Corn and Quinoa Chowder

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup white quinoa 
  
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2 large potatoes, diced to half inch cubes
• 4 small shallots, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/4 salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Shredded cheese for garnish, optional

 Preparations:

1. Toast quinoa and cumin seeds in pot over medium-high heat, 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Heat oil in pot; add corn, then shallots, then potatos. Sauté 5 minutes, or until shallots are translucent.
3. Add broth and milk and bring to a boil. Stir in quinoa mixture and the remaining spices. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in bell pepper, cover and simmer 5 minutes, or until quinoa and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat; stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
5. Ladle into soup bowls, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges (squeeze lime juice into soup and stir before eating).

Baked, Fancy Mac And Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mini tube pasta, like rigatoni, penne, or macaroni
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese (optional, or could use ricotta)
• 8 oz grated swiss cheese (or 1 shredded bag)
• 8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

Preparations:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Boil water and prepare pasta according to directions, cooking for 3-4 minutes less than called-for time.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat (the very large one). Once hot, add in olive oil and butter, then throw in shallots. Stir to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 
3. Add flour to the skillet and whisk constantly to create a roux. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. 
4. Pour in milk, stirring continuously for another 1-2 minutes. Add all of the grated cheeses, and mascarpone if using. Stir continuously until mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat.
5. Sprinkle the top of the mixture with breadcrumbs. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.