Dear Hilary...

...when you come back for supper again, I want to make this for you: Quinoa Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms and Fennel recipe courtesy of Amy Scattergood, LA Times 2 cups quinoa 1 quart water Salt 1/4 cup peanut oil 5 cloves of garlic, smashed 2 cups thinly sliced fennel (about 1 large bulb) 2 cups sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms 1 cup sliced spring onions, both white and green parts (about 1 small bunch) 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1/2 cup toasted, salted cashews (optional) 4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 4 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro Finely grated* zest and juice of 1 lime 1. Rinse the quinoa under cool running water, then drain well with a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer (the grains are very small and will slip through a coarse strainer). Heat your wok (or wide-bottomed saucepan) over medium-high heat and toast the quinoa, shaking the pan frequently, just until the grains dry, are just beginning to color and have a nutty aroma -about 4 minutes. Set aside in a bowl. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the quinoa with a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook the quinoa until the grains are translucent and tender and the germ has spiraled out from the grain, 12 to 15 minutes (be careful not to overcook). Remove from heat, drain and set aside. 3. Meanwhile, heat the wok again over high heat. Add the peanut oil and heat until it just begins to simmer. Stir in the garlic and fry, stirring constantly, just until the garlic is golden, about 30 seconds (the garlic can burn quickly). Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon, keeping the oil in the pan, and set aside. 4. Add the fennel to the oil and fry, stirring or tossing frequently, until it is caramelized, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oil and set aside. Add the shiitakes to the oil and stir-fry until caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir the spring onions in with the mushrooms and continue to stir-fry just until the onions begin to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and vinegar to the mixture and stir or toss to combine, then remove from heat. 5. In a large bowl, gently toss the quinoa with the warm shiitake-green onion mixture, the fennel, garlic, cashews, parsley, cilantro, lime zest and juice. Season to taste with additional salt if desired and serve immediately. *I get to use my new favourite tool -a microplane. No more shaving off my knuckles or fingers. It's excellent and finely grates to perfection.