Remembering how to Cook

So it's been a really really long time since I've cooked anything. Babies will do that. But inevitably you gotta come out of hibernation sometime right? Well here are the recipes that we chose for our first "couple cooks together" meal in months. You may be able to tell that I picked these recipes... but they have been tested and approved by Ross too!

Turkey Burgers and Quinoa Caprese salad.

This caprese salad is a great twist on the basil+mozzerella+tomato classic with the addition of quinoa and peppery arugula.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes - halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella - either bocconcini or ciliegine - small round cheese - quartered
• 2 Tbs red onion - minced
• 2 Tbs minced herbs - I used a combination of parsley and basil
• ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups arugula
• 1 large handful of walnuts
• 4 Tbs olive oil
• 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove - finely minced
• 8 twists of pepper from a pepper mill

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. While quinoa is cooking, slice cherry tomatoes and add to a bowl.
3. Slice mozzarella balls in quarters so they are roughly the same size as the sliced cherry tomatoes.
4. Add sliced mozzarella, minced red onion and minced herbs to the tomatoes and toss gently.
5. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely minced garlic and pepper. Pour half of the dressing over the tomato and mozzarella mixture and toss gently.
6. Once quinoa is done cooking, strain if necessary so there is no water left in the pan, let the quinoa cool on a baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Give the arugula a rough chop and add to a separate bowl.
8. Once quinoa is cool, toss with the arugula and the remaining half of the dressing. Once combined, add the tomato mozzarella mixture and walnuts. Toss gently to combine and serve.

I didn't get a picture of the burgers, but here's the recipe. See link above for pictures:

Turkey Burger with Feta

Ingredients

•     1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
•     2 Cloves garlic, minced
•     1 Egg
•     1/2 Cup breadcrumbs
•     1 Cup crumbled Feta Cheese
•     1/4 Cup drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
•     1/4 Cup diced onions
•     2 Tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley
•     2 Tsp. dried oregano
•     salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Method

1. Pre-heat barbecue grill to high for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine burger ingredients and mix to combine, being careful not to over mix. Shape into 6 patties, each 1/2–inch (1 cm) thick.
3. Reduce heat to medium and place burgers on lightly greased grill, cover and cook for about 8 minutes.
4. Serve with tzatziki on the bottom and topped with some baby arugula
5.  Enjoy!