TEENY MCMUNN: MY RECIPE BOX

I found this recipe in the Costco Connection and since I had most all of the ingredients, I made it for dinner. However, since I goofed a bit, I'm not sure how it's really supposed to taste.

I'm guilty of glancing at a recipe, then assuming I know what was in there. I saw one cup of quinoa and thought it said two cups of water. I didn't have exactly one cup, so added a mixture I have of quinoa and sprouted rice. I got it boiling for some 10 minutes, THEN read the recipe. It said only 1 1/3 c. water. I peeked at the pan and it had too much water, so I grabbed another handful of the rice/quinoa mixture, hoping it would absorb more mixture. It did. Now the dilemma was having some cooked just right and some not quite cooked enough. I added more celery so Joe wouldn't know if he was chewing celery, or undercooked rice. Problem solved.

INGREDIENTS: DRESSING:

1 c. quinoa ½ c. extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/3 c. water ¼ c. white wine vinegar

1 1/3 c. diced grilled chicken 1 tsp sugar

½ c. dried cherries ½ tsp salt or to taste

½ c. celery 1 garlic clove, minced

¼ c. red onion Fresh ground pepper to taste

½ c. walnuts, toasted and chopped

Chopped fresh thyme (opt)

DIRECTIONS:

Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer, drain well. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan, reduce heat and simmer covered for 12 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes then fluff with a fork and let cool.

Place the cooled quinoa in a large bowl with the chicken, cherries, celery, and onion.

Prepare the dressing. Whisk together all the ingredients and pour over the salad, toss well to coat. Cover and chill for at least one hour.

Add walnuts and thyme to the salad before service. Makes 6 servings.

Tip: Replace the dried cherries with the fresh pitted, halved cherries when they are in season.

MY NOTES:

I used pecans because I couldn't find my walnuts. I used a bit more celery and used dried cranraisens but I think the dried cherries might have been better, tho I don't know what else I would use them for.

The dressing is very simple but works great with this salad.

As with most salads, it can be flexible. We found it very filling and it's a keeper. ENJOY!