Polenta Cakes with Porcini Mushrooms

1. Buy the round tube of polenta (all sorts of flavors exist, or just original). Slice into rounds and pan fry. That's the quick way, you can also make polenta from scratch, and it's more like a porridge.
2. Saute porcini mushrooms (or any mix of mushrooms) with some herbs and seasoning (parsley, rosemary and sage work well) in olive oil.
3. Saute spinach, red bell peppers, and onions in olive oil to serve on the side if desired. Yum!

Make Your Own Vegetable Stock

All Recipes has a nice illustrated step by step guide to this great kitchen staple.

Quinoa Pilaf with Baby Spinach, Pine Nuts and Basil

This one came from the Wild Oats kitchen so it has specific amounts and nutrition information below. I'm eager to try it out!

Quinoa Pilaf with Baby Spinach, Pine Nuts and Basil

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes, Serves: 6

2 tbsp. parve margarine or cooking oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 (10 oz.) bag baby spinach
2 c. quinoa, rinsed 3 times
4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
sea salt and ground black pepper
1/4 c. pine nuts, toasted
3 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

Heat margarine or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft. Add spinach and cook until it wilts. Add quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Stir in pine nuts and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (314g): Calories 360 (120 from fat) 13g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 5mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate, 8g dietary fiber, 3g sugars, 11g protein

Veggie and Goat Cheese Quesadilla

1. Heat 1 tortilla in a nonstick pan (add a bit of oil or spray if desired, but if you watch it carefully, NO oil is even needed).
2. Crumble goatcheese on one side and top with sweet corn (frozen from the bag just needs a minute in the microwave to thaw), diced roasted red peppers (from the jar is quick and easy) , black beans (from the can, drained) and cilantro (fresh is best, chopped).
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook about 2 minutes per side. Enjoy topped with salsa or slices of avocado.

Old Bay Grilled Steak Fries

1. Boil potatoes until tender, but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, let cool and cut each potato lengthwise into 8 slices.
2. Drizzle potatoes with oil, a pinch of salt, and a few tablespoons of the Old Bay spice rub to coat, then throw on the grill.

Just a bit more healthy than deep fried french fries, and a unique BBQ treat for your friends!

Gimme a Sammich

Some great sandwiches (with pictures!) over at All Creatures.