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Recipe: Thai Chicken and Quinoa

11/30/2014

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I have to say that this is one of my favorite dishes - it's quick, easy, and healthy! The key is the sauce; for the vegetables, I just use what I have in my fridge. This time, I used only carrots, but I've found that adding things with a nice crunch, like bell peppers, works well. The best part is that this recipe is great as a packed lunch. Beforehand, I prepare and store the quinoa, vegetables, chicken, and sauce separately, and just toss everything together the day of. 

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 chicken thighs
  • 2/3 cup carrots
  • 1/3 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup green onions
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp creamy peanut butter
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • juice of 1/2 lime (opt)

Let's Get Started!

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1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Chicken stock can be used in place of water if desired.
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2. Dice and cook the chicken thighs.
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3. Mix the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, coconut milk, sugar, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and lime juice in a large salad bowl.
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4. Add the cooked quinoa to the sauce, and mix well.
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5. Chop the carrots, green onions, and almonds.
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And You're Done!

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Smile c:
~michelle
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DIY: Double Cable Skullcap

11/19/2014

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It might not be cool enough here in SoCal to wear beanies just yet, but I'm getting ready for when it is by knitting like crazy! I brought so much yarn with me - and this fall, I plan off experimenting with as many different patterns and techniques as I can. I started off with some basic cable practice - the double cable (AKA horseshoe cable).

Please note that C#F refers to bringing the cable towards the knitter (to the inside of the hat). C#B refers to bringing the cable away from the knitter (to the outside of the hat).

Materials:

Yarn: 
Loops and Threads Cozy Wool Size 6

Needles: 
US 11 circular
US 13 circular
US 13 straight x 4

Let's Get Started!

Using US 11 circular needle, cast on 56 sts.
1-5 rnd: *K1. P1* 
6 rnd: *K1. inc 1 st in next st (P)* = 84 sts
Switch to US 13 circular needle. Switch to US 13 straight needles when needed.
1 rnd: *P2. K12*
2 rnd: *P2. C6F. C6B*
3-7 rnd: *P2. K12*
8 rnd: *P2. C6F. C6B*
9 rnd: *P2tog. K12* = 78 sts
10-13 rnd: *P1. K12*
14 rnd: *P1. C6F. C6B* 
15 rnd: *P1. (K2tog. K1)4 times* = 54 sts
16-19 rnd: *P1. K8*
20 rnd: *P1. C4F. C4B*
21 rnd: *P1. (K2tog)4 times* = 30 sts
22 rnd: *P1. K4*
23 rnd: *P1. (K2tog)2 times* = 18 sts
24 rnd: *P1. K2tog* = 12 sts
Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. 

And You're Done!

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Smile c:
~michelle
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Too Little Time...

11/15/2014

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Whew! The busiest time of the semester has hit, and as usual, there are too many things too little time to finish it all. I apologize for being MIA for almost two weeks - too many exams, papers, and sicknesses.

However, I have not neglected the upcoming holiday season - my Christmas tree is up, and there are string lights everywhere! I've also been named the "friend who is too excited for Christmas". But that also means lots and lots of holiday recipes and DIY's, yay!

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And remember, it's never too early for Christmas music!

Smile c:
~michelle
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    Michelle Zhao

    A Geek with a Dream is my personal collection of inspiration. There are DIY project ideas, recipes, beauty and fashion tips, personal photographs, and random thoughts. Enjoy and always remember to smile c:

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