Vegetable stock.  When I’m out of stock, I’m out of sorts.  I use it for nearly EVERYTHING.  A slight exaggeration,  yes.   But only slight.

My husband says that people at work comment that his food always smells so good.

It’s the stock.

A good vegetable stock does take time and effort.  But please believe me — it’s worth every second  you spend making it.  And,  if you make a large batch, you’ll have enough to last you a month or so.

In Fall and Winter, I fortify my stock by adding  strengthening herbs and veggies  – including Astragalus root, burdock, and gogi berries.   It’s like a magical healing potion when used in a miso soup.

And, believe it or not, when you drink a glass of this potent elixir, you might just conquer your sugar cravings and bust your fatigue.  All this, and so delicious.

Following is the recipe I use.  Sometimes I can’t find all the ingredients.  Sometimes I am lazy and I only use some of the ingredients.  It doesn’t really matter.   Just find a combination that works for you.  Keep in mind that cruciferous and soft veggies don’t work well.

Use Organic veggies for your stock – it will taste better, and be better for you.  ENJOY!

Energizing  Vegetable Stock

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
6 onions, coarsely chopped, skin and all
8 medium-large carrots coarsely chopped
2-3 leeks, washed & coarsely chopped
1 head celery, coarsely chopped
2 turnips,  coarsely chopped
2 parsnips, coarsely chopped
1 bulb celeriac  (celery root) peeled & chopped (optional)
½ bunch parsley, washed and chopped
10 black peppercorns
2 strips Kombu seaweed
2 sprigs thyme
1-2 gallons spring water, or to cover

1. In a large stock pot, heat oil.  Add onions, leeks and celery.  Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until vegetables have softened.
2. Add remaining vegetables.  Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 more minutes.
3. Add water, herbs and kombu.  Bring to a boil and skim off foam.
4. Simmer, partially covered for 1 – 1 ½ hours.  Let cool slightly and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Pour and store in quart-sized containers. Freeze most of it, refrigerating only what you will use in the next week.  When freezing, be sure to leave a couple of inches of room in jar for expansion.

Questions or comments?  Post your comments below.

Quinoa -- You'll love this ancient power seed.

I’ve been eating a lot of quinoa lately.   It started when I cooked up a couple of extra batches for a gluten-free bean burger recipe I was testing for a client.  I had plenty of leftovers to play with.  So, I did.

I love quinoa.  It’s so easy.  The cooking method is similar to brown rice, but much quicker.   I cook it in home-made vegetable stock instead of water.  Delicious.  Then, I use it pilaf-style, stir-fry style, or plain as a side dish.

My new favorite breakfast is quinoa, eggs, and kimchi.  ( I’ll write about kimchi another time. )

Besides delighting my taste buds, Quinoa fuels my energy.  It’s slightly alkaline – which means it’s not an energy drag.  It’s easy to digest, and it promotes balanced blood sugar.  And, it is considered to be a complete protein.   So, it’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

A tiny little grain (actually  a seed) – with so much to give.  Ancient Incans considered it as valuable as gold.   They used to increase the strength and stamina of their warriors.

So, you may ask, how do I make it? It’s easy, but there’s a trick to avoid the bitter flavor it can have.   Here’s a basic recipe.

BASIC  EASY QUINOA

1½ cups quinoa, rinsed with boiling water, drained in a fine mesh sieve
2  cups water or vegetable stock
Pinch of salt

1.       Rinse the quinoa in boiling water. This will help remove the bitter outer-coating.

2.       In a heavy-bottomed stock pot, bring water or vegetable stock to a boil.

3.       Add quinoa.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer.

4.       Cook over low heat for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Fluff with a fork.

If you want my recipe for quinoa pilaf, email me at marian@goodfoodsolutions.com for a free recipe.

And, share this with anyone you think might want to try quinoa.

Questions  about quinoa?  Do you have a favorite quinoa recipe?   Let me know.  Post your comments below.