Quinoa Salad #1

           Quinoa Salad with black beans, avocado, and cumin-lime dressing 

           (adapted from Eating for England)

I'm assuming I'll be making many more quinoa salads in the near future and decided to label this post Quinoa #1. My early post on Quinoa Chili was a huge hit so I thought I'd show you another creative way quinoa can be used.

I really enjoyed this salad. It's very fresh, healthy, and filling. You get quite a bit of protein from the quinoa and the black beans. You can serve this as a side item, or fill a big bowl and chow down (what I did!)

Ashley's Favorite Eggs

It's true. Whether it's over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, or poached, everyone has a favorite way they like to prepare their eggs. I was in Healdsburg, CA for a weekend with some friends a while back, and my friend David scrambled up a recipe for breakfast using whatever he could find in his fridge. It was so good that I started making my eggs similarly ever since. I've altered the recipe to make it perfect for my liking. Here's my favorite way to make eggs!

Basma's Classic Hummus

I was excited to attend an appetizer girl's night at my good friend Basma's apartment last week. She has always impressed me with her food, and the effort she puts into being a great hostess. She spoiled us ladies with delicious small bites like chicken spinach and feta cups, a spicy soba noodle salad, and endless hummus. Many of you that know Basma know that her hummus is by far the best. She has been kind enough to share the recipe with me which I am now sharing with all of you. Enjoy!

      Basma's array of small bites/appetizers

Parmesan Tomatoes

      Parmesan Tomatoes (adapted from EatingWell.com)

I just came home from work and was in the mood for a quick snack. This little dish can also be served up as a side dish to your meal if you like!

Easy Stuffed Peppers

This is one of those recipes where you can cheat a bit. What I mean by that is that I used a $1 package of Knorr's Chicken Rice Sides instead of getting fancy and making my own rice combination. You can do that if you want, but using a fast packaged rice mixture makes this a quick and easy dinner.

Four Cheese Tomato Basil Tart

I love tomatoes. I can eat them like I eat apples. I don't even need salt. I also love cheese. Fun fact: I used to hate cheese when I was little. What was wrong with me?

This seriously simple recipe combines both tomatoes and cheese to create a bubbling, warm, and gooey tart perfect as a main dish paired with a salad, a snack, or even an appetizer.

Bi-Rite Creamery: San Francisco, CA

I think I have finally found THE best ice cream place in San Francisco, and possibly the United States. Everyone raves about this place, but I seriously had to taste for myself. I finally did. Located in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, right by the beautiful Delores Park, Bi-Rite Creamery continues to impress people with their unique flavors like Balsamic Strawberry, Basil, and Salted Caramel. 

You will almost always have to wait in a line wrapped along the side of the building in order to get to your little piece of heaven, but trust me, it's worth it-- plus the line moves pretty quickly.