Rebecca Eichenberger is first up for today’s challenge.  Today’s TCL Kitchen Challenge has the added component of doing an actual live segment on the show.  Rebecca prepared Quick-n-Easy Quinoa.

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
5 cloves of minced or chopped or sliced garlic (or however much you like) Two handfuls of pinenuts
5-8 asparagus spears
1/2 package of feta cheese

Directions:
Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

In a small skillet, toast the pinenuts on medium heat for about 5 minutes, tossing them occasionally.  You can smell when they are ready.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat.  Add the garlic and saute for a minute or two.  Add the asparagus and saute for another minute or two. (You can add a sprinkle of salt and pepper now if you like)  Mix in the cooked quinoa, and let the mixture get to know each other for a minute or two, stirring it around.  Add the pinenuts and remove from heat.  Stir in the cheese and serve immediately.  Or let it cool down and serve it cold.  Add any thing else you wish, change it up, this dish is so versatile!  Garnish with a lemon wedge, if you like.