Buckwheat Pilaf

Its so much fun to explore with differant grains.  It makes cooking and serving more interesting. Buckwheat, for one,  is  hardy; nutritious;  and part of the rhubarb family.  It’s not actually a grain but a fruit that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Because of it’s nutrition, it is used as a grain.  It’s a good substitute for anyone who is sensitive to wheat too. It is easy to cook and normally quite cheap to buy. This recipe is so good you’ll make it again and again. We’ve never had leftovers, its so yummy.

30 ml (2 TBSP) canola oil

50 ml (1/4 cup) diced onion

1 clove garlic, crushed

250 ml (1 cup)  mushrooms chopped

250 ml (1 cup) whole buckwheat

284 (1 can) vegetable broth (or homemade)

300 ml (1 1/4 cup) water

2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt

1 ml ( 1/4 tsp) ground black pepper

50 ml (1/4 ) cup minced parsley (optional)

Heat oil in fying pan over medium low heat and saute onion, garlic and mushroom until onion is golden. Add buckwheat and cook, stirring for 3 – 5 minutes and buckwheat is lightly toasted. Add broth, water, and seasonings. Cover, reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Garnish with parsley.  Yield 4-6.

                       (Sauteed onions, garlic and mushrooms with Buckwheat toasting)

                                     (add the broth, water and seasonings)

                                            (Put in a colorful dish and ready to serve)

By the way, this is the first time I used a cast iron fry pan.

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A Rewarding Mess

“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.” —Nancie J. Carmody

This quote sums up one the joys of entertaining. The day after we’ve had friends over, we sit around in the mess for awhile, remembering the fabulous event. We sure like to create a place for our friends to get caught up with each other.  The mess is a bit of a reward really.  If you’re not having friends over, I sure hope you do.  It doesn’t need to be complicated.  Its about the people not the food.

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A Successful Marriage

Last week my husband and I were downtown for  a morning appointment. I’ve been working from my home for 10 years now, so I don’t go downtown very often. I was so interested in watching the people hurry by – bag in one hand and coffee in the other.  As we were waiting at a crosswalk, an elderly couple (about 80 ish) wandered up and stood next to us. They were dressed very nicely and were holding hands. I noticed he was conscientious of her and watched her  lovingly. We greeted one another and he joked about the coffee in my hand.  He said  they were living in an apartment just around the corner and they were out for their morning walk.  That brief encounter stirred something inside me as I stood with my husband.  I came across this quote today and was reminded of that lovely couple once again. I think they’ve been practicing this truth for many years. Let’s do the same!

“A successful marriage requires

falling in love many times, always

with the same person”

Milton McLaughlin

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Ground Seeds

It’s so easy to add extra nutrients to your diet by using 1 – 2 TBSP of ground seeds daily. They’re high in protein; essential oils; vitamins; and minerals. I grind seeds like flax, pumpkin and sesame separately in my coffee grinder.  I like to keep a couple containers of ground seeds in the refrigerator for convenience.  I use them up within a few days. Add 1 – 2 TBSP of fresh ground flax, pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds to cereal, shakes, stir fries, soup, apple slices or whatever you like.  Give it a try. You’ll be healthier for it.

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