How to Cook Teff
Have you heard of teff? This tiny unassuming whole grain has quickly become one of our favorite things to eat for breakfast. It started about a year ago as a casual flirtation with whole grains. My passing interest in the whole grain trend quickly turned into an expedition deep into whole grain territory when I decided to eliminate gluten from my diet. Using the marvelous cookbook, The Splendid Grain, as my guide into the mysterious world of whole grains, I ordered a bag of teff online. When the teff arrived I was amazed at the tiny size of each grain. It was almost like holding a bag of chestnut colored sand. In fact, teff is the smallest grain in the world. That’s right- it doesn’t get any smaller than this!
Photo of the Week – Looking for Oscar
Smoky Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili
Do you have chili on the brain? With the Superbowl fast approaching it is hard to avoid visions of steaming bowls of chili, spicy chicken wings, and cold beer. We are fair weather football fans, tuning in only once a year for the big game. But when we do watch we go all the way! Dips are made, chili is simmered, and beer is chilled. Everything is in place for an evening of cheering from the couch and generally celebrating. It is the beginning of February and we are ready for a party again.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Soup is the quintessential food of January. Salads would be the obvious choice given the upswing in dieting and healthy eating which occurs at the beginning of each new year. However when it is snowing and the air is chilled to sub-zero temperatures a cold salad is about as appealing as a cold shower. Luckily soup fits the bill nicely, providing warmth, comfort, and a healthy dose of vegetables- without the well traveled lettuce and sad winter tomatoes.