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Let me start off by sharing what I love about quinoa.

Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods you can eat. It contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. And it's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's also a great alternative to rice. I love using quinoa with various bean recipes that I make. I've prepared quinoa as a side dish, or even as a main meal with other added ingredients. I've also tossed it into hot soups during the fall and winter months, such as minestrone. Quinoa gives soup more of a stew-like consistency.

And to top it off, quinoa is very inexpensive.

My favorite is Trader Joe's. I've tried all three, but the tricolor quinoa is the one I purchase most frequently...


Okay, so now let me tell you what I hate about quinoa.

It's only one thing. But that one thing is a royal pain in my arse.

It's messy. And when I say messy....I mean capital letters, bold type, quotations, and exclamation points, "MESSY!!!!"

And I don't care how careful I am when I prepare it or eat it, I end up finding quinoa grains all over my apartment. For DAYS! I find it stuck to the walls in the kitchen, the refrigerator door, the carpets, tables, cabinets, hardwood floor, and my arms, legs, and feet. Quinoa grains are like those maddening tiny fruit flies. You can never catch them because they fly around the room so fast and then vanish, and then suddenly return out of nowhere.

That's quinoa.

Oh, and get this. Even after thoroughly brushing, flossing, and using baking soda to rinse my teeth at night, I always discover a few quinoa grains that flush out of my mouth the following morning after brushing my teeth. It as if those nasty grains were stubbornly hiding out between my teeth all night as I slept, just to annoy me in the morning. I'm starting to believe there's a quinoa conspiracy against me.

Do you know what?

I think quinoa should come with a warning label on the package that reads: Although Good For You, Quinoa is Sneaky, Vengeful, and Evil! (not to mention: A HOT MESS)

-------------------------------------

Over the weekend, I made a mixture of pinto beans and quinoa, with fresh plum tomatoes, shredded carrots, corn, arugula, mild spices, olive oil dressing, and shavings of asiago cheese. I also had some lime/sea salt tortilla chips with hummus.

It was heavenly!

Sunday afternoon, I had the leftovers for lunch.

Here are a few examples of what I mean by how MESSY quinoa can be...


Note: I don't eat like a pig, I eat very carefully. But it's as if with every mouthful I took, the quinoa just flew all over the place...



Here are some grains that I found on the floor below the table...


And I found these grains on the floor, waaaaaay over on the opposite side of my studio apartment. When I first spotted them I thought they were little bugs. But then I realized they were quinoa and thought, "How the hell did they get all the way over here?!?!"


I don't know. I honestly can't understand why I have "messy" issues with quinoa.

Perhaps I just think that I'm neat when I eat. 

But perhaps what I really am is...

 Pig Pen.


Wishing you a messy-free week, y'all
💗

32 comments:

  1. Wow, Ron, this has the makings of a great horror movie--The Quinoa that Ate Philadelphia!

    I swear, that stuff has a mind of its own. Maybe you keep it under lock and key.

    I was on quinoa kick for a while, but I kind of dropped it. Not so much for the mess as for the lack of taste.

    However, I strongly suspect the reason for my disinterest was the lack of any decent recipes--I certainly had nothing like that delicious dish you created.

    I'm going to try quinoa again. But I'm only going to eat it in the bathtub!

    Have a great week, buddy, and beware the quinoa...

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  2. Lol, Ron, it DOES make a damn mess! It’s those bags! You just cannot pour the quinoa out without making a mess. They need to put it in a box with a spout or something.

    I didn’t like quinoa the first time I had it, but it was just a bad recipe. I love it now! My favorite is served cold with fruit in it like blueberries or mango and a fruity balsamic vinegar. So yummy! I hope you have a great week!

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  3. "The Quinoa that Ate Philadelphia!"

    OMG Rob, that CRACKED ME THE HELL UP! Hilarious!!! And you're right, it would make for a great mocumentary horror film. And perhaps I can get Christopher Guest to direct it!

