who says fried rice has to have rice in it? Well, okay, it does, but in this recipe instead of using rice I experimented with quinoa, and saying “fried quinoa with chicken” sounds like a completely different dish, so I embellished a bit.

If you cook the quinoa right, so it doesn’t have the bitter taste that quinoa can get, this “fried rice” tastes pretty much like the rice version. In fact, I kinda like the quinoa version better than using brown rice over white rice. Also with quinoa you get added protein. I have a new fave dish in my repertoire.

Quinoa Chicken "Fried Rice"

In this recipe, I also used fresh peas because I had them in my fridge. I’m all for using the fresh veggies because it just tastes better and I like the slight crunchiness too.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• ½ lb chicken cut into cubes (to make veg friendly, replace the chicken with “chicken” tofu or cooked tofu)
• 1/3 cup pre-cooked fresh peas
• 1/3 cup cut diced carrots
• 2 eggs
• 2-3 tbsp green onions diced (use as much as you prefer)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (I like the low sodium kind)
• Olive oil or canola oil for cooking
• Salt & pepper to taste

• Cook the quinoa frist and let it stand and cool down. It’s important to let the quinao sit in its water for at least ½ an hour before you start cooking it so you get no bitter taste.

• In a saucepan big enough to hold all the quinoa fried rice, heat some oil and then stir fry the chicken until it’s mostly cooked. Add salt & pepper to taste.

• Add in the carrots, and sautee about a minute with the chicken to start softening the carrots up a bit.

• Add in the peas and sautee with the chicken and carrots for about a minute.

• Scramble the eggs in a cup and then pour in with the chicken, carrots and peas. It is important to cook the scramble eggs before adding in the quinoa. If you pour the raw egg onto the quinoa, the quinoa will get soggy.

• When the eggs are scrambled, pour in the quinoa and the green onions along with the soy sauce. Mix all ingredients together well. Let cook in pan, stirring continually for about 1-2 minutes.

Serves 2-3.

Original recipe via Noshtopia.

A True Original

A few years back I discovered the absolutely wonderful journal of Dorothy Rodgers called "The House in My Head". It is a heartwarming account of her quest to build the perfect dream house in the country for herself, her family and her friends. This little gem of a book, published in 1967, is filled with practical advice, thoughtful anecdotes of her experiences, tips on entertaining, great dinner party menus and the art of household management. It is personal, sophisticated and reflective of a woman of great charm and impeccable style. Mrs. Rodgers, the wife of famous composer Richard Rodgers, was a genius at blending contemporary and traditional elements. Her taste in furnishings is classic. Her home design is a model of well planned space and many of her tips are invaluable. Some of Mrs. Rodgers' ideas are a bit outdated (especially the ones that involve being a doting wife) but don't let that put you off. Generally speaking, this book is timeless and you will find yourself referencing it constantly! One of my favorite elements of the book are the numerous charming drawings of the famed illustrator, Jeremiah Goodman. So, if you are a fan of Martha Stewart and her ability to create perfection (and deep down, aren't we all?) then you will adore the work of Dorothy Rodgers... She's a true original!

Dorothy Rodgers

"The House in My Head" is available here.

Illustration by Jeremiah Goodman. Via Bibliostyle.

"Rockmeadow" Fairfield, Connecticut. Via Bibliostyle.

I'm a Gleek!

Unless you've been living under a rock, you would know that ever since Fox aired the pilot episode of Glee back in May of this 2009, the show has amassed a cult-like following. I don't know if it's all the singing and dancing or the charm of the characters or all of the high school drama. All I know is that everyone (myself included!) is crazy about Glee. Although the show is known for it's music and dancing, I can't help but notice that some of the characters have a great sense of style. In particular, Emma Pillsbury, who is played by Jamya Mays. You know those people who you meet who just look good all the time no matter what? Emma is one of those people. She always looks completely put together, which works so perfectly with her character's neatnik, germaphobic personality. She's a master of the J.Crew-meets-vintage mash-up, slightly prim but always cheeky, colorful and bit quirky. She is giving me serious wardrobe envy. I'm so looking forward to seeing more of her outfits along with the rest of the casts as the show progresses.

I can't wait to see what Glee has in store for us after this almost unbearable hiatus! If you need to catch yourself up or if you just need a Glee fix go to hulu to watch episodes and clips. April 13th! Set your DVR's!

Weekend Goodies

This may be stating the obvious, but I really like stars. And aren't these the cutest little star cookies you ever saw? Ok.... truth be told, I am not very skilled in the kitchen. My last attempt at baking ended with me franitcally swiping at the smoke detector with a broom in a desperate attempt to stop the awful noise. So I'm thinking to myself, "Here's a simple recipe for some super cute and very yummy looking sugar cookies... I can pull this off ." But, for safety reasons, I think I'll give this a whirl with my niece. She's 9 years old... hopefully she can give me some pointers! (Or at least, hold the fire extinguisher!)

Photo from Annie's Eats

Sugar Cookies from Annie's Eats

1 cup butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 ½ t. almond extract

1 t. vanilla

1 t. salt

2 ½ c. sifted flour

Cream butter. Add powdered sugar. Blend in egg, almond extract, vanilla, salt and flour. Chill dough until firm. Roll to ¼" thickness on well-floured surface. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 min. Cookies should not brown. Frost and decorate when cool. Yields ~40 cookies

Beer Budget

Remember that saying, champagne taste on a beer budget? Well, I'm pretty sure that who ever coined that phrase was talking about me. Being on my own, I have learned two things. 1. I can have whatever I want and I don't have to answer to anybody. 2. I can't afford the things I want. Fortunately, I've come to realize that I can still have the things I want.... just maybe a more affordable version of those things. So, here is a post about the things that I love and the things that I actually ended up with.

I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to hang on to a pair of sunglasses. I probably go through 3 or 4 pairs every summer. I know, it's ridiculous! I love these Oliver Peoples "Deacon" frames with green lenses. Very vintagy and very expensive. $350.00.

I found these tortoise shell sunglasses by Eye Candy at Solis for $19.00. Not bad!

It's no secret that I love all things Lilly Pulitzer. The full bath in my new condo really needs brightening up. So, now that I can have as much pink and as many flowers as I want... this was the shower curtain for me! I just couldn't part with that much cash. $98.00 at Garnet Hill.

I ended up purchasing this colorful show-stopper from The Company Store. $29.00.

This Marc Jacobs leather wristlet clutch in "Wave" is one of my Spring must-haves. But not for $212.00.

I found this adorable Coach patent leather turnlock wristlet on ebay for only... wait for it... $39.00!!! And free shipping, too! SCORE!

I've had my eye on these Elizabeth and James "Randi" flats from Piperlime all winter. I love that little extra punch of color that these provide. Unfortunately, they are $235.00. Not gonna happen!

These cuties from Target are a great substitute for only $12.99. Awesome!

What do you think? Outstanding deals... right? This bargain hunting thing is a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be! Whoo hoo!!

Thanks, Jenna!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank Jenna, over at q.a. design. She designed my banner, button and font, then she set up my blog. She is super talented, very patient and accommodating. (Not to mention that her pricing is phenomenal!) If you have decided to spruce up your blog... she is your girl! You should also check out her etsy shop, here. Her "I Love Utah" and "I Love Arizona" prints are to die for!

Jump in, the water's fine!

You could jump out of an airplane or take a chance on love. You could drop out of college, quit your job or act on a dream. You could take the plunge or you could speak the truth to power. Or you could take the most perilous of risks... by never taking a chance at all. So, here I am. Jumping in to the world of blogging. I have no idea where this is going, but so far, the water's fine!

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