Ah summer. When I was a kid summer was THE BEST. School was out, the weather was great, there were more things to do and everyone had plenty of time. I grew up in Michigan, and summer was definitely my favorite time of year. I remember swimming and bonfires and camping and FOOD. It was magical. We even ate differently in the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, whereas they really weren't even available throughout the rest of the year.

As I grew older I somehow lost that summer magic. I moved to southern California with my husband and 3 kids, and summer became just another season, so much like the other seasons. I did my best to create the magic while my kids were young, but by the time they were grown it was gone.

Last year I caught myself dreading summer, and actually heard myself saying the words, "I hate summer." I realized it was time for an intervention. I made a "Summer To Do List" and forced myself to get out there and have fun. I went to the beach, enjoyed Shakespeare in the park, picnicked, swam, watched movies under the stars and ate homemade lavender ice cream AND recruited lots of friends and family to do it all with me. Summer was back! It was such a valuable lesson, as I learned that I have to continue to create my life, my fun.

So as June 21st approaches I've started my new Summer To Do List. I really don't need it anymore, but I'll keep it there as a reminder to create, to enjoy, to have fun.

This blog is part of that. Those of you who know me know that I love good food, and I love to share it with people I love. In an effort to try new things and eat healthily, I've challenged myself to make and share 60 Salads of Summer. My daughter Danica, who is a very creative cook, is helping me. And we're looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor. I can't promise they'll all be healthy, but I can promise they'll all be delicious. Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

20. Tabouli with Quinoa





















Tabouli is one of those salads that I make when I’m throwing together a Greek or Middle Eastern feast.  Not that it isn’t capable of standing on its own, but in my book it always plays a very successful supporting role, often next door to a bowl of hummus and some flatbread.  

Traditionally it’s made with bulghar, which is essentially wheat.  I decided to make it with quinoa, which is a seed, and safe for those eating a gluten free diet.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked white quinoa
2 cups water
2 bunches flat leaf Italian parsley, stems removed and chopped
6 campari or pearl tomatoes (small and sweet).  If you can’t find them, use plum tomatoes
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper


Combine quinoa and water in a medium pot, and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cover; cook for 10-15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.  Take off the heat and set aside to cool.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the cooled quinoa.  Toss to combine.  Taste for seasoning.  Refrigerate in a covered container until ready to serve.

Makes 4 cups


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