A long time ago Ryan advised me that I should try something new every month. This was about five years ago, and I did just that for a while, finding an English brewpub nearby that served good fish and chips and taking an archery seminar at Cabela's and beginning to shoot a longbow. But like many new things, this idea faded away and I never made it a habit. I would love to continue to eat fish and chips, but the local brewpub has become just a brewery and doesn't consistently serve food anymore. I have kept up with archery although I haven't shot my bow at all over the winter.
But I've decided that it's time to revive One New Thing. This was my own decision and not due to any nagging by Ryan. I've been stuck in a rut, and one of those ruts is food. I seem to make the same boring things every week, and I'm tired of it.
So I'm back to trying new things. This week it's a big one (just kidding) - quinoa salad. I had never prepared nor eaten quinoa before so it was definitely time for me to give it a try.
It was easy to make the quinoa, chop a few vegetables, and put the salad together. I added a couple of diced cucumbers, used chickpeas instead of black beans because that's what I had, and left out the cilantro because that is not readily available in NJ in the winter. I loved it! The dressing with lime juice and cumin is delicious and definitely a new taste for me. I was excited to serve it with chicken for dinner, but both John and Justin wrinkled their noses and wondered why it "smelled weird". Justin cautiously tasted a spoonful and decided he didn't like it, but John didn't even want to try it. That's okay, more for me. And there really is more. I'm going to have to eat it for lunch, dinner, and snacks since I'm the only one who will eat it. But maybe John and Justin will get on the next One New Thing bandwagon with me. I'm searching for a sour blueberry beer that comes highly recommended from a very small NJ brewery. The closest place it's available seems to be at a tap and grill 25 miles away. Fifty miles round trip is a long way to drive for some beer, but I just might do it in the interest of One New Thing. Stay tuned (and I'd welcome any suggestions you have for New Things; they don't always have to pertain to food or drink!)
Quinoa would probably have a similar reception here from Dale but I like it. I made a salad from it last year with feta and chickpeas and cucumbers and it was good but I had to eat it all and I was sick of it by the time it was gone! Good for you for trying new things on a regular basis!
ReplyDeleteI try to make something new to eat each week. Sometimes it is trying a new cake or cookie recipe. More often it is a new main or side dish. some are losers, but many have become favorites! I'm not a huge fan of quinoa. I make it occasionally, but we prefer farro.
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday I mentioned to Fletch that I wanted to start doing archery again!
I think your quinoa salad looks fabulous! :-) I have been slowly - and sneakily - introducing more and more vegetarian and vegan meals into my regular dinner rotation around here. At first, Tom was . . . less than enthusiastic. But now? He is totally on board, and we haven't eaten (much) meat at all for the entire winter. In fact, he'll willingly eat tofu now! I'm sure things will change for him when grilling season is upon us once again, but . . . I think I'll stick to my new dietary preferences.
ReplyDeleteI also think trying One New Thing a month is a great idea! Foods/recipes immediately come to mind, but maybe it could be . . . reading a book outside your typical genres? Growing something different in your garden? Visiting a museum? Finding a new walking route or path? Visiting a new yarn store (or one you haven't been to in a long time)? I think I could get on board with this program! :-)
I like Kym's suggestions! I would add trying a new cast on, or a new bind off, or brioche (hello, Kat... that suggestion is for you!)
ReplyDeleteAnd I really love quinoa... thank you for the reminder, I think I might have almost all the ingredients to make that for lunch! :)
Did you rinse the quinoa before cooking it? I find that rinsing it takes away some of the soapy taste that the y chromosome bearers in this household object to.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks delish, and I'm glad that you liked it even if the other members of your family did not. I think we all get into diet ruts and it can always be a good idea to try something new, even if it ends up being a failure.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea!! Looking forward to all the NEW THINGS!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like quinoa, but I don't love it. I like farro and barley much more. Did you steal my husband for this tasting? He is generally opposed to "weird" things, but he will try them, then say, "not my favorite". This means that he will not be helping me finish it. I think your one new thing should be something that interests you so you will enjoy it more. It's a great idea! (Was Ryan's suggestion really 5 years ago? I remember that, and it doesn't seem that long ago.)
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for ways to use up the rest of your quinoa, we love this soup recipe and make it regularly: https://www.copymethat.com/r/GBSdFa0zT/not-terrible-lentil-soup/
ReplyDeleteIt is far better than "not terrible"!
I like quinoa but my husband does not. Sometimes I cook a little to have on hand to eat with stir-fried veggies.
ReplyDeleteI like it but I rarely make it...hmm. I try to taste new foods but it's sooo easy to stick with what you know :)
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