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cynthia lair - feeding the young athlete

8/28/12
Dear Cynthia and The Cookus Gang:
Just made the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad again, first time this summer-- it continues to utterly amaze and delight! My mom loved it! My four yr old and 18 month old loved it! Happy and healthy dinner was had by all. Thank you so much!
Jen

8/27/12
Hi, I wanted to let you know that I just did the Danskin Triathlon (my first such event), and I took Lime Boost in my water bottles. It was great.
Jami

7/29/12
I printed this a year ago, but finally got around to trying it (Gays Mini Pot Roast). I was afraid of all the steps and thought my 8 quart le Creuset pan would be too big. I took the plunge and boy am I ever glad I did!! This was amazing!!! I used dried herbs since that's what I had and it still turned out amazing. I used fingerling potatoes cut up and I used a few extra parsnips. It was soooo good!! I think you are the best Cynthia!!!! You give me SUCH confidence in the kitchen. I am almost 40 and finally gaining some self esteem in the kitchen - THANKS TO YOU!!!
Rebekah

7/23/12
This is simply delicious. (Bourbon BBQ Shrimp) Words overheard at dinner tonight from my hubby and two kids in regard to this dish: stellar, amazing, the best shrimp, and soooo good. Thanks for another winner recipe! (Oh, and I served this cornbread; it was a great match.)
Hillary

6/14/12
Cookus Interruptus - you guys are a hilarious team! You really pulled out all the stops to give Ms. Selengut a warm welcome. I love what you guys do x
Tui

6/13/12
That was killer. (Hoppin' John) Made with andouille sausage, cheesy corn grits and braised bok choy and kale from the garden. Everyone loved it, and my 3 year old cleaned her plate, much to my delight! Did wish I had a nice blob of sour cream, though...
Stephanie

3/8/12
Chinese Vegetable Fried Brown Rice:
WOW - I want that for breakfast, too! (I am talking about the stir fry people!)One of the funniest interruptions yet! Have to share this one with my mom...
Heather

1/5/12
Firstly, this looks delicious and amazing and I can't wait to try it. (Chicken and Kabocha with Chocolate Enchilada Sauce). Secondly, Matt completely cracks me up in this. Cynthia makes a great foil to his craziness. Well-done!
Kymberlee

12/11/11
My 2 year old daughter and I watched this video before making our own. We went into the kitchen, popped the Mochica into the oven, and next thing I know she is stretching on the ground with her feet in the air. Then, biting into the finished product she says, 'come here little sizzler!'. I was in fits laughing. Thanks for great recipes and great fun.
Stephanie

11/29/11
So, I've said it before and I'll say it again...my 5-year old daughter LOVES this soup. Tonight she had 2 bowls full with olive tapenade on top. And when I was packing up the little bit that was leftover, she asked that I save it for her to eat tomorrow, The recipes says this serves 6-8, but in our family it barely feeds 4. We can't get enough of it.
Anna

10/25/11
you guys are silly but it helped me to keep watching.
Rob

1/25/12
I find that everything here "speaks" to my instincts. Everything I see here just feels intuitive to me. Maybe it's because we're in the same camp, or maybe also because the "loose pattern" of philosophies you've woven together here fits so well for so many of us. Thank you!
Jennifer

9/18/11
As a newbie to whole foods and anything that isn't meat and potatoes...your recipes and fun way that you give lessons really are making the transition to healthy eating easy. Thank you so much!
Raquel

7/17/11

you guys are BRILLIANT with your videos. The entertainment value opens up the floodgates of people who want to watch and (inadvertently) learn from you about the wonders of whole foods. I use them in our kids' cooking classes all the time. Lots of laughs and learning! "Who doesn't like applesauce? I'll tell you who, freaks and crazy people!" We love Jane!"

Marirose

5/19/11

My 2 year old LOVES this soup (Yaki Soba). She scoops the broth with her little spoon and picks up every last bit of tofu, bok choy, and mushroom with unbridled enthusiasm. I love your recipes and best of all my family does too! Thank you!

Heidi Denis

5/5/11
Keep up the great show! LOL...my kids watched 5 episodes today... my oldest loves Jane and keeps watching to see if she's going to get together with what's-his-name and my boys couldn't stop laughing at Darrell and they all want to know why they can't see Captin J.
Tomena Reed

3/19/11
I made this soup tonight and it was, by far, the best homemade soup we have ever had. 3 generations ate together, even my 5 and 2 year olds! Thank you from the bottom of our empty soup bowls!
Taylor Hope

I've been consistently cooking your meals for over a month, now, and I love all the recipes I've made. Even my husband loves them, which is amazing because, in the past, he's usually complained when I made 'healthy meals', calling them 'a snack'. Thanks for making it so enjoyable to eat healthy!
Erin Fields-Johnson