    Yes, alone, it does lack taste. However, I think it works best if your mix it with things. Here is link to a website I used for quinoa recipes. You might find something there that you like.

    https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=quinoa

    "I'm going to try quinoa again. But I'm only going to eat it in the bathtub!" LOL!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  4. Yes!...it's those damn bags, you're right!

    And at least I'm not the only one who thinks it's messy. I swear to god, I avoid making things with quinoa because I know the cleanup is going to be horrendous. I find even eating it makes a mess.

    "I didn’t like quinoa the first time I had it, but it was just a bad recipe. I love it now! My favorite is served cold with fruit in it like blueberries or mango and a fruity balsamic vinegar.'


    OMG...that sound soooooooo good! I have to try that! Thanks for the suggestion. I always seem to forget that you can make quinoa in sweet recipes as well.

    I told Rob in my comment to him that I use a website to find quinoa recipes so that I have variety. You might find it helpful as well.

    https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=quinoa

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an excellent week!

    X

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  5. Oh my god, Ron, I love the photo of you as Pig Pen. That is so cute! I've only had quinoa a few times and couldn't decide if I liked it. It has a strange, earthy flavor. Maybe I need to try it again. But on second thought, maybe I don't because judging from your post, it's "MESSY!!!!" LOL!

    Thanks for always making me laugh on Monday mornings, Ron! x

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  6. You know, I've never gotten up courage to eat quinoa, but after laughing my way through your post this morning, perhaps I'm not missing anything!


    I like the idea of protein and more fiber, but as a neatnik Virgo, the thought of all those quinoa grains flying all over the kitchen gives me the heebie-jeebies! I swear, I think I spend half my life crawling around on the floor, scooping up itty-bitty crumbs. I've quit complaining about it (well, mostly) since that does no good and I'm the only one seemingly bothered by tiny messes. Sigh.


    Thanks for a much-needed chuckle, Ron. Have yourself a wonderful week! xo

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  7. I love quinoa. It was one of our go-to side dishes for a couple of years, but it's kind of taken a back seat to brown rice or farro nowadays. Both of which, I might add, aren't nearly as messy. You'd be hard pressed to find brown rice kernels on your feet the next day unless you really ARE a messy eater, in which case, anything is possible.

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  8. Yes, Mark, I clearly remember a post your shared eons ago where you mentioned that you were eaten quinoa. I think it was after you had your hospital stay and were changing your diet. At that point, I hadn't even tried it. It's only been the past four years that I've been eating it. I love it, but OMG...is it ever MESSY!

    I LOVE both brown rice and farro! I love grains. I just recently started eating Basmati rice and really like it. And I love how fast it cooks.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing a faaaaabulous week!

    X to you and Tara

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  9. HA! Thanks, Candice! I made that over at a website called, Face In Hole. I found it while searching for photos of pigs and thought, "Yup...that's the one I'm going to use!"

    Yes, quinoa does have a strange flavor and smell. And yes...earthy! I read somewhere that it's a scent that actually comes from quinoa grains that acts as a bug/insect repellent, so that the bugs don't eat it. I've gotten so used to the taste/smell that it doesn't really bother me.

    But OMG...is it EVER MESSY!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a fabulous Monday!

    X

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  10. Hey there Debbie!

    HA! Yes, trust me, you're NOT missing anything because it's truly a hot mess! And not matter what I do, or how careful I am...I find quinoa everywhere!

    I started eating it about 4 years ago and I really like it added to things. And it's a great alternative to rice.

    "I like the idea of protein and more fiber, but as a neatnik Virgo, the thought of all those quinoa grains flying all over the kitchen gives me the heebie-jeebies! "

    OMG that made me laugh out loud because

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  11. Ron, I'm obsessed with quinoa, I put it into so many things, salads, beans, soups, granola, and even bread. And although it's a carb, it's a healthy carb. But I agree, it's so messy! And I had to laugh because like you, I find it everywhere. I don't think it's you, I think it just the way quinoa is. It's so tiny that I think it just gets everywhere.

