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Posted by Stephanie Meyer on Oct 18, 2006 at 2:13pm

Check out this antioxidant-packed lunch. I felt so virtuous eating it – not to mention, it was delicious! Quinoa (red) with sauteed swiss chard. Mmm… I’ve been experimenting with different whole grains, especially those that are high in protein and with a big antioxidant punch to boot. For breakfast I had rolled rye – very similar to rolled oats, quick to cook, I just ate it with a drizzle of honey. And for lunch, this red quinoa.

From World’s Healthiest Foods:

A recently rediscovered ancient “grain” native to Central America, quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas,” who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa’s amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorous, this “grain” may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

It’s so easy to prepare (similar to rice) and of course, yummy – or why bother, right? I left some plain to eat with honey for breakfast tomorrow, and stirred chopped scallion, radish, red onion, carrot, and garlic into the other half for my lunch today.

And of course swiss-chard, always delicious and nutritious. Trim away the large middle stem/rib, chop the greens, and “saute” in a small amount of water until tender. Right before it’s done I stir in minced onion and garlic, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and salt, and a small drizzle each of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Perf.

How gorgeous are these flowers? I love receiving flowers – definitely a sensual pleasure. Plus, just damn fun! These arrived today, via Roger Beck florist, from my in-laws, Dot and John. Occasion? Our four-year anniversary tomorrow. We’re celebrating tonight with the kids, a sure-to-be lovely dinner at D’Amico Cucina, where we all celebrated our first anniversary, making it sort of “our spot.” We think of it as our family’s anniversary, because our marriage brought together not just John and me, but Nathan and A as well.

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Older Comments

  1. By Suz on October 20, 2006 at 4:46PM

    why does quinoa remind me of feee-quaaaa??!!! mmmm, nothing like a little fee-qua salad. Ha!

  2. By Stephanie on October 19, 2006 at 4:39PM

    Whoa, Lisa, that's great, being married for 24 years is a true accomplishment. I'm 20 years behind you! TWENTY YEARS! We're not supposed to be old enough to have done something for 20-some years, hmmm...

    Congratulations to you and Tom!

  3. By Lisa Lorenz on October 18, 2006 at 10:01PM

    Happy 4th Anniversary! Tom and I celebrated our 26th anniversary today...we consider it quite a feat! Here's to many, many years of wedded bliss to you...

  4. By Stephanie on October 18, 2006 at 8:57PM

    And Suz - yes! Of course, ha. I bought the red quinoa in the bulk bins, they had the lighter version as well. And they sell it in boxes in the rice section. So yummy!

  5. By Stephanie on October 18, 2006 at 8:56PM

    Thank you so much Donna! The quinoa bar sounds amazing, I'd love to have the recipe. I read one for an amaranth cake this week in a magazine that sounds ingredible too. I plan to make it someday so it should end up here. Our dinner at D'Amico was incredible, thank you. I'll map it out tomorrow. We just got home, so fun. The kids had a blast. Thanks for checking in!

  6. By Suz on October 18, 2006 at 5:28PM

    Yum, that quinoa sounds excellent. I love chewy grains! Can you get these at good ol' Byerlys?

    Happy Anniversary Indeed!!!! XO

  7. By Donna on October 18, 2006 at 5:12PM

    Hi Stephanie, Happy Anniversary to you !! (and the family) !!! :)

    I adore quinoa!

    My husband created a recipe for a quinoa bar which is sort of like a banana cake.

    It has quinoa, flax seed, almonds, seaweed and a few other ingredients that make it wonderful and yummy and also soooo good for you! We add banana and carob chips. It's wonderful.

    I'll have my husband write it down, scan it and then I'll send it to you. I think you'd enjoy it.

    D'Amico Cucina is one of my favs....Have a great time! If you have time report back on the goodies....