2/11/11
This is my 3rd recipe this week since Saturday night-it's only Monday! I'm hooked on your site. such great food and love the videos. Thanks to all!!!
Josie

1/13/11
Wow, what an amazing site. I made your fish tacos for dinner last night and my 13 yo commented on how good they were. In fact she said, Mom everything you've made from Cookus Interruptus has been good! Yes, delicious and easy!! Thank you so much
Ruby Cacchione

12/29/10
while watching this video (Be Bop Breakfast) my 7yr old daughter was totally perplexed that you would eat cooked greens for breakfast. (we do green smoothies, but my kids are pretty skeptical about other usage of greens) But after watching it through she asked if we could try it tomorrow! I think we are going to watch a few more videos!
Annie Moore

12/15/10
Pacific NW Magazine loves Cookus! Read the story by superfabulous Greg Atkinson.

10/29/10
Rosemary Red Soup: I make this soup for my birthday every year. It was the soup that got me to reconsider beets after hating them since birth. Now I love them, as long as they're fresh!
Anne

10/14/10
For my birthday last week, my friend helped me make the apple pie with butter crust. We couldn't stop congratulating our pie while we were eating it. It was delicious...and we had no hesitation about serving our daughter nice hefty slices. Thank you, Cynthia Lair. Your recipes make my life better every day.
Anna

10/8/10
I've been cooking from your website for the last few weeks, and every single recipe I've tried has turned out Incredible. Thank you so much for doing something like this! The videos make it very simple for a visual learner. I look forward to any new recipes you post :)
Susan

9/21/10
I just have to say, once again, how much I love your website. I've been a huge fan of the cookbook for years and the website makes it fresh. True story: my kids (5 and 2) and I will sit and watch your videos. My son, the 5 year old, loves them!
Hillary Mizia

9/10/10
Where have I been? I just now came across your site. I have never enjoyed looking at recipes as much as yours and had such a laugh plus great info. and learned something. You are ALL a kick. Thank you for being here, keep up the great work and info. There is nothing out here like you, what a joy. Must say, I watch you everyday. Thanks
val greene

"My 4-year-old son referred to it as 'the phenomenal noodle salad' and kept offering additional helpings to everyone at the table! I will definitely be making this again. :-)"
-Lindsey Parks
(see Asian Noodle Salad)

"Cooking for my family had become a chore. I was basically in a rut until I came across your site via the OCA. I have actually began enjoying cooking again. My kids are now even trying simple recipes on their own. I feel such a sense of satisfaction knowing I am preparing food that's nourishing and delicious. I have learned so much. Thank you, thank you :)"
-Kaylla

"I must tell you what an inspiration your blog and videos have been to me....and my kids. We love watching you and learning great tips."
-Laurene

Townsend Letter raves about Cynthia's book and Cookus Interruptus in October 09 issue!

Danny Jensen at Take Part loves Cookus Interruptus. Read about it!

"This has to be the best cooking show EVER!!! Besides being so funny, they make this type of cooking seem so approachable. Kudos on doing a great job!!!!"
-Cheryl

"I have been cooking more. I made some really good fried tofu, delicious soba noodles, Bok Choy (from the collard greens vid), Blanched red cabbage, fried rice, some thing else I can't remember, and almost every day for breakfast I eat either quinoa or steel cut oats. Not only that my knowledge on food has increased 10 fold. All thanks to you. xo"
-Joel

"Can I just say that your videos make me laugh my butt off? Is that ok? Did I mention I am totally by myself when I do this? Loooove you guys!"
sunbronzedbabe

"Besides providing amazing how-to recipes on whole, organic foods, you weave a gentle little funny-family story-line throughout that always leaves me wanting more. I forward your site to friends with the spoiler, "pssst, bet you can't watch just one!" There's just nothing like your program anywhere!"
Lynne Lillie

"What a really well conceived, and nicely organized website. Being gut-bustingly funny is an added bonus. Nice job, Fam."
Steven Lee

"I've been cooking uninterrupted for the past 3 days and I'm loving it. I watch the videos with my toddler then we cook our family meal together. It's lovely:) Thank you guys for a great book &website."
Yasmine

"Clean, easy to use, and informative, the videos get to the point, and on the plate, in 4 to 8 minutes..." Read the whole glowing blog post!
Maggie Dutton, Seattle Weekly

"Your steel cut oats recipe did change my life!"
Julie

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Printable version

Mediterranean Quinoa

Recipe reprinted with permission from Feeding the Whole Family (third edition) by Cynthia Lair (Sasquatch Books, 2008)

Inspired by a recipe by a student named David St. Martin, this whole grain salad has it all. Amino acid rich quinoa combines with pine nuts and feta to provide protein. The raw herbs add the digestive element to the dish. This makes a stupendous meal coupled with Falafels or Carribean Lime Halibut. Cooked millet, rice or other grain can be substituted for quinoa.

