Pantry Raid: Leftover Naked Burrito Quinoa

Follow

Rice, quinoa and grains in general are hard to measure out exactly when setting up the rice cooker. In our house, I never wind up with the right amount. There's either 1 scoop left, which is not enough to divide into lunch containers for the next day, or we have a mountain left. Unfortunately, it tends to get packed away and forgotten about in the refrigerator until its too late and too smelly. I challenged myself to re-purpose our leftover quinoa this week into something different using ingredients from the pantry...no shopping trip required. This recipe ended up being the perfect triple treat of taste, protein and veggie all in one!

Coco & Chanel's Christmas (Dog) Cookies

Chanel licking her lips for that cookie!!

I love baking Christmas cookies for Ross and other family members during this time of year, but I always feel like I'm leaving Coco and Chanel out of the fun! After Coco's Birthday Biscuits were such a success, I have tweaked the recipe with a seasonal spin. Next time you're making cookie dough, whip up a batch of Christmas Doggy Cookies for your favorite four-legged friend! When wrapped up right, these make unique hostess gifts for friends and family with a dog. I made a triple batch for my pups, my parents and my in-laws. They are a hit all around. Shout out to my mom for helping mix all of that dough, what a work out!

Kale Mashed Potatoes

Ross and I love shopping at Costco for the overall savings, especially for produce. Per pound, everyday items like bananas, potatoes and greens are a great value. The savings are only worth it if you 1. have the storage space for 15 lbs of potatoes or 5 lbs of spinach, 2. can finish the larger than life packages before they spoil, and 3. can come up with enough inventive ways to use these ingredients without getting sick of them. As a family of two, the bulk sizes at Costco can become an issue. We accept the challenge and it has forced our creativity in the kitchen, hence recipes like my 20 Calorie Spinach Coleslaw and Taco Roasted Tomatoes.