Three of My Favorite Things*

1. The farmers market when it's just opening up and mostly empty.


Look! It's my squash man and the garlic/potatoes guy! Talking before the market opens. Together!


2. Jess getting excited about the snow. Now this is love!



3. Beans and Salads

I made one salad for lunch and one for dinner, both from 'nomicon, cause as Aaron said "It's like you're a tester, but after the book already came out!"

For lunch: Lentil Salad


I love lentils and I love salad, so of course I love lentil salad, but this one was a little different than the ones I'm used to making. I think it was the hint of mustard and the tarragon and fresh thyme, but anyway, it was really satisfying and both AA and I felt really energized and light after eating it. I was gonna use the lentils I picked up at the market, but then I saw it called for french lentils, which I have and don't use as much, so those lentils will have to get some play later in the week. But the thyme, french radishes, carrot, and tomato I used were all from the market! I wasn't particularly jazzed by the tomato, though (a hydroponic one from some not overly-friendly guy at the market, but hey, it's snowing in Portland, I'm lucky to have any stinking tomato!)

Then, for dinner: Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Mango


It's true, I like millet better than quinoa, and in fact, I like most grains better than quinoa. But this black quinoa I have is a fancy time. And it takes well to whatever I dress it with, so I guess I just have to dress it real nice! The addition of black beans and mango and red pepper reminded me of a salad my sister taught me before I was a seasoned potluck go-er that we both often still bring to the potlucks (but minus quinoa and plus avocado and lime), so when I got around to serving it, I searched out an avocado in my fridge (score!) and some leftover lime juice from last night's soup (double score!) and it was goooo-oood. Very.

Tomorrow: My friend Megan's Pumpkin Muffins for a monthly brunch (though we missed the last two!) and a report back on the Apple Peanut Butter Bars, Tofurky, and another dish I plan to bring along: Baby Bok Choy with Crispy Shallots and Sesame Seeds!



*From Jess: "Do you know that snow is one of my three favorite things?" (The other two are cats and mushrooms!)