I am a little obsessed .. there is a huge fire burning in Colorado about 50 miles away from me, and it is all I can think about.
This website has the best information on the fire, in my opinion. At this writing, the fire is up to 43,000+ acres, 118 buildings destroyed, at least 1 person confirmed dead, 500 firefighters fighting the fire, and hundreds evacuated.
My husband has been out at this fire all this week … so my concern is not only for all the firefighters and emergency personnel, but him as well! This is a picture he took on Sunday.
And this is pretty telling – a picture of the fire from a satellite flying overhead :
Crazy!!!
But back to our normally scheduled broadcast … I’m all about salads these days. Since the lettuce in my garden is not ready, I am doing some leafless salads!
I wasn’t too sure about this salad … it looked like it would turn out so red!
Well, note to self, when cooking with beets, things do turn red! In spite of the red color, it turned out pretty good! I love dishes where I can incorporate beets … sometimes when I get beets, they just sit while I figure out what to do with them! Shredding them makes them cook quickly, and kind of hides them in the salad … although since the salad is bright red, I don’t think they are hiding very well!
Quinoa Beet Salad
Adapted from Oprah.com
Print this recipe!
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 medium beet, peeled and shredded
2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cucumber, chopped
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
salt/pepper to taste
Place the quinoa in a medium sized pan, and add 4 cups water. Add in the shredded beets. Cook over medium heat until the water is absorbed – about 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Meanwhile mix the dressing – balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. Whisk well to combine. Add the cucumber and tomatoes to the quinoa mixture, and pour the dressing over the salad. Stir will to mix. Add salt/pepper to taste.
Add in the walnuts. Serve warm or cold.
Happy hump day!
This is linked to Allergy Free Wednesday and Whole Foods Wednesday.
I pray that all will be safe, Jane. Beautiful salad. You managed to make beets look appetizing!
Jane recently posted..A ROSEY WORLD
Thank you
Yes, it has been very tragic — if you have a chance, check out this link: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/06/08/10-years-later-many-hayman-fire-victims-reside-in-burn-area/ — this is a story my husband photographed, talking about the Hayman fire from 10 years ago, and how some people turn bitter, and others thankful. The couple in the bottom of the article – The Ronks – made such an impression on my husband, he has become friends with them, and I might get the chance to meet them! Good people — it just goes to show life – the good and the bad – can either make you bitter or blessed 
To think that someone that works for the forest service set that fire just makes me shudder. We’ve had a major forest fire to our north this year. I often think what would happen around here, there’s two state parks and a national forest all within a few miles. We’ve been lucky. The woods are beautiful but I guess there’s danger even in the most bucolic of places. But at the end of the day, I’ll take my chances here rather than live in a concrete jungle!
Jane recently posted..A ROSEY WORLD
Sending thoughts and prayers to everyone being affected by the fires. It’s very frightening to see the vastness of the fires. I hope your husband remains safe.
Aimee recently posted..Friend Makin’ Mondays: Bedroom Habits
Thank you so much Aimee — he said the fire area is pretty much closed off — he can’t even get close to it, so that makes me feel better! Just the smoke in the air is crazy!!! Even though I am 50+ miles from the fire, yesterday I was wearing a mask outside because the smoke is just so intense! I just am continually praying for the people affected .. I can only imagine what it would be like to lose everything!
Scary fire, hope everyone stays safe, especially your husband!
Jacky recently posted..First week is on the books.
Thanks Jacky — coming from IL, forest fires to me are just unheard of — but being in CO now, they are pretty normal for this time of year! Just sad when people die and lose everything.
I am actually drawn in by the gorgeous color of your salad. I hope your husband stays safe. Fire is unpredictable, so stay tuned to your radio or television. It has a ways to go before it can directly affect you, but it is scary nonetheless. Take care. Blessings…Mary
Mary recently posted..Chicken Pilaf
Thank you Mary! The salad is very colorful! And so were my hands after cutting the beets! lol The fire is very scary, I have great respect for all the men and women fighting this blaze. I hope everyone remains safe!
Here’s hoping lots of rain comes your way soon! and that salad looks and sounds mighty yummy.
Living in AZ we are always watching wild fires also. My in laws have a home in the mountains and many friends that live there, so it is always so scary. I hope your husband stays safe and I hope for rain or some luck in their fight.
Rhonda recently posted..The Best Thing I Ever Ate – Cupcakes
Thanks Rhonda, it is scary
We have a house in the mountains too, so you never know. Mother Nature can have a mind of her own! While I’m sure it doesn’t make anyone feel better, at least this fire was lightening caused, and not human caused.
Haha, yup, beets end up being a pretty darn difficult item to “hide.” But oh, they are so good. I can’t wait for the ones in my garden to be ready! Although, they’re struggling a bit so I’m trying not to get too excited.
Scary fires, I hope everyone stays safe!
Allie recently posted..New York Part One: The Adventures
ahhh poor beets. Yeah, I don’t think mine are making it either, booo!!! I had so many beets last year, it was so fun to see them grow!
I knew beets wouldn’t grow well here, but I was determined to try anyway! I still might get a few stunted ones, I haven’t completely given up yet.
Allie recently posted..New York Part Two: The Food
I’m obsessed with that fire also. I’ve been checking Channel 7′s website and do so every two hours. I appreciate the website you’ve given us here. I found out today our company is donating dollars to the Humane Society and the Red Cross. It’s just awful.
Lea Ann recently posted..The CZAR’S Pinot Szechuan Sauce, Grilled Chicken Wings
I know, it keeps growing and growing. Today my hubby is up on the NW side of the fire, by Red Feather Lakes and Boy Scout Ranch … far far away.
Jane this is a salad for ME! Quinoa, beets, AND walnuts?! My favs!
Love you girl
Meg recently posted..WIAW: Sweet and Simple Snack
yay!