Another Adventure in the Health Food Store

Some of you may remember previous posts I made a while back about my adventures with couscous.  I had stopped into my local health store, Natural Food and Garden and purchased a container of couscous, not knowing what it was, but feeling that I would surely be more healthy if I would eat it.  If you missed it you can read about my fumbling efforts to make couscous and the family and friend reactions here, and couscous revisited here.

Cooking couscous made me just feel so ignorant healthy, that I decided to go back and take another stab at finding something:

1.  Healthy
2.  That I didn't know what it was.
3.  Having a name as equally interesting as couscous.
4.  Having a name that I couldn't pronounce.




Recently I had picked up a free flyer at my grocery store that listed various "Grains and Greens" that we should be including in our diets, and on the list was quinoa.  The brochure says quinoa has a "light and fluffy texture with a mild flavor."  Hmmmm.  That's pretty vague.

The paper also says "originating from a cousin of spinach, this seed is packed with fiber, iron and protein."  Sounds very healthy to me.  I should buy that.

So I became a foodie and went on a shopping mission to the Natural Food and Garden health food store.  This is such a fun place, and if you are ever in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania look it up and go there. The owners have a good sense of humor and help you by answering any questions you may have and ordering what you need if they don't have it at the moment.

This sign greets the customers at the entrance to the parking area.

Entering the shop, you almost miss this plaque.

At the doorway, the daily specials are listed.

It wasn't long until I located it.  I found quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), and according to the box it is so healthy that it is called "The Supergrain of the Future."  I am looking at the back of the box and feeling healthier and healthier as I read:

1.  Quinoa contains more high quality protein than any other grain.

2.  Quinoa stands alone as a complete protein grain.

3.  Quinoa contains no gluten.

4.  Quinoa is light, tasty and easy to digest.

5.  Quinoa is quick and easy to prepare.      (Good,  I need quick and easy.  Sold.)

This went home with me.

Heading toward the counter to pay, I came across this sign and I had to chuckle, especially after my camping episode this past weekend.  (Read yesterday's post if you don't know what I am referring to.)

So here's where I need your help, my blogging friends.  My brochure says you should "serve quinoa in place of traditional hot cereal."  Ew.  "Or dress it up for a side dish or chilled salad."  It's that dressing it up part that baffles me.  Do you know how to make and use quinoa?  Please share your thoughts and recipes.  I'm truly on my way to impressing Martha fruitcake Stewart.  And getting healthy.