Mio Review

So I found some Mio and got a couple of flavors to try...Sweet Tea and Fruit Punch. I like that it's in a squeeze bottle and I can add how much or how little I want. That would be nice; sometimes I just don't want full strength. I think this would be easier to keep in my purse so I can squirt some into a bottle of water at the zoo or just a glass of water at someone's house. I know I can do that with Crystal Light, but then you're wasting the rest of the package. I'm just too cheap to do that. After all, the more money I spend on food and drink, the less I can spend on yarn! LOL!

Okay, so there are reasons to get Mio. So now...how's it taste? The bottle says to put 1 squeeze into 8 ounces of water. That was a little strong for me. I kept adding water until I liked it so I figure that I like about half strength. FYI: I like full strength Crystal Light. I like the taste; it's a lighter taste, maybe a little sweeter taste than Crystal Light.

It costs more than Crystal Light, so you'll have to judge it on taste and convenience. Am I going to give up my Crystal Light? No. But I will carry a Mio in my purse when I'm out and about. Being able to stop and get a glass of water at a drive-thru sounds awfully convenient to me. Surprisingly, the commissary carries it (WHAT!?!) and it's quite a bit cheaper than a civilian store, so if you can shop at the commissary, get it there.

Steamed Broccoli

Okay, now don't just quickly scroll over this recipe! Caught you just in time, didn't I? I, too, have always thought broccoli was totally disgusting. Didn't even like the smell, especially if it was steamed. Then I had it roasted. Whoo boy! That stuff was good! Then I started thinking about how to steam broccoli so that I would like it. I mean, it's just so darned good for you, it's a shame so many of us don't like it. I bought a bag of fresh, cut up broccoli at the grocery store a week or so ago meaning to roast some. Just never got around to it...you know how that goes. I decided to try steamed broccoli with my chicken for lunch. D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s! Here's what I did.

Steamed Broccoli

2 ounces fresh broccoli florets

salt, to taste

Tony Chachere's, to taste

Take out your handy dandy microwave steamer (or whatever kind you have) and put a little water in the bottom. Place broccoli in the steamer basket. Sprinkle a little salt and some Tony Chachere's, put the lid on and pop into the microwave for about 3 minutes. Less time if you like yours al dente. I'm from the South; we cook our veggies to death! "If it ain't hangin' limp from the fork, it ain't cooked 'nouf!" My broccoli was not hanging limp, but wasn't al dente either! Try different seasonings until you find one you love on steamed broccoli. Have fun! Play with your food!!!

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

So you just got invited to a barbeque and you've been asked to bring a pasta side dish. Hmmm...you're supposed to cook something you don't get to eat? Ha! I don't think so!!! I've been making this salad for a while and was really surprised when I noticed that I haven't posted it yet. It's good when you first make it, but if you can, make it the day before or even that morning for dinner. The flavors blend so deliciously if it's allowed to sit in the fridge for a while!

Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) is actually a seed, but a lot of people think it's a grain, so who am I to tell them different? You can find it in just about any grocery store now. One brand is Red Mill, another is Ancient Harvest. It seems that every store puts quinoa in a different place, so if you don't find it in the health food sections with the grains, try the "gourmet" area. Or pretend you're me and have a clerk find it for you. That'll teach 'em for not putting a product where I think it should go! LOL!

FYI - This is another recipe that lets you decide how much of certain ingredients you want to use. For instance, if you don't care for corn, don't put much, or any. Substitute...play with your food!

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa (red quinoa is great in this salad, but more difficult to find)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
frozen corn (you can defrost if you want to, but not necessary)
frozen sliced sweet peppers (can use fresh)
Roasted Red Pepper Italian Dressing (or any other Italian dressing)

Follow the package directions for cooking the quinoa. The ratio is 2:1 water to quinoa, so you can make as much or as little as you like. When it's all cooked, the package usually says to fluff and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. I don't want any of my cheese to melt, so my quinoa sits in the freezer to get nice and chilled. When the quinoa is chilled, add the rest of the ingredients except the dressing, and stir. At this point the quinoa is still able to absorb a little liquid and you don't want dry quinoa salad, so pour in a little more dressing than you think you really need. By the time you're ready to serve, it will be all absorbed and just right. Stir, fluff, and serve!

Well, it's tomorrow and I glanced at this and realized that I didn't include a photo! I'll just have to make it again really really soon so I can take a picture! Darn!!! LOL!