Wednesday, July 13, 2016

quinoa tacos

We are kind of obsessed with quinoa in our home. We've been eating it for years because it's what you call "a complete protein" which means it contains 9 essential amino acids and is packed with protein (like 8g per cooked cup). It's also super versatile because you can serve it hot or cold, sweet, savory or even spicy. Lucy (our picky eater) even loves it! So it really isn't any surprise that we like to use it all kinds of meals. One of our favorites is quinoa tacos.


INGREDIENTS
1 cup cooked quinoa
Shredded cabbage or lettuce
Black beans
Shredded cheese
Chopped tomatoes or red peppers
Chopped cilantro
Corn tortillas
Your favorite hot sauce or salsa

Homemade taco seasoning:
1 tsp Chili powder
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Garlic powder
1/4 Onion powder
1/4 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Remember you can always customize the heat of your seasoning by adding more or less chili powder, cumin and pepper.

Cook the quinoa according to directions.

Stir the taco seasoning into the quinoa while it's warm. 

If you want the quinoa crispy (or to resemble the consistency of taco meat), spread it on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees.

If you prefer your quinoa to be soft and fluffy, simply add it to you tacos once you've added the spice.

NOTE: This zesty quinoa is yummy on top or nachos, in a burrito or tossed into a scramble!

Warm up the tortillas, grab your favorite toppings and built yourself a taco!


Tuesday, July 12, 2016

exploring we will go

A while back we made the promise to each other to always make time to seek adventure as a family (you can read about it here). Exploring new places and going outside is a big part of our daily lives and once in a while I like to share a little peek into our adventures.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

summer sale!


Ok friends! It's a tradition around here to have an annual summer sale so this week all of my online classes are marked way down. 

On top of low prices, I am throwing in my online class SUMMER SKETCH for all orders over $50.00. All prices are marked down over in the shop HERE. 

ABOUT MY ONLINE CLASSES:
There are many online workshops out there at different prices with different content. Back in 2009, when I decided to offer an online learning option, I set out to create a structure that is similar to taking a "live" class from me.  My mission is to provide an affordable class with a learning environment where you are watching lots of video demos, learning techniques and then creating on your own art.
FACTS:
  • I have three different structures of online classes: 
Large Class: These classes are $50 and have 5 HUGE lessons that include videos, photos, written information, prompts and more. My large format classes dive deep into a variety of techniques, projects and information.
    Mini Class: My mini classes cost $30 and have 3 HUGE lessons that include videos, photos, written information, prompts and more. 

    Micro Class: These classes cost $15 and have 1 HUGE lesson that includes videos, photos, written information, prompts and more.
    • My classes are a combination of video learning (with demos, techniques and me talking) and lots of photo steps outs of inspiration, techniques and process.
    • All classes are all filmed in my studio. Since 2009 I have been tweaking my gear and my process with the hope that video/photo will continue to get better and better. My #1 goal is to provide inspiring lessons and visuals that are easy to understand.
    • My classes do NOT have a required supply list. Instead I share the supplies that I like to use and then give you a variety of options and inspiration to use supplies that work best for your process and your budget.
    • All of my classes have unlimited access which means once you register you can create and access at any time and work at your own pace. Whenever I "release" a new class- I release each lesson "live". Many people enjoy working in this format, as the lessons are posted each week but once all information gets posted there is unlimited time to access everything. I have found that some people prefer to work along with the live format when I release a new class, while others will wait months until they have the time, money and the schedule to register for the class. Either way works- just know that once you are in- there is no deadline or pressure to create.


    Friday, July 08, 2016

    be the change download for you


    The recent events here in the United States have left me sad, disgusted, horrified, discouraged and downright angry that this is the world we live in. As I white woman married to a man of color, I know that we live in a world that is broken by hate, violence and systemic racism. I have no idea how I fit into change but I am starting by posting here that I am ready and willing contribute in any way that I can. I don't want to be silent, I don't want to be neutral and I DON'T want to spend one more day afraid to speak out. All I know is there is movement, power and change in UNITY and I want to be a part of that unity! 



    Download this coloring page. Print it out, color and take a moment to reflect on how you can be part of change.


    download HERE

    happy weekend!


    Wednesday, July 06, 2016

    free coloring page for you!


    Here is this week's free coloring page! Happy coloring!


    Download your own copy HERE

    Looking for more coloring inspiration or free downloads:




    romesco sauce

    There are a lot of different foods and flavors that I crave but one of my favorites is romesco sauce. Romesco sauce is a nut and red pepper based sauce that originates from Northeastern Spain. It is often served with seafood but honestly this stuff is good as a dip, a spread, as a pesto sauce, as a marinade or even added to soups and sauces for flavor. 


    INGREDIENTS:
    3 red bell peppers
    2 tomatos
    1/2 red onion
    5 cloves of garlic
    1 cup almond slivers
    1/2 teaspoon cumin
    1/8 tsp pepper
    1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
    1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    1/8 cup red wine vinegar

    Start by roasting the red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic in the oven at 425 degrees until soft (about 20 minutes for garlic and about 30-40 minutes for onions, peppers and tomatoes). 

    Peel the skin from the peppers and tomatoes.

    Add the almonds to a food processor and pulse.

    Next, add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth.

    The result is a really rich, smokey sauce that is crazy delicious!! One of my favorite ways to use it is as dipping sauce for oven baked mozzarella sticks.

    INGREDIENTS
    1 package of mozarella string cheese sticks (12 cheese sticks)
    1 egg
    2-3 Tsp flour
    1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs
    pinch of salt and pepper

    Unwrap all of the cheese sticks, cut them in half and place them in the freezer until frozen.
    In a bowl, add the beaten egg.
    In another bowl, add the flour.
    In a third bowl, add the panko bread crumbs.
    Remove cheese sticks from the freezer.
    Dip each cheese stick in the flour, then in the egg and then in the bread crumbs.
    Lay cheese sticks on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
    Bake the cheese sticks at 375 degree for about 5 minutes and then flip them over to the other side and bake for another 5  minutes.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes then serve warm.



    Tuesday, July 05, 2016

    around these parts

    You can see more of life around these parts on Instagram where I document and share a more personal look into our life. You can follow me HERE for a peek into our daily happenings.

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