How to cook Quinoa...

Quinoa is cooked just like rice. You want to rinse off the quinoa with cold water, then you want 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18minutes. Allow to sit covered for 5 min.

I prefer eating this dish more at room temperature or cold. That's why it makes a great salad. Add any vegetables... I like cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, asparagus ends and I love adding a little feta with an olive oil and vinegar base dressing. This dish is perfect to make ahead or take along when it's pot luck time.

What The Heck is Quinoa?

It's prounced like 'keen wah', and it is frequently unknown supperfood-containing a perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids. It is gluten free for all you "Celiacs" out there and a great source of protein too!

Ice Cold..Crisp..Refreshing Flavour

Okay I may not be as big of a beer drinker then my wife or some of my friends. I am a Rum drinker. But I do have to say that the Brazilian Beer " Brahma" is just that Ice Cold..Crisp..Refreshing Flavour. It's light enough that you can drink a few of them without feeling bloated but it has more flavour then some of those watered down light beers. I love the bottle too...pick some up for your next party.

Simple and Elegant

I'm always surprised at how the most comments on my food come from doing the most simplest dishes. Nothing has to be complicated to be great and "Wow" your guests.

Not to long ago we had guests over and one of the side dishes was just grilled vegetables. I took all my favorites, Bell Peppers, Beets, Butternut Squash, Fennel, Radicchio, and some Red Onion. Now the beets, fennel and butternut squash I tossed in olive oil, added a little crushed garlic and fresh ground pepper, I have really being tying to reduce the amount of a salt intake so I didn't put any on and it, and it really doesn't need it, there will be more then enough flavor when I am done with this. These few vegetables have to be roasted off first because of their hardiness.

I toss the rest of the vegetables in olive oil, crushed garlic and fresh ground pepper and then grill them on the BBQ. These vegetables do not take long to cook, leave them on till you get some nice grill marks and them remove them. It's really a couple of minutes per side and that's it.

Once all the vegetables are cooked I place them all on a cooking sheet and leave it in the fridge until I am ready for them. This definitely can be made a head of time. Put it in the oven at 350 just before your ready to serve for maybe 10-15 min just to get them back to above room temperature, these do not have to be pipping hot. Place them all on a big platter and drizzle with some balsamic reduction. Your guests will be impressed.

Grown up Grilled Cheese

It's late at night and I am starving. I look at my wife and ask her what do we have to eat, her usually response "What do you feel like eating?" I never know. She always keeps a a stash of some good cheeses in the fridge. So how about a grilled cheese sandwich. Not just any old grilled cheese that you would make for the kids. But a grown up one...

I love Fontina cheese, so slices of this along with a prosciutto and fresh basil( I like to keep one of those fresh basil plants that you can buy at the grocery) they always come in handy. Oh and don't forget some fresh sliced heirloom tomatoes. All smothered with some butter and fried till golden. Oh so satisfying. Try other combinations like Gruyere, sliced apples and sage. Sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, tomatoes and sliced avocado. The possibilities are endless.

Mulled Wine

The First time I ever heard the term Mulled Wine, Clarence, the angel in Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" ordered it while sitting in a bar with George Baily.

Nothing makes your house smell like Christmas then a pot of this on your stove. What a way to welcome your guests then serving this delicious warm drink. Give it a try and tell me what you think?

1-750ml bottle full bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz

1 cup clear apple cider or cranberry juice

4 Tablespoons honey

2 fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish

3 cinnamon sticks

3 whole cloves

3 whole star anise

3 whole peppercorns

1 orange, sliced

2 ounces brandy( optional)

Direction:

Slowly bring all ingredients except brandy to a simmer. Keep blow simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in brandy(if using) and serve. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary or an orange slice.

Bordeaux

It's the season of Red Wines and I have to tell you that I have entered the world of Bordeaux's. I have tasted some really expensive ones and I have tasted some more affordable ones.

This one from France, Christian Moueix 05 is one of my favorites, it is a medium body red with sweet supple berry and cherry fruit. It has a hint of coffee and soft tannins. It's a perfect gift for the holiday season or pick it up yourself and give it a try...Cheers!