Hands -on cooking offers a unique opportunity to engage with food on a personal level, fostering creativity and connection in the kitchen. The benefits of home cooking are manifold; it promotes healthier eating habits, as you can control ingredients and portion sizes, and it often proves more cost effective than dining out. Additionally, cooking as home encourages family bonding and helps develop essential culinary skills. Most importantly, it slows for mindfulness and enjoyment in the process, transforming meal preparation into a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Crock Pot Monday Every First Monday of the Month:

Cheesy Mexican Quinoa Casserole

1 cup water or veggie broth

▢½ cup dry quinoa

▢3 cups diced sweet potato, about 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

▢1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

▢1½ cups prepared salsa, mild, medium or hot

▢1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

▢½ small yellow onion, chopped

▢¼ cup sliced green onion + more for topping

▢¼ cup cilantro, chopped

▢2 Tablespoons taco or fajita seasoning

▢2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided

▢Toppings: Greek yogurt or cashew sour cream, avocado, green onion, cilantro

▢Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)