It's Gettin' Hot in Here...

Oh my goodness, it is getting mighty hot in Texas! Between the heat and the humidity, I am beginning to hate going outside between the hours of noon and five! We have been staving off the weather by trying to eat as many "cool" foods as possible. Nothing sounds worse on a hot summer's day than a warm, hearty meal. I have become a whiz with the salads, and so far Seth isn't complaining. Here are a couple that we have found satisfying lately... Stay cool Austin!

Confetti Salad (aka black bean and corn salad)

1 c cooked corn kernels
1 green pepper, diced
1 c cooked black beans
1 Texas sweet onion
2 lg tomatoes, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 avocado, diced
salt and pepper to taste
red chili flakes (optional)

Easy Peasy... mix up all ingredients and enjoy! Fold inside a tortilla or a piece of lettuce, throw on top of grilled salmon or chicken.


Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

2 c quinoa (mix red and white together - its pretty!)
4 c water
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tbsp salt
1 c dried cranberries or cherries
1 c slivered almonds
1 head lettuce (romaine, butter, or even fresh rainbow chard)

Mix first 5 ingredients, bring to boil, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. Place in fridge to cool - about 2 hours. Mix in cranberries and almonds. Pile concoction into lettuce leaves and eat like a taco.