Adventures in Quinoa

Not having a job and being by myself for 80% of my day has resulted in me becoming incredibly domestic. This is a thing I do when I have nothing else to do. These phases have fondly become known as my "June streaks", because, frankly, my secret life goal is to be June Cleaver. But I am easily distracted. So it comes and goes.

Lately, however, I have been all up in that housewife life. Hanging art, organizing closets, doing laundry, watering the plants (just kidding my roommate does that) and, oh yes, feeding myself. Which some of my friends find absolutely laughable, because I tend to do things like make the home made whipped cream, and accidentally add orange flavor instead of vanilla (whatever it tasted like a dreamcicle. Cry me a river). But, the thing is, when you are in charge of not starving, you make it happen.

My adorable, hip mother has been on the world's biggest health kick, which has led to family discussions on purchasing a cow ("Where will it go?" I said. "In the deep freeze!" said the parents. "We don't own a deep freeze, parents.") and eschewing all things processed. Basically, I am terrified of eating anything that is not straight from the ground because, according to mom, it will probably kill me. So when I left the nest and started buying my own groceries again, I felt the challenge to continue in the healthy ways of my inspirational mother. (Also my jean shorts were magically way bigger on me than they had been last summer, and no WAY am I letting that go). Hence: Adventures in quinoa.

My first adventure in quinoa was an incredibly successful situation involving a frozen chicken tender sautéed with olive oil, lime juice, and chopped mini bell peppers (which, incidentally, make a great chip substitute according to my slim and trim father). Salt it to taste, then toss it with the quinoa for a lovely, quickie lunch. Even more quickie if the quinoa and chicken are already prepared and hanging out in the fridge.

Adventure number two was even more successful. And straight up GENIUS, if I do say so myself. Like, Pinterest genius. Really. Since dairy and bread are making me fat and prone to break outs (according to the Paleo whiz), I've been trying to find breakfast substitutes for my classic toast or cereal habit. This morning I looked in my fridge and saw fruit, vegetables (yay me I'm doing so good!!) and quinoa. "Okay. How can quinoa be a breakfast food?" Here's how:
Heat up the quinoa in a frying pan with some cinnamon and brown sugar. Pop it in a bowl, sprinkle more brown sugar on top (so it's all melty and excellent) then throw a handful of blueberries in there.
NOM NOM NOM. I even had it with a cup of iced coffee (Roasterie Bali Reserve, duh) splashed with almond milk.

 Quick, give me a show on The Food Network.