Quinoa Porridge

I found this recipe in Trail Runner magazine and it is delish!

1 cup quinoa
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
2 tablespoons maple or agave syrup
1 cup blueberries or other berry

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 12 minutes.  Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and milk and simmer covered for an additional 10 minutes.  Stir in apple, walnuts, raisins and syrup.  Cover and let rest 10 minutes.  Serve topped with blueberries. 

I had red quinoa at home so that's what I used.  I also used 1/2 golden raisins and 1/2 cup dried cranberries since that was about all I had of each.  Ty added Tabassco to his and really enjoyed it. 

Half a Hog

We recently went in on half a hog with friends.  The total cost was $450 for about 100 pounds of pork products which included hams, a shoulder, country ribs, spare ribs, sausage, bacon and chops.  So far, we've had the bacon and chops - I must say that they were to die for...  the flavor is amazing and the bacon cooks up crispy but not overcooked at all. Easily the best of either that I've ever had.  We got our hog from Full of Life Farms.  They are a local farm that raises all of their animals to be antibiotic and growth hormone free.  Once they are ready for slaughter, they are sent to a local butcher in Mount Angel.  When they receive your animal, they call you to discuss how you'd like it butchered and packaged.  

Here's a picture from this morning's breakfast that includes the yummiest bacon ever as well as collards and purple potatoes from our local CSA.  

Next up?  We'll be buying and splitting a half a cow with the same friends!  Our expectations are high after the hog... 

Spiced Almonds

Spiced Almonds

2 cups raw almonds
2 teaspoons EVOO
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Toss almonds in bowl with EVOO until coated.  Spread on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Mix spices, salt and sugar in small bowl.  Remove almonds from oven and carefully transfer back to oil coated bowl.   Sprinkle spice mixture onto almonds and toss to coat.  Return almonds to baking sheet and bake 5 more minutes.  Allow to cool and serve!