Mmmm, mmmm, cooking with Quinoa.

I have been vegetarian for almost twenty years and this is the first time I have tried this wonder food called quinoa. This is such an amazingly versitile food. It can be used as a main dish, side dish, dessert, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Not to mention it is PACKED with nutrition. This grain provides nine amino acids, is gluten free, and cholesterol free. Basically if you are a vegetarian or vegan you need to be eating this little gem.

Recently I bought a bag of quinoa at our local BJ's ( I know, but I have to shop there, I have two kids and their diapers are cheap!!!). I have been experimenting with ways to cook and eat this stuff. So far I have enjoyed it mixed with scrambled eggs. I used one egg with a splash of milk and then 1/2 cup of quinoa. Delish! I have also been using it as a side dish. I cooked up the quinoa, cooked up a mixture of veggies then finely chopped the veggies and added it to the quinoa. This is great on it's own or on top of a salad.

However, my favorite so far is the concoction I made this morning for breakfast. Here is the recipe and a picture of the lovely dish.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

2 cups of water
1 cup of quinoa
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup of fresh cranberries ( craisons also work)
1-2 tablespoons of honey ( depending on how sweet you want it)

Directions:
Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil and add in the quinoa and stir. Then add in the cranberries while the water is still boiling. Cover and simmer. When the water stops boiling add the honey ( start with one tablespoon, you can always add more once the quinoa has been cooked).

Simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts.

Serve immediately, while warm. Use fresh blueberries and raspberries as a garnish.

So there you have it. A delicious, nutritious, quick and easy meal. I hope you all enjoy!