The Gift of Quinoa

On our 2008 journey to Peru, I discovered the beauty of Quinoa(keen-oh-wah).  It changed my life forever and we fell in love. Why had I never tasted this little piece of heaven before?!!! As I left the country, I became sad because I felt like I would never see this "grain" again.  It's actually a seed.  I purchased mad amounts of quinoa and filled my backback until it was completely packed.  I suppose I looked like a cocaine smuggler filling my luggage with ziploc bags full of this tiny white seed.  I'm so glad I did as it lasted me quite awhile at home before I ran out.

I discovered that quinoa was sold in several places that serve the healthy organic shoppers.

When I ran out, I started going through withdrawals because I had replaced my pasta with it. If you'd like to know more about quinoa, click here for some great information on recipes, etc.  It's got a great flavor and most of the people I spoke with absolutely love this wonderful export from Peru. For veggie people, this is a great "grain" for protein!  And that's pretty cool.  Flash forward to 2011 and I still eat quinoa.  In fact, it's one of my favorite things to use in my soups.  It's addicting and sometimes I don't how to stop myself from overloading my dishes with it.  Most of you probably have tried it, but if you haven't, you need to try this out!!  Yesterday, I spoke about ethnic dishes from around the world here in Tucson.  Today, it's about a seed that could rock your world.  Tomorrow it's on your kitchen and gardens:)

Today we are married and I still love my Quinoa ever since that first day I met her on Lake Titicaca.  Sorry Pat.  This grain has been around for 6,000 years and people are only now just finding out about the amazing benefits of quinoa. Quinoa is something you should try.  It'll change your life.