Hop or Pop into Your Local Library, Tofu Quinoa Salad, and the Amazing Teether: Sophie the Giraffe

I can't remember the last time I read "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss before this past week, but it's one of the favorites I picked up at the library this month. The beauty of the book is its simplicity, and how it uses beginning words and words that rhythm with them to help teach early talkers new words. The pictures that accompany the story are simple too, but they are also fun, so they manage to keep kids' interest.

Also, try giving your public library a go to keep your child's library stocked with something "new." It's also a great way to find out what books your child really enjoys before purchasing anything. I go about every month, and my daughter is always excited to tear into (hopefully not literally) the books I bring home.

Recipe:

Quinoa & Tofu Salad

EatingWell first published this recipe in the summer of 2007. Somehow it made it onto my plate this weekend, and boy was it good. Quinoa is a great source of protein, 12-14 grams in one serving, and in salads its easy to substitute for rice. Make sure to get organic bell pepper since it's high on the dirty dozen list, and although yellow will look prettier, any fall color will taste good.

5-6 servings

Ingredients
2 cups water
3/4 tsp. salt, divided
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 package baked Teriyaki flavored tofu, diced
1 small organic yellow (or orange, or red) bell pepper, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

1. Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the cooled quinoa, tofu, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint; toss well to combine.

Check out the Lemony Red Quinoa Salad for more quinoa salad ideas.

Product:

Sophie the Giraffe

At first glance Sophie doesn't look like anything very special, but her ability to soothe and win the heart of teething babies is unmatched. She's been in France for 50 years, but it seems only now Americans are really discovering her. Among Sophie's adoring qualities is the fact that she is made from natural rubber, and is colored with food dyes. Also, her design makes her easy to carry (long thin neck), and offers a fountain of chewing options, including her four legs, two ears, two horns, and snout. She's not cheap at $20 a pop, but she's well worth the cost, just make sure to keep an eye on her when you are out-and-about.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” -Emilie Buchwald