    LOVED the graphic of you as PIG PEN. LOL!

    By the way, the mixture you made with pinto beans sounded so good. I'll have to try that!

    Have a wonderful week, Ron xo

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  12. "Although Good For You, Quinoa is Sneaky, Vengeful, and Evil! (not to mention: A HOT MESS)" ROFLMAO! You did it again, you made me laugh my ass off, Ron!

    My girlfriend and I are split when it comes to quinoa. I like it, she doesn't. We're both vegetarians and try to eat healthy, but quinoa is something she don't care for. I will usually made a small portion for myself and store it in the fridge, and toss it into my salads. Like you said, it's very versatile. You can combine it with so many things. But you're right, it's messy as all hell!

    Thank you for your humor, dude!

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  13. Hola Denise!

    Isn't quinoa such a great additive to so many things? You know, I never tried it mixed with granola, but I will. I bet it's great! And I think you're right, because it's so tiny, it's only natural that it gets everywhere.

    I like it with pinto beans AND black beans. I've even tried it mixed with garbanzo. Faaaaaabulous!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're week has been great so far!

    X

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  14. Hiya Matt!

    HA! I couldn't resist that!

    Yes, it seems that people either like quinoa or don't. I think it's the smell/taste. I actually like the smell and taste. I do the same thing. I make a batch and store it in the refrigerator and add it to so many things throughout the week. I LOVED it in soups during the colder months because it adds such a wonderful texture.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!

    X

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  15. Ron, I will definitely try it in soups come fall and winter. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  16. You are very welcome!

    Bon appetit!

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  17. Ron, that picture of you as Pig Pen is so ADORABLE! You are so clever! And I love the arrows pointing to the quinoa grains. LOL!

    Can you believe I have never tried quinoa? And neither has my husband. I don't know, other than I just never saw it the grocery store or had an opportunity to eat it. But judging from you MESSY description, I don't think it's something I would like. I'm very much like you, I'm a neat freak. And it drives my husband crazy.

    Put I have to say that the ingredients you described in the leftovers you had all sounded delicious. I'll look for it the next time I'm in TJ's and try it.

    FUN post, Ron! xo

    On another note, have you noticed all the Halloween/Fall products in the stores already? I was in Walgreen's over the weekend and saw Halloween costume hanging up in the seasonal section. Isn't it something how they rush the holidays and seasons? But I must say, I'm looking forward to FALL!

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  18. Hellooooooooooooo there Elaine!

    Thanks! I made that at Face In Hole. It's so much fun to look through all the images that offer.

    I know several people who have never tried quinoa. I hadn't tired it either, up until about 4-5 years ago. I first had it in a pre-made salad that I purchased at Trader Joe's and ended up really liking it. It has a very distinct taste that people either like or don't like.

    OMG....yes! I have notice the Halloween merchandise in stores already. But you know me, I LOVE fall and can't wait for it to get here so we can move past this summer. I'm over all the heat and humidity. I can' wait to wear light jacket when I'm outside and not sweat.

    Bring on FALL!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic week so far!

    X

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  19. Ron, I wanted to stop back to let you know that when hubby and I went shopping this morning, we picked up a tricolor bag of quinoa at Trader Joe's. We're going to try making in either tonight or tomorrow night for dinner. I'll let you know how we like it!

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  20. That's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Listen, here's a link that I shared with two other people on this thread that will give you some great options/recipes for quinoa. Hope you find it helpful!

    https://www.budgetbytes.com/?s=quinoa

    X

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  21. Ron, you make such a great Pig Pen! I tried quinoa mixed in salads a few times because the salads came already made. I forget where I got them, but I honestly didn't notice much in the way of taste. Someone told me it was an excellent protein, so that's why I got it. I've never made it, so I don't have any feedback on how messy it is. But I can see why it would be because it's so tiny.

