Quinoa Salmon Cakes

To contact us Click HERE

A healthy fish cake that is naturally gluten-free

I love burgers. Who doesn't, right? Burgers are awesome. Simple, flavorful and fairly easy to add your own healthy twist to, they tend to be a go-to favorite in our house.

When most people think of burgers, they think of juicy, tender, meaty burgers, oozing with what seems like blood. Appetizing, isn't it? Yeah, I don't think so either.

Since doing my cleanse four months ago, I have stopped eating red meat completely. I thought it was going to be hard, but you know what? I'm really enjoying it. Those steaks, lamb chops, and sausages that I used to enjoy, now make my stomach turn. Just the thought of going back to eating red meat makes me cringe.

And so, I've found alternatives. Delicious and healthy alternatives.

See the Full Recipe »

Springtime Green Apple Juice

To contact us Click HERE

Happy Easter!

Spring is just around the corner, meaning that swimsuit season is close on its heals. I know, scary thought isn't it? But don't worry, there's plenty of time to get that smokin' hot bod that you've always dreamed of. We just have to work at it, don't we?

Whenever this time comes around, many of us make new resolutions. Whether it's renewing the ones you made back in January or making new ones that you're determined to stick to until the weather gets cold again, many of us promise ourselves a new way of life.

For me, it's not about new beginnings or even a drastic change in my normal behavior. I know the two most important things for getting that body you want. They're the two things we hear about on a daily basis.

Diet and exercise.

Yes, you read that right. But you already knew that didn't you?

See the Full Recipe »

We're moving!!

To contact us Click HERE

I have big news: the Queen of Quinoa is moving!

Make sure all your links are updated - we're going to be living at queenofquinoa.me!

I'm sorry if it seems like I've been a bit MIA lately, but I've been busy getting my new site up and running. I'm super excited about this move and can't wait to see you all over there! Please bear with me as we work out the kinks and I would love to hear what you think.

In case you missed them, here are my latest posts:


Detox Salad {gluten-free & vegan}



Balsamic Strawberry & Rhubarb Crisp


Mango Cardamom Juice

Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese

To contact us Click HERE

Happy New Year everyone! Nothing like ringing in the new year with a new and exciting twist on mac and cheese. I love the flavors of the Mediterranean and this simple macaroni dish combines so many of them deliciously together. This is not your ordinary sharp cheddar macaroni and cheese. This is loaded with feta cheese, fire roasted tomatoes, red onions, olives, zesty herbs and of course it must have garlic and olive oil. It was hard for me to stop eating this once I started. This creamy Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese is a fabulous addition to add to your dinner rotation. With it’s simplicity, unique spin and incredible flavor this dish is definitely set to impress. Enjoy!

Print Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Size: 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted, diced tomatoes, drained well
• 1/3 cup chopped black or kalamata olives
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
• 2 Tbsp butter, plus more for baking dish
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

• Directions:
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch deep dish pie dish, set aside. In a small mixing bowl, combine drained diced tomatoes, chopped olives, 1 Tbsp fresh basil and dried oregano, set aside. Boil pasta to al dente according to directions listed on package. Drain pasta well and return to pot. Meanwhile, melt butter along with olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and saute until soft and lightly golden, about 3 - 4 minutes, adding in garlic during the last minute of sauteing. Whisk in flour, and cook stirring constantly for 1 minute. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in milk and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring constantly. Once mixture reaches a boil reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 2 oz feta cheese and mozzarella cheese then season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour tomato mixture over well drained pasta in pot and toss, then pour sauce over pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat. Pour coated pasta mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 4 oz crumbled feta cheese. Bake in preheated oven 20 - 25 minutes until edges are bubbling and top is golden brown. Serve warm garnished with fresh basil ribbons if desired.
• Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Martha Stewart

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin2.2http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/01/mediterranean-macaroni-and-cheese/

Nanaimo Bars

To contact us Click HERE

With this being my very first experience, both making and eating Nanaimo Bars, I’m here to tell you not only are they so simple to make but they taste unbelievably delicious! Some of you are likely asking; what are Nanaimo Bars? They are a popular Canadian confection, basically a bar cookie,  that to me tastes very similar to a richly chocolaty, loaded fudge. They are named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. They consist of 3 layers, a cracker crumb and chocolate base, a custard flavored icing and then they’re finished with a chocolate coating. I love how there is so much going on in these layered bars, but it all so perfectly blends together. One candy bar came to mind when I first tasted these bars, Almond Joy bars. I’m sure it is due to the chocolate, coconut and nut combo.

The instructions may appear to be long and tedious but these tasty treats are surprisingly super simple to make. They are a no bake bar after all. The hardest part for you will be the wait while they are chilling =). I’m glad I finally got around to making these delicious dessert bars. Now that I’ve tasted them I can’t understand why I waited this long. I guess I just didn’t understand there was so much more than just the stunning look of these famous bars. Their intricate taste is equal to their gorgeous, layered, multicolored look. Enjoy!

Print Nanaimo Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Yield: 16 Servings

Ingredients

Bottom Layer:
• 1/2 cup salted butter, diced into pieces
• 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds (I used pecan cookie pieces)
Filling
• 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp custard powder or vanilla/white chocolate instant pudding mix
• 2 cups powdered sugar
Top Layer
• 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 Tbsp salted butter

Directions

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, add in brown sugar and cocoa powder and whisk until well combine. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in beaten egg. Return mixture to heat and cook for 1 - 2 minutes until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Add in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and pecans and toss until evenly coated. Press mixture into a buttered 8 by 8-inch or 9 by 9-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap, place in freezer for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 40 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, using and electric hand mixer set on medium speed, whip together butter, heavy cream and custard powder until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Stir in powdered sugar and blend until mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute (mixture may seem dry at first but should start to come together). Spread mixture into an even layer over chilled graham cracker base. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Melt semi-sweet chocolate along with butter in a heat proof bowl, set over a pot of simmering water. Spread mixture into an even layer over filling layer, cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes until chocolate has set. Cut into squares, store in an airtight container.
• Recipe Source: adapted lightly from Joy of Baking

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin2.2http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/01/nanaimo-bars/

{WINNER} Shappy Apple's Key to My Heart Necklace

To contact us Click HERE
First, thanks to everyone for entering this contest.  Now, for the winner! With the help of Random.org the winner is....drum roll please.... Commenter #2, Brandee  Yay--I'm so excited for you.  Shabby Apple is so generous for this giveaway.  Please remember you still have until March 2nd to receive the 10% discounted rate, using code "embellish10off" at checkout.  Enjoy your necklace Brandee.

St. Patty's Day Straw Flags Done 3 Ways!

To contact us Click HERE
Holidays (small or large) get more exciting each year as the kids get older.  I'm excited to pull out all of the leprechaun pranks and green foods.  I know I've already shown you these St. Patty's Day printables, but I thought it might be helpful if I show them in use multiple ways.The straw flags/tags could be used as just that, straw flags......or as a shirt tag exclaiming "kiss me"......or as a little banner hung next to the leprechaun's treats left in the kiddo's shoes.  Can't wait to stuff their shoes with fun green treats (ideas-- mike & ikes, sprite, limeade drink, green spearmint gum, green canister of pringles...etc. you get the jist of it).This was a quick shamrock banner made by those sparkly foam cut outs that can be found at any craft store.  I got mine at Michaels 50% off and three packages cost me all of $3.  Love deals like that! As I was hanging banners and taking pictures, this little fella snuggled in on the couch to watch me.  Too bad his name isn't "Lucky", that would be so fitting for this post.  Thus, his name is "Gus" and we love him whether he's an Irish dog or not.