The Gouda Life

And you should go there too.  Plantagenet, Ontario.  An hour drive east out of Ottawa, but still a world away from the hussle and bussle of the city.  In which a place called Mariposa Farms exists and drives the capital in its search for a culinary identity.

This post is here for my friend who is now away enjoying her time on vacation.  This post is also here because I was really inspired to make something after a visit to Mariposa Farms.  After going for brunch and leaving with an armful of fresh farmgrown beets, I had to create something to keep the buzz going.  A colourful and fresh Beet salad with Quinoa, corn and edamame salsa, raspberry ginger dressing and cream cheese.  So here is how it all went down.

Salad Ingredients:

• Your favorite beets, boiled, roasted, braised. whatever feels good.
• Your favorite quinoa (boil until cooked and season to your liking. include butter for creamy texture).
• Goat cheese or cream cheese to top with
• Fresh cilantro and edible flowers for garnish
• Corn and Edemame salsa (tossed in lemon juice).

Dressing (combine all):

• Puree fresh blueberries
• Vinegar of your choice (white balsamic vinegar works best).
• Grated ginger
• Sugar to your liking
• Olive oil
• grainy mustard (optional)
• Salt/Pepper

Preparation:

1. first layer with cooked quinoa
2. Layer desired portion of beets on top of bed of quinoa
3. Sprinkle corn and edemame salsa
4. Cheese on top of beets
5. Finish with chopped cilantro and edible flowers 
6. Drizzle dressing and some olive oil around.

A great ode to fresh and local ingredients, Mariposa Farms and summer.   Thank you Gouda Life for the opportunity to post this.   Cheers!