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Crazy for Quinoa: A Team Member Pick

By Value Guru, January 22, 2013  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Value Guru

When asked about how to get more for less, team members will point out our 365 Everyday Value® line. From whole grain flours and shade-grown coffee to organic milk and multivitamins for kids, all 365 Everyday Value® products are formulated to meet all our quality standards and have value prices every day of the year.

Team Member LovieTeam Member Pick

Each team member has a favorite 365 Everyday Value® product. Luckily Lavinia Tabitha Hurd a.k.a. “Lovie,” Culinary Demo Specialist in Westport, CT, and team member since 2010, is happy to share hers.

How did you come to your position at Whole Foods Market? I wanted to try something new that my creative side would enjoy. With the vast cooking experience I gained from my Jamaican parents, from being a mother of three and wife to a husband who loves to eat, I courageously applied.

365 Organic QuinoaWhy is Organic Quinoa your favorite 365 Everyday Value® product? Once I tasted this ancient grain, I quickly fell in love and had to share it with my family. I introduced it to them in a traditional way by preparing the Jamaican dish rice and peas (beans). I cook it in boiling water, coconut milk, thyme, salt and green onion. They also fell in love…score!

Go With The Grain

Lovie isn’t alone in her love for quinoa. This ancient grain is a long-time favorite of team members and shoppers alike. If you’re new to quinoa, let’s get down to the basics. First things first, it’s pronounced KEEN-wah and is a high-protein, gluten-free ancient grain that cooks much like rice and has a texture similar to couscous (think simple and quick!). Find our step-by-step instructional Learn to Cook: Quinoa and a slew of recipes online.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this whole grain goodness.

Quinoa with Roasted Veggies Beef and Quinoa Meatballs

Quinoa with Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries and Almonds

If time- and money-saving meal strategies are always a top pick with you, pick up the current issue of The Whole Deal® value guide in stores or check it out online. Feast on $53 in coupons, 18 Sure Deals, 10 new budget-friendly recipes, a daily meal planner and plenty of money-saving tips – including the inside scoop on the tastiest products for less!

What’s your favorite fast and easy way to enjoy quinoa?

Category: Value - Whole Deal, Food & Recipes, Grocery
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6 Comments

Comments

Vianne De Young says ...
I just want to thank whole foods for being absolutely the best grocer in the industry. I always find the freshest organic and conventional produce, natural meats, breads and more and even though other grocery chains try to keep up with increasing demand for these items they can't come close. I find the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful. I will always excitedly share my love for whole foods!
01/22/2013 7:46:08 AM CST
rose says ...
Isn't quinoa a seed and not a grain?
01/22/2013 8:00:47 AM CST
Ashley Simone says ...
Love quinoa. My favorite way to use quinoa is to cook with curry and cayenne , chill and then add garbanzos, dried cranberries, carrots, and green onions. http://www.foodgasmtheblog.com/2012/07/quinoa-for-dummies.html
01/22/2013 11:00:39 AM CST
FoodieFood says ...
This is my favorite 365 Everyday Value product too! I typically prepare it with chicken breast, small red beans, and my homemade chili-lime sauce. Last Easter, I had to throw together a healthy dessert for company at the last minute. Unsure how it would turn out, I made a pudding with quinoa and almond milk, then topped it with almonds and blueberries. Everyone liked it!
01/22/2013 3:26:29 PM CST
barbara says ...
Would Lavinia like to share her recipe? It sounds amazing!! Would love to give it a whirl!
01/25/2013 1:23:36 PM CST
Norma says ...
I also cooked quinoa Jamaican style. I love it well seasoned with Jamiacan spices and it is just wonderful, especailly for someone who is looking for gluten-free recipes. I cook it with all kinds of Jamaican peas and bean, curry and callaloo. Just wonderful, I might say.
04/03/2013 12:11:05 PM CDT