Football and Quinoa and Bikes, Oh My!

I've been finding my bike a very useful tool these days. I rode to target and Barnes and Noble a few days ago to pick up a couple of essentials and got my exercise in too. Then, today I rode 2.36 miles to the hair salon and got some blond highlights and a trim, then rode on another 1.64 miles to the library to pick up some books I had on hold, and then another 2.5 miles back home. So I totaled 6.5 miles and completed two errands to boot! That's what I call efficient use of time, thanks old friend!

Oh, and this is a good time to mention one of the most useful websites I frequent. It's the USA Track and Field website. They have a map/route tool that allows you to track the distance you go pretty accurately without having to drive the distance in your car or buy an expensive gps watch. HERE is the link to that. Go check it out if you plan on doing any walks, runs, or bike rides in the near future.

Yesterday I watched an entire football game, the whole thing, all the way through...no books or texting or anything. And it was fun actually, the Utes won in a close game during overtime. Go Utes!

Utes vs Panthers

I also made Quinoa Turkey Taco Stew yesterday which is one of my favorites because it's just soo good. Here's a picture of what it looks like. I think I got a little carried away with the cheese this time, especially since it's good without the cheese too, oh well!

Quinoa Turkey Taco Stew

The link for this recipe for it is HERE. But I have made a few adjustments throughout the year or so I've been making it. If you notice in my picture it doesn't look like there is any quinoa (Keen-wah) and in the link recipe it definitely has that grain.

Uncooked Quinoa

I actually used quinoa noodles this time instead of the pure grain because that's what I had plus they are absolutely delish as Rachael Ray would say.

I used the multi-colored spiral noodles

Either form of the grain is easy to find these days and both are good.
I also added frozen corn and instead of using fresh peppers, I used frozen.
Also I don't like all the extra stuff in the taco seasoning packets (msg, amazing amounts of salt, etc.)...

BAD

  ...so I just use the same spices that are listed on the back of the seasoning packets minus the yuck stuff. So cumin, garlic salt, garlic powder, paprika, ground cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried cilantro, ground pepper, etc.
Definitely use beef broth for this dish, it really makes a difference in a great tasting way. Organic/msg free beef broth is always good too : ).

Beef

Anyway when it's finished use fresh lime and you could sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top, or a dollop of sour cream, or some cheese, if you so choose.

Yummy