Spice

Dinner tonight was delicious. Made some spicy red pepper, mexi soup, and cold cilantro quinoa. I love quinoa a little more every time I eat it. Really filling dinner, and super low in calories and fat thanks to the black beans and quinoa. Also, crazy cheap, thanks to my love of Big Lots.

I have always loved Big Lots, but before it was mostly for cheap junk. But, recently, they have opened some new Big Lots locations in our area, and, they have a great grocery section! Nothing fresh or cold/frozen, but, they have a great selection or organic canned goods, soups, spices, pasta,cereal and rice. They even carry our high end, all natural dog food that I was paying $35 a bag for at whole foods, for $15!!! If you are looking for some cheap organic, vegetarian, or vegan perishables, I'd highly suggest it!

Time to go watch the Flyers and get ready for the week. Recipes are below. Hearts!

Refreshing Cilantro Quinoa

1.5 cups quinoa

2 diced tomatoes ( small ones, like plum or roma)

1/2 cup fresh diced cilantro (or 4 tablesppons dried)

1/2 peeled and diced cucumber

3 cloves diced garlic

1/2 diced yellow onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Cook quinoa according to instructions. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Add other ingredients and fluff with fork. Serve chilled.

Spicyyyyy Roasted Red Pepper soup.

1 32oz carton roasted red pepper soup( I used wegmans, but, trader joes, or another kind would work)

1 can diced tomatoes(with juice), with green chilies( muri-glen brand)

1 can black beans

1/2 cup frozen corn

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Few grinds of fresh black pepper, pinch of sea salt

( I also add a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce, but, test it first, cause the chilies give it quite a spice already)

Just mix all ingredients, cook for about 10-15 mins on medium, garnish with crushed tortillas, and regular or vegan cheddar shreds. Grab a glass of water, and enjoy!