Chocolate and Red Chili Quinoa

by Kitchen Shaman | Sep 23, 2015 | Entree, Recipes

Chocolate and chilies, as we’ve discovered, go together. I’ve played with this dessert aspect in a chili chocolate mousse and there are several chocolate bars on the market that celebrate the marriage of these two foods, but what about the savory realm? There isn’t much documentation that states the Aztecs combined chocolate in their main dishes. Chocolate was a drink not an ingredient to be added to food.

I decided to experiment with the combination in the savory realm. I took quinoa (from South America) and added chilies and chocolate (from Central America and Mexico). The heat of the chilies plays off the chocolate and binds into the quinoa bringing a bite of contrast to your mouth.

Quinoa Waffles to Inspire Your Brunch

by Kitchen Shaman | Aug 20, 2014 | Breakfast, quinoa, Recipes

Quinoa is a super food that has been consumed by the Incan, Mayan and Aztec populations for thousands of years. There are over 150 varieties, but only a few that are fit for human consumption. Originally grown in the Andes, quinoa has made its way up into the US, where I have happily discovered many of its uses. My job at the big resort taught me at least 100 different ways to prepare this nutty, earthy ingredient. What they didn’t teach me about is quinoa flour.

This flour has quickly become a staple in our house. Of course I had to find a suitable waffle recipe.

Play with Your Food: Eggplant & Zucchini Towers

by Kitchen Shaman | Oct 4, 2011 | Entree, Recipes, Vegan Mofo

Lately I've been on a kick with making Veggie, or Eggplant Towers. Don't ask me why, it just came to me. I used to make them when I worked in Banquets a few years back, but I lacked the level of inspiration I have now. Inspiration led me to add Quinoa and Daiya Mozzerella style Cheese.

King Quinoa Cooking Class: Seasoned Quinoa Cakes

by Kitchen Shaman | Sep 14, 2011 | Cooking Classes, Entree, quinoa, Recipes

Recipe for Seasoned Quinoa Cakes, featured in the King Quinoa Cooking Class, by the Kitchen Shaman.

King Quinoa Cooking Class: Quinoa Breakfast Cereal

by Kitchen Shaman | Sep 14, 2011 | Breakfast, Recipes

This hot quinoa cereal is a fast, hot breakfast to get you going in the mornings. It's a great alternative to oatmeal. I featured this recipe in a recent cooking class.

King Quinoa Cooking Class Recipes

by Kitchen Shaman | Sep 14, 2011 | Cooking Classes, Recipes

These are some photos from the King Quinoa Cooking Class I held at Luci's Healthy Marketplace. The class was a roaring success, and everyone loved the food. I've provided the recipes on this website, and I hope you give them all a try. If you would like to learn how to cook great vegan food using professional culinary techniques, please contact me, I am available for private lessons, and chef demos.

King Quinoa Cooking Class is a Success!

by Kitchen Shaman | Sep 12, 2011 | Cooking Classes, Recipes

I had the greatest time with this class. There were five attendees, four in a birthday party, and a fellow who wants to learn how to cook. Everyone was in a good mood, and were surprised that they were going to get to eat. They thought they had come just to watch. The food was a success based on the attendee's immediate reactions. And I was able to pass on some invaluable knowledge and skills.

A Recipe a Day: Sonoran Quinoa Cakes

by Kitchen Shaman | Aug 4, 2010 | Entree, quinoa, Recipes

I've been on a culinary quest to make good food even better. Of course starting out with quality ingredients is a key element in cooking. But what can make your food even better then what it is? Technique. In this recipe I sweat the peppers, onion, and garlic before adding them to the quinoa. The trick is then to add salt to the vegetables that are sweating. This brings out more of the natural flavor in the vegetables.

Personal Chef Time

by Kitchen Shaman | May 18, 2007 | Perspective

I had the opportunity and the time to create a special dinner for a friend's birthday. And here's what I created. The Menu:

Quinoa fruit Cakes Tofu and vegetable skewers marinated in a fresh herb vinaigrette Grilled/smoked zucchini and squash Micro green, jicama, and strawberry salad, complemented with a toasted cumin lime vinaigrette

Tag: quinoa