Leap Day Goodies!

Happy Leap Day, Gnawers!  I knew there was something special about this year when it started.  It just felt different...like it was going to be better.  And, it has been!  I am now two months into this journey and I have made more changes than I ever expected.  Vegan?  Really?  I would have laughed in your face if you suggested that to me in December.  But, here I am!  Vegan and loving it!  I have now lost a total of 18 pounds, and it is the easiest 18 pounds I have ever lost.  Certainly not the fastest, but the easiest!  I don't count calories or fat.  I don't measure out my portions.  I don't make sure to eat at a certain time.  I haven't eliminated things that taste good.  I am just eating good food and what feels right and my body seems to be getting on board with the changes.  I am really looking forward to seeing my doctor next week and getting results from my blood work to see if anything has changed.  I will keep you posted!  Whatever happens, I know that this is right.  Even though there are hard days, it is 100% worth it.

Tonight, I made a recipe that I adapted from the For The Love of Food website.  This recipe is for Asian Pan-Fried Pineapple Quinoa.   I wasn't really sure how it would turn out.  I am totally digging quinoa lately, so I figured that it was worth a shot.  I do not typically like fruit mixed in with my food, so I must admit that I was a little concerned.  Still, I loved the sound of the recipe and list of ingredients.  It looked like something sinful I might order from a Thai restaurant.  I do love all things sinful.  So, I went for it.  Holy moly, people!  This meal was out of the park AWESOME.  It was bursting with so many delectable flavors that lit up my tastebuds and left me feeling very satisfied.  My mom stopped by for a little bit and made a face at the recipe as she watched me chopping away.  After her first bite, she said, "I think this may be the best thing you have made yet."  That is saying something coming from my non-veggie mama.  This is something I know I will start to crave.  Oh man, so yummy.  

Asian Pan-Fried Pineapple Quinoa 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large bunch green onions (about 8), chopped
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, pressed through garlic press or finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like it!)
• 1 cup peas (I used organic frozen peas)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 3 tablespoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped

Preparation Instructions:

1.  Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan.  Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes (or until water is absorbed).  After 20 minutes, remove saucepan from heat and keep covered.  Allow to sit for 10 more minutes.  Then, remove lid and fluff with a fork.  You can also make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge.  

2.  Heat coconut oil over medium heat in a  large heavy bottomed skilled or wok.

3.  Add yellow onions, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes to pan and sauté until fragrant (about three minutes).

4.  Add the peas, bell pepper, and pineapple and turn heat up to high.  Stir frequently and cook for about three minutes or until the pineapple starts to caramelize.

5.  Add in cooked quinoa, liquid aminos, cilantro, and green onions.  Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.

6.  Serve and enjoy!!!

Well, Gnawers, I think that is all from me for the night.  I made my weekly Whole Foods trip today, so you can look forward to lots of delicious recipes coming your way in the next week!  As Leap Day comes to a close, I hope you will keep in mind how you want to make this year different ... special.  No more excuses for you or for me ... now is the time to be the people we aspire to be!  Until next time, dear Gnawers ... take good care of you!!!