My Quinoa in People Mag!

Apparently, 2013 has been named the “International Year of Quinoa”! For this reason, People Magazine reached out to me looking for a quinoa recipe, and they chose one of my favorites- my Fall Quinoa Salad with red bell peppers, butternut squash and dried figs. It’s featured in the November 11th issue of People which is on stands now (a collector’s issue with the Royals on the cover!). This recipe can be served warm or at room temperature and would be a great Thanksgiving side (especially for all your gluten free guests!). 

And if you’re really into quinoa, here are a couple other ideas:

Quinoa Edamame Salad   &   Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Stuffed Sweet Peppers with Avocado and Pesto

These avocado/pesto stuffed peppers are a great appetizer for entertaining (or to bring to a holiday party, you could just use red peppers with the green filling!) You can often find these mini sweet peppers in bags at the super market. To make the filling a little richer, you can also add 2T cream cheese. Try to get the avocado mixture as creamy as possible with a fork, and I have found that the heavier freezer type ziplocks work the best for piping. Enjoy, and happy weekend!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Quinoa with Squash, Peppers & Figs

Quinoa with butternut squash, red bell peppers and figs! A simple, colorful, autumn dish. Serve warm or at room temperature. (A great side for Thanksgiving!)

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Rosemary Mushroom Skewers

Rosemary Mushroom Kebabs are great on the BBQ or you can roast them in the oven. Using rosemary sprigs (instead of wooden or metal skewers) will herb-infuse your vegetables as they cook. I stacked mushrooms, marinated tofu and bell peppers on mine- but you can literally put anything on them, even meat. If you can find a rosemary bush, it’s preferable to pick the sprigs yourself, as the stems will be heartier than the store bought kind, and easier to poke through veggies. Cut veggies big, so they won’t fall apart as you “string” them.  Remember certain items cook faster than others, so separate them onto different kebabs if necessary. Serve your results on top of rice, or alone with a (yogurt? tahini?) dipping sauce.

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Memorial Day BBQ Potluck Menu

To kick off summer, yesterday we had some friends over for a Memorial Day BBQ. People brought the most wonderful things to share like tzatziki potato salad (yogurt instead of mayo, brilliant) and a raw kale salad with shaved parmesan and tofu. My husband fired up the grill . I had some fennel from our CSA box to use up so I combined cauliflower, fennel and onions with lots of spices and olive oil and roasted them until they were carmelized. I also made up a light arugula salad with shaved raw fennel and oranges. Welcome, summer!

Photos and Illustrations by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast