MINESTRONE SOUP WITH QUINOA

"I was able to complete the entire recipe after coming home from work. The soup had a fresh-from-the-garden taste and was nice and light while still being filling. We loved the quinoa instead of the usual pasta or noodles and it had some real substance. I changed things up for the leftovers though: We added some diced zucchini out of the garden and a big dollop of homemade basil pesto. I also had some cooked chicken in the fridge, so that went in as well, and we had a great dinner. I would call this a year-round soup, not at all heavy like those that have beef or chicken broth as a base. The recipe is very easy, fresh and would take well to various vegetable additions."

- Diana Cavey, Eldersburg, Maryland



SPAGHETTI & QUINOA GOAT-CHEESE MEATBALLS WITH ROASTED
TOMATO SAUCE

"The sauce is amazing! I used store-bought tomatoes first, but we loved the recipe so much that I used it again to make sauce with the tomatoes from my garden. I used yellow tomatoes, Roma tomatoes and Mr. Stripey heirloom tomatoes for different sauces."

- Janis Nunez, Crown Point, Indiana

"Except for goat cheese, I already had all of the recipe ingredients stocked in my pantry. It was nice that the meatballs cooked while the tomato sauce was finishing up. Meal ideas: I think the meatballs would be perfect in wedding soup or you could use the quinoa/goat-cheese mixture as a meatloaf base, too."

- Alesha Erbter, Caledonia, Michigan



SHEPHERD’S PIE WITH BUTTERMILK-CHIVE MASHED POTATO CRUST

"Shepherd’s pie is one of our family’s favorites and this version was interesting and delicious. The ingredients were easy to find and the directions were clear and easy. I did change the recipe a bit: I used 1½ pounds of potatoes and made buttermilk by adding a little vinegar to milk and letting it sit. I also added some garlic and finely chopped parsley to the potatoes. I will definitely make this dish again!"

- Jayne McGuire, Arcata, California

"The mashed potatoes make this dish! We are meat-and-potatoes people, so this was a hit in our family. When making this at home, don’t change a thing!"

- Tracy O'Day, Eldridge, Iowa

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