Do you know what I've discovered over the last few years? It's that happily ever after is a pretty relative term. Happiness in its simplest form is being at peace despite the circumstances of your present situation. It's being okay with the imperfections, the mess, the not-so-happy predicaments we find ourselves in, but finding joy in the midst of it all anyway. Not in spite of it, but in it. Not a roll your eyes, grit your teeth, and pretend you're fine superficial happiness, but a sincere inner peace.

That's why I make dinner from scratch and use a slow cooker. So I don't have to waist my time standing in the kitchen preparing food all day when I have my happily ever after to enjoy.

Here's something a little different to put in place of taco night. Fiesta in a bowl! It's light, yet super filling and since this recipe makes a bunch, it's perfect to take to work the next day for a healthy lunch.

Black Bean Quinoa Fiesta
1 cup quinoa, toasted
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 15 oz.can tomato sauce
1-2 tsp. cumin
1-2 tsp. chili powder
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 lime, zest and juice
salt to taste
1 green onion, chopped

Heat a large non-stick pot and add dry quinoa. Keep the quinoa moving with a wooden spoon until it becomes fragrant.  Remove from pot and set aside.  Add bell pepper and garlic. Give it a splash of chicken broth if they start to stick.  Once peppers are slightly tender and you can really smell the garlic add remaining broth and return quinoa to the pot.  Bring to a boil then turn the heat down to medium low and add tomato  sauce, cumin and chili powder.  Stir to combine and let that simmer for another 8 minutes or so, until a good amount of the liquid is absorbed.  Add drained and rinsed beans, thawed corn, lime and salt.  Turn to low and put a lid on it until all the liquid is absorbed.  Stir in the chopped green onion.

Guacamole Salsa
 1 avocado
1 tomato, seeded
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 green onion, chopped
juice and zest of 1 lime

Cut onion, avocado and tomato (remove seeds) into chunks.  Combine dry ingredients in a small dish before sprinkling over onion, avocado and tomato mixture.  Squeeze fresh lime and zest over top and gently toss to coat.  Top Black Bean Quinoa Fiesta with a healthy scoop of Guacamole Salsa!


Enjoy!