​Quinoa with Maple Beets, Garlic Scapes and Broccoli

This is a colorful side dish that is easily made ahead of time to take along for a summer picnic.

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa cooked according to package directions. Set aside in large bowl and chill.
1 head chopped broccoli florets
1⁄2 cup water
1⁄4 cup garlic scapes finely chopped
1 bunch medium beets washed and cut into small cubes
2 purple peppers diced
2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
3 Tbsp Olive Oil (divided)
Juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1⁄2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Directions: In a medium saucepan place the broccoli and water. Bring the water to a boil, as you steam the broccoli. This will take about 10 minutes. Strain the broccoli, sprinkle with salt, pepper and refrigerate, uncovered.

In a medium cast iron pan place the garlic scapes and the beets, add 1 Tbsp of oil and the maple syrup. Turn heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Increase heat to high, and cook for 30 more seconds.

Remove the beets from the heat and place on a plate to cool. Place the plate uncovered in the
refrigerator. Let the beets cool for 20 minutes. While the beets cool, chop the purple peppers. Next crumble the goat cheese and set aside.

Remove the quinoa from the refrigerator. Once the beets/broccoli have cooled toss the prepared veggies in with the quinoa. Add the goat cheese and lemon juice. As well as the remaining olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optional garnish: Sliced Almonds, Chopped