Lemon-scented Quinoa Salad Recipe

1 c. quinoa

2 c. water

1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

1 can garbanzo beans, or dried equivalent (any beans)

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

can also put in celery, red pepper - basically anything that's in your fridge.

Tahini Dressing:

1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped

1/4 cup tahini

Zest of one lemon

scant 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons hot water

scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Rinse quinoa in a fine meshed strainer. In a medium saucepan heat the quinoa and water until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa fluffs up, about 15 minutes. quinoa is done when you can see the curlique in each grain, and it is tender with a bit of pop to each bite. Drain any extra water and set aside.

While the quinoa is cooking make the dressing. Whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon zest and juice and olive oil. Add hot water to thin a bit and then the salt.

Toss the cooked quinoa, beans, cilantro, red onion, and half the dressing. Ad more dressing if you like and season with salt to taste. Serve garnished with a bit of cilantro.

serves 4

Melanie Berger

Caribbean Shrimp Spread

Quick & Easy 20 minutes 18 Servings

- 1/2 teaspoon Caribbean jerk seasoning (dry)
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped cream cheese spread
- 1/4 teaspoon grated lime peel
- 1/2 lb cooked de veined peeled shrimp, tails removed, chopped
- 4 medium green onions, chopped (1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
- Assorted crackers or cut up vegetables, as desired

1) Stir seasoning into cream cheese container. Spread mixture on large serving plate or dinner plate
2) Top with lime peel, shrimp, onions, bell pepper and cheese
3) Serve immediately with crackers or vegetables, or cover and refrigerate until serving time

Tip: Chill the plate ahead of time to keep the ingredients cold for a longer period of time

Top with some chopped fresh mango for more of a Caribbean twist

Calories................50
Total Fat..............4g
Saturated Fat........2.5g
Trans Fat..............0g
Cholesterol............35mg
Sodium.................125mg
Carbohydrates........0g
Dietary Fiber..........0g
Sugar...................0g
Protein.................3g

Christine Boulter

Total time: 10mins 6-1 cup servings

1            pouch Crystal Light Lemon Lime               Low Calorie Drink Mix
2 1/2     cups water
1/2        cup Rum
6           mint sprigs
3           cups club soda
6           lime slices  

Empty contents of drink mix pouch into a large plastic or glass pitcher. Add water and Rum;stir until drink mix is completely dissolved.

Add mint. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Stir in club soda. Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses. Add a lime to each glass.

Shawna Coke

Serves 6-8

4 cups cubed watermelon

2 cups halved or quartered small yellow tomatoes

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Salt & freshly ground Pepper

Combine watermelon, tomatoes and feta in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine. Chill for up to 4 hours.

Just before serving, transfer to a serving bowl, draining off excess juice. Sprinkle with basil and vinegar and season with salt & pepper to taste.

Toss gently to combine.

Shawna Coke

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