1 cup quinoa
1 3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped mint
3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup currants
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Wash, rinse and drain quinoa. Place in a 2-quart pot, add water and salt, bring to boil, lower heat and simmer with lid on until all water is absorbed (15-20 minutes). Don't stir the grain while it is cooking. Test for doneness by tilting the pan to one side, making sure all of the water has been absorbed. Remove lid and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Dry toast pine nuts in skillet or 300 degree F. oven until they begin to change color and give off aroma.

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, mint and parsley in a large bowl Add currants and toasted pine nuts and toss. Using a fork, add cooked warm quinoa a little at a time. Crumble feta over the top. Toss well. Serve at room temperature.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Serves 4

CLICK HERE

24 Comments:

Anita Lopez
Love this recipe!
June 14, 2009, 3:44 pm

Rebecca Brenneman
I love to bake, and I haven't seen any episodes on baking. Lately I've been experimenting with creating gluten-free and/or agave sweetened treats with the fat replaced with either beans, applesauce or flax meal. (Of course the chocolate chips have cocoa butter in them, but that, of course, is a 'good' fat.) I've had tolerable results, but would certainly appreciate suggestions and tips - on making the substitutions work well, specifically and on baking in general. Thanks, Rebecca
September 11, 2009, 11:24 am

Chris c
I have a question about Quinoa. I get terrible stomach aches similar to unpasturized cheese. I rinse it well and cook to the instructions. I am wondering if you have heard of this or know what causes this.
October 26, 2009, 10:21 pm

Cynthia Lair
Chris, I have not heard of this before. When you cook the quinoa is it soft and tender?
October 27, 2009, 7:15 am

Carrie
I love your cookbooks and the new ideas that I get off this website. Thank you for putting together tasty AND wholesome recipes! You are a genius!
May 23, 2010, 8:49 pm

Elisabeth Gardner
We had friends bring this to a potluck and were just bowled over by how outstanding it was! We all asked for the recipe and are now exploring more on the site. Thank you!!
June 25, 2010, 4:31 pm

Rebekah Kelly
Hi my dear kitchen friend! Please share a tasty version of breakfast quinoa. I see ideas on line but I'd rather have your suggestion!!
April 16, 2011, 3:59 am

Jaylin Jaylin
Kudos! What a neat way of thinikng about it.
May 3, 2011, 5:24 pm

Hilary
The only quinoa recipe I love more is your Quick Garlic and Lemon Quinoa. Everybody I make it for LOVES it and begs for the recipe. I want to make it for a dinner next week but can't figure out a good main course to go with it (some vegetarians, but not tempeh-lovers). Any good ideas?
May 10, 2011, 3:50 pm

Cynthia Lair
Hi Hilary, I like to serve this with White Bean and Kale Minestrone or Rosemary Red Soup.
May 10, 2011, 3:56 pm

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May 19, 2011, 3:18 am

Hilary Heinz Luthi
Awesome! Option paralysis!
May 19, 2011, 11:15 am

Chandra Gray
Made it - loved it!
May 21, 2011, 3:54 pm

Gary
I love trying new things, and your videos are always full of new ideas! Today I tried Steve's paint straining suggestion, and it worked very well! But he was right, water based paint would have worked better. :-( BRB, I'm off to the store to buy a new kitchen strainer before I get even more bruises...
June 29, 2011, 7:24 am

lenor who cares
very cute!
June 29, 2011, 10:37 am

Marilyn McClellan
I've missed you lately - it seems like your wonderful videos are fewer and fewer. Are you on vacation?
June 30, 2011, 11:26 am

kyndale pease
Yummy! Great for summer! I'm always so inspired by you :)
July 3, 2011, 11:49 am

Natural Doctor
This is a great recipe. Especially for those following an <a href='http://naturopathic.com'>all natural lifestyle</a>. Delicious!
July 6, 2011, 5:45 am

Katy
Wow, this recipe looked good, but my family (especially the 4 year old) FLIPPED over it! She kept shoveling spoonfuls of it onto her plate, and asked to have it in her lunch tomorrow! Especially nice since I was able to use the mint from our garden, and some delicious locally made feta! Thanks for making my newly acquired vegetarian lifestyle so much more palatable (literally) to my husband!
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August 4, 2011, 6:08 pm

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I just wanted to say that I found your blog via Google and I am glad I did. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to bookmark you for when I have more free time away from the books. Thanks again! i juz love this site and also about to follow the triks that are given by this sit i love tO bake and also shake.. lolzzz
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