Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa

I made this for breakfast this morning and it was so delicious. And, it's only 295 calories for one serving! Plus, it has 10 grams of protein.

Delicious AND healthy - my two favorite things!

Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa
(Recipe from 101 Cookbooks)
Serves 4 but I quartered it so it just made one bowl for me

According to the author of the cookbook this comes from: Low-fat soy milk may replace the low fat milk, blueberries may replace the blackberries, dark honey may replace the agave nectar, and walnuts may replace the pecans. (However, I didn't have blueberries or blackberries so I used strawberries)



1 cup organic 1% low fat milk
1 cup water
1 cup organic quinoa, (rinse quinoa)
2 cups fresh blackberries, organic preferred
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
4 teaspoons organic agave nectar, such as Madhava brand


Rinse quinoa in a sieve. Combine milk, water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. (If you are making a single size portion, just use a small saucepan and use the smallest burner on your stove). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally so the quinoa doesn't stick to the bottom of the saucepan. (Be careful because mine kept boiling over - this is not something you can leave simmering downstairs while you finish getting ready. I kept stirring it down but after several minutes, more of the liquid was absorbed so it didn't boil over any more). While the quinoa cooks, roast the pecans in a 350F degree toaster oven for 5 to 6 minutes or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Set aside. When quinoa is done, turn off heat and let stand covered 5 minutes. Stir in blackberries and cinnamon; transfer to four bowls and top with pecans. Drizzle 1 teaspoon agave nectar over each serving.

Lentil Quinoa Salad

To go along with our Hearty Whole Grain Basil Bread and Brown Butter Parmesan Chicken Penne we made a lentil quinoa salad.

Lime zest in the dressing gave the vinaigrette a bold flavor along with the fresh cilantro. It was a delicious, refreshing, summer salad!

Lentil Quinoa Salad
(Recipe from foodnetwork.com)
Serves 4

1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/4 cups water, plus 2 cups
1/2 cup lentils
1 tsp. Dijon mustgrard
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 lime, zested
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Put the quinoa in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a large microwave-proof bowl with a cover, add the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water. Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes then stir. Quinoa should be tender enough to eat, but with a little "pop" upon biting.

Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a saucepan, simmer the lentils in 2 cups water unitl the lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.

In a small bowl, whisk the mustard and vinegar together, and drizzle in the oil to make an emulsion. Add the garlic powder, lime zest, and salt and paper - to taste.

To assemble the salad: in a medium salad bowl, mix the quinoa, lentils, green oninos and cilantro. Top the salad with the dressing, toss to coat and serve. (If you have the time, let is sit - mixed together - in the fridge for 30 minutes so that the lentils and quinoa absorb the dressing).