Rich, creamy, tender and flavorful.

Not every time you think of quiche would you come of with those words to describe the experience.  It is not all about creamy -look what we have hidden in there – quinoa, spinach …. onions.

Don’t overlook my ability to sneak healthy alternatives into the rich and creaminess of cheese and eggs.

I was inspired by Danielle of Food Confidence with her Kale and Quinoa quiche.  I altered it slightly to accommodate some of the ingredients we had on hand…. BACON

I must say, the bacon is a nice addition.  You could use turkey bacon or any of those varieties if you so desire.

 Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked broken into pieces
• 3 Cups baby spinach
• 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
• ½ cup reduced fat feta cheese
• 1/3 Cup Goat cheese
• 1 Sprig fresh rosemary
• 6 whole eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

 Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and prepare a baking dish ( I used 8*8 (with butter or baking spray).  Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside.
2. Slice onion thinly. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan on medium heat.  Add the sliced onions and slowly cook until they’re soft and browned.   Than add bacon and cook until crispy.  Remove some of the bacon fat and toss in the spinach and cook until it is wilted.  Throw in the quinoa, garlic and mix thoroughly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs so they are well combined. Add the cheeses to the egg mixture. Pour eggs over the quinoa/spinach mixture.  Stir until the egg clings to the greens. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour mixture in the prepared pie dish.
4. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pie has started to pull away from the edge of the baking dish.
4. Serve hot or at room temp.
4. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip:  I opted to turn broil on for a couple of minutes at the very end to give the top of the quiche a little crust to make up for lack of crunch/crust on the bottom.

Have a great weekend!  I am getting the ride on tractor delivered from the service shop today so if the weather cooperates – I will be cutting the grass this weekend.

Talk to you on Monday!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was enjoyable.

Ever get tired of the same ole run of the mill sandwiches?  I have an idea for you to try.  A different type of spread than your typical mayo or mustard.

Try this as your next sandwich spread: Avocado, cilantro, lime juice, hint of salt and pepper  and a spoon full of salsa – DELISH!

It is a simple spin on guacamole for the base of your sandwich.  The results speak for themselves.  For me, the sandwich quality is usually driven by the bread then followed by the toppings.  If you try this sandwich – you will be impressed with the flavor combination and treat the bread as a vehicle.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast, sliced,
• 2 pieces of bacon, cooked
• Handful of spinach
• Pepper
• Avocado spread – see above
• 2 Slices of bread toasted

Method

1. Begin by making the spread, combine 1 avocado and handful of cilantro, squirt of lime juice, and spoonful of salsa
2. Toast your bread
3. Smear some of the avocado mixture
4. Top with chicken, bacon and spinach
5. Set the other slice of bread on top .
6. Slice it up.
7. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip:  Use this avocado spread in many variations.  This would work very well as a base for baked nachos or even on a white fish.  Be creative and keep your taste buds guessing.

Alright, the first of the week is back again.  I hope you have a great start to your week.  I will be back on Wednesday.

Question:  What is your favorite sandwich?

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

A Friday treat is hear for all! Well not all but everyone who loves potatoes, cheese and bacon. Heck even if you don’t love bacon, I am pretty sure you will still love these little bits of comfort.  Some days when you get home from work or are sitting on the couch taking a breather, comfort food is all you need.  Whether it is your favorite fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, some chocolate cake or baked potato skins and bacon – food can definitely change your mood.

Despite these skins taking a little bit of effort – the end results are well worth the effort.

Ingredients

• 6 Large baking potatoes
• 1/4 Tsp.salt
• 1/4 Tsp. pepper
• 1 Cup Cheddar cheese, Swiss or Asiago cheese
• 6 slices slices bacon, cooked
• 3 Green onions, chopped

Method

1. Scrub potatoes; prick several times with fork. Bake in 450°F (230°C) oven until tender, about 1 hour. Let stand until cool enough to handle. (Make-ahead: Let cool completely; refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days.)
2. Cut lengthwise in half; scoop out flesh, leaving 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick walls (reserve flesh for another use, such as soup or mashed potatoes).
3. Arrange, cut side up, on baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cheese.
4. Bake in 450°F (230°C) oven until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
5. Top with bacon and green onions and serve immediately.
6. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: For an extra kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to give it a little heat or you can have sour cream on the side spiked with hot sauce.

I don’t mean to cut this short but let me tell you these potato skins are pretty darn yummy and I would like for you to try them… ok?    Let me know what you think of them after you make them.

Movember Update – Week 2

The Mo is growing… slowly but surely.

I have to go get down to the conference for the final day.  I hope you have a great Friday and a fun weekend.  I will catch up with you on Monday!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty