Have you tried quinoa [keen-WAH] yet? If not, you should! I discovered it a year or so ago and I love how versatile it can be. I have used it in salads, baked goods, oatmeal, and lots more! Quinoa is actually a seed but can be prepared and substituted for whole grains like rice. It is also very high in protein. You can find many different ways to cook it but here is my favorite: bring 1 cup quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil. Turn heat to low and let simmer covered about 30 minutes. Turn heat off and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. I usually make a big batch and save it in the frig to use all week.
A week or so ago I was going through my recipes trying to find some inspiration for a healthy breakfast (yes, I have those few holiday pounds to lose!) I came across this one for Cherry-Almond Quinoa Breakfast Cookies and was very intriqued! So…one dreary day this week I baked a batch and they have been my breakfast every morning! I LOVE the cherry and almond flavors together – they smell delicious baking and taste great too. They are perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.
I also love this recipe for Quinoa with Poached Egg. Spinach and Cucumber. I have eaten it for lunch three days in a row! The only change I made was to use raw spinach or mixed greens (whatever I had on hand) because I don’t like cooked spinach. So easy, fresh tasting and delicious!
Cherry-Almond Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
