Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps

Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps
1 1/2 c prewashed quinoa
2 1/4 c water
salt and pepper, to taste
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
1/2 c plain [greek] yogurt
1/4 c fresh mint, minced
3 T red wine vinegar
2 T fresh oregano, minced
1/2 c olive oil
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1 shallot, minced
1- 6 oz can black olives, chopped
romaine lettuce

1. Toast quinoa in a large pan over medium heat, stirring often, until quinoa is lightly toasted and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in water and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Spread quinoa out on a baking sheet to cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a blender, blend feta, yogurt, mint, vinegar, oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper until smooth. With blender running, slowly add olive oil until well mixed.
3. In a large bowl, toss quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, shallot, olives, and 2/3 cup of the dressing to coat well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place quinoa mixture in lettuce leaves and drizzle with remaining dressing.

Mint Chocolate Brownies

Mint Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Mix-
1 stick of butter
1 c water
1/2 c shortening
4 T unsweetened cocoa
Cake Mix-
2 eggs
2 c sugar
1 t cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
1/2 c buttermilk*
2 c flour
Mint Mix-
1 - 12 oz. bag mint chips
1/3 c milk
Frosting-
1 stick of butter
4 T unsweetened cocoa
6 T milk
1 t vanilla
3-4 c powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400*.
2. Place Chocolate Mix in a small sauce pan, on low, until melted and well mixed. Take off heat and set aside.
3. Mix Cake Mix in a large bowl. Add Chocolate Mix.
4. Grease and flour a cookie sheet (with 1/2" sides). Pour batter on cookie sheet, spread evenly, and bake for 22-25 minutes until it passes toothpick test.
5. Let cake cool for at least 10-15 minutes.
6. Melt Mint Mix in microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until fully melted and smooth; spread over brownies. At this point, I like to put the brownies in the freezer to cool the mint while I make the frosting.
7. Frosting: Melt butter, cocoa, and milk in a small sauce pan, on low. Take off heat, add vanilla and powdered sugar until desired consistency. Mix well; spread over brownies.

*To make "buttermilk", combine .5 c. milk with 1 T. vinegar. Mix well and let sit a few minutes before adding to recipe.