Growing up in an Italian household every Sunday we had meatballs, homemade gravy and pasta. And it was delicious. I will often duplicate my Sunday supper that I had as a child, but not every Sunday. Tonight it's steak, quinoa and peas.
I bought the steak on sale at 5.99 a pound. They sold pre-sliced beef for 7.99 a pound, but here's a little secret not too many people know--but you might. You can take that $5.99 pound beef to the butcher in the store and tell him how you would like it sliced...1 inch cuts, maybe 2 inch--whatever you like. And the butcher will even trim the fat for you. And guess what....when all is said and done that $5.99 a pound steak with the cuts and the trim is still $5.99 a pound. That's a huge savings, especially when you're feeding my family of 8. So if you know about that little well known secret--great! And if you didn't, now you know--go and start saving money!
Quinoa is not a typical household word. I will admit I barely made it, but I was introduced to it by Martha Stewart. It's grown primarily in South America. It is a highly potent super grain and it offers many health benefits. It is one of the most protein rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It contains almost twice as much fiber as other grains. It contains iron. It also contains lysine which is essential for tissue growth and repair...great food for an after workout snack. Quinoa is rich in magnesium which helps relax blood vessels and thereby alleviates migraines. It is also high in Riboflavin which improves metabolism. I can go on and on. And guess what, it's really delicious. I prepared mine tonight with sauteed mushrooms and onions.
And finally I steamed some peas in the microwave. You know those steamer bags which are usually more expensive than the regular bags of frozen vegetables. Here's my tip. pour your frozen peas in a glass jar, cover with plastic wrap put one slit in the plastic wrap and microwave on high in 5 minute intervals.
Dinner was simple and yet delicious and elegant at the same time. The most important part of every meal is the family sitting together, talking, and enjoying it.
I'd love to hear any of your tips! Thank you. Crafty Christina xoxo
Yum! Some people don't know that quinoa has some saponins which can taste bitter if the quinoa isn't thoroughly rinsed!! So that's an important tip! Put it in a strainer and rinse under abundant running water �� I sometimes mix brown rice with quinoa and it's super yummy too.
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