Nectarine Cucumber and Basil Quinoa Salad

I n g r e d i e n t s:

3 nectarines

3/4 cucumber

4 spring onions

85g quinoa

2 large handfuls of fresh basil

1 lemon

garlic granuals

salt and pepper

2 tbs vegetable stock

2 tbs olive oil

3 tbs white wine vinegar

D o:

1) With the quinoa and vegetable stock in the saucepan, cover generously with cold water. Cook for 10/15 minutes, until the quinoa is soft. Leave the quinoa to cool.

2) Chop cucumber, nectarine, basil and spring onions into a large bowl.

3) Mix the cooled quinoa with the chopped fruit and vegetables.

4) Dress the salad with garlic graduals, salt, pepper, olive oil and white wine vinegar. 

5) Serve and enjoy. 

Nectarine, cucumber and basil quinoa salad served with a cheese board. 

Website: Simple Green Smoothies

The green smoothie has been hailed one of the most nutritious and delicious things one can drink (usually for breakfast).  The green smoothie has recently been getting a lot of press, largely due to the fact that a lot of models, celebrities and known health advocates swear by its power to keep you energised, and looking in tippidy-top condition. I was sent this website, 'Simple Green Smothies', by my sister who found it via Stumble Upon (another website).  With a lot of love for healthy eating and a thumbs up to the content on this website I thought it a good idea to share. I am still yet to try making a green smoothie.  This is mainly due to the fact, I like to chew, and also the fact that our blender at home is a great big heavy apparatus, which is not easy to clean. I think I better man up though and give it a try.  Maybe one of these recipes...

Brussel Sprout Fig and Feta Ravioli Video

I am not a huge fan of pasta. It makes me feel bloated, full and lethargic. Because of this I have avoided eating pasta for some time now.  Another large problem I have with pasta is the mis-guided portion size that people think is normal.  An Italien friend once said that a portion of pasta must be no greater than the size of your own fist.  You can see where the Americans and other 'quantity over quality' cultures go wrong. 

Regardless of my thing against most pasta dishes, this one looked just too cute not to share.  This video is from the blog Naturally Ella,  This blog is full of gorgeous vegetarian dishes, beautiful food photography and lovely videos like this one.  Watch Ella make this feta, fig and brussel sprout ravioli.  The recipe is on her page. 

I hope you like it as much as I do.