Get Stuffed Quinoa

It’s traditional to have bird for Christmas in our family and tradition to have bird for Thanksgiving.  A sucker for tradition I see a ton of bird in my future i’m getting creative with the stuffing.  Stand by for Dad’s Brandy Christmas stuffing, in the meantime am I nuts enough to try this Quinoa stuffing from Epicurious for Thanksgiving?  Why not.  There will be wine. 

3 bay leaves
2 cups quinoa
1/4 cup olive oil
2 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 bunches green onions, chopped
1 cup dried apricots, diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 lemon

Boil 4 cups water; season with bay leaves and salt. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until quinoa absorbs water. Remove from heat; remove bay leaves and let cool. Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp oil in a frying pan. Sauté zucchini and squash — season with salt and pepper — until slightly browned. Combine vegetables and quinoa. Drizzle on remaining 1 tbsp oil. Stir in onions, apricots, cranberries, parsley, and mint. Grate in lemon peel and squeeze on lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.