    Although Good For You, Quinoa is Sneaky, Vengeful, and Evil! (not to mention: A HOT MESS) LOL!!

    Have a great weekend!

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  22. This was a fun post, Ron. Admittedly, I have only tried quinoa a few times and liked it best when i was NOT the one preparing it. It does get all over everything! But then so does cauliflower rice, which I really enjoy making from a head of cauliflower. Maybe I will give the quinoa another try at home one day soon.
    Thanks for the comment on my post today which talked about the Cole Porter Song, let's Do It. yes, I have seen the film, DeLovely, but you were off on the male lead who was Kevin Kline (not Robert Klein). I have also seen the. Have you seen the biopic that starred Cary Grant as Cole Porter, which was my choice and I think it's called Night and Day.

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  23. Hey Ron, I'm almost glad I never tried the stuff. It's good for an entertaining your readers, though.
    Hope you are well, my friend.

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  24. Thanks, Daniel! And especially whenever I eat quinoa. HA!

    That's how I started eating as well. It was in a pre-made spinach salad that I got at Trader Joe's for lunch one day because I saw a guy I worked with eating it in our break room. I ended up really liking it because I could mix it into so many things, but DAMN...is it ever messy!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrreat weekend!

    X

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  25. Hey there D!

    " I have only tried quinoa a few times and liked it best when i was NOT the one preparing it. It does get all over everything! But then so does cauliflower rice, which I really enjoy making from a head of cauliflower."

    Yes....you are absolutely right about cauliflower rice because I've eaten that as well. Trader Joe's has it already made in a bag in their produce section. But I've also made it from cauliflower stalks.

    " I have seen the film, DeLovely, but you were off on the male lead who was Kevin Kline (not Robert Klein)."

    HA! OMG..you're right!!! And it's funny because that's not the first time I got the two of them mixed up. They are both such wonderful actors.

    Yes, I did see the biopic with Cary Grant as Cole Porter, eons ago. LOVED it! But then again, I was a HUGE fan of Cary Grant. In fact, I've shared several posts on this blog about him.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  26. OMG....hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo there, Valerie! It is soooooooooooo great to see you! I was thinking about you yesterday. In fact, I stopped by your blog, just to see if it was still there, and it was.

    Hope all is well with you, dear friend. And please know how much you are missed and loved!

    X

    P.S. Hope Charlie is doing well too!

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  27. Huh. I can't say I've ever notice quinoa doing the escapee thing. I like it, and use it a fair amount, but when I'm pressed for time I almost always grab the farro (also from Trader Joe's). It cook sin no time and beefs up a stew nicely.

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  28. WOW....lucky you! Somehow when I prepare it and eat it, it literally flies all over the room!

    OMG, i LOVE farro as well! Don't ya just love Trader Joe's? You can pretty much get everything there, and the products they sell are less expensive than anywhere else I shop.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend! Hope you had a fabulous Sunday up at your property. The weather was GORGEOUS today!

    X

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  29. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, September 01, 2020

    Ha ha! I do like quinoa, but one kind is nicer than the other and I can never remember which one is less bitter and so always end up with the bitter one. Bitter and messy! LOL!

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  30. You're right, it can have a bitter taste. For me personally, that's why I'm partial to the tricolored one because it contains all three colors. Plus (and I know this sounds silly), but I like the way it looks. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is going well with work. As I shared, I too have been very involved with my new job at the moment. We launch the site this month and I'm so excited!

    X

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  31. Bwahahahah! This made me laugh. It's a good thing I didn't have a mouthful of quinoa. Hot Mess doesn't really sound like it does the food justice. I think I'll look for my protein in other places. Cooking and enjoying meals should not be this challenging! Thanks for the mid-week giggle. X

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  32. "I think I'll look for my protein in other places. Cooking and enjoying meals should not be this challenging!"

    Yes, you're right! And there are so many other ways to get your protein.

    Glad you had a giggle, my friend!

    X

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