Clear away the fog of what to make for breakfast by starting with a base of easy to cook quinoa. Try this delicious food to reveal a whole new world of hearty and healthy breakfast options for you and your family to enjoy.

Quinoa, actually a seed not a grain, is valued as a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. What perfect balance! Quinoa is also high in fiber as well as being a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin E. Also, for those searching for gluten free grains, look no further. This is a tasty alternative to rice based dishes in case you are in a rut.
Being quite versatile, quinoa provides a yummy fresh take on breakfast. You can add a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and in season fruit to provide long lasting energy all morning.

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
pinch of sea salt
3 tbsp local honey

-optional toppings
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup fresh organic blue berries or strawberries
1 banana
1 cup organic yogurt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp ground flax seed
2 dash’s of vanilla
soy, rice or almond milk

Directions
• Rinse quinoa for several minutes under running water in a mesh strainer or swish around in a bowl to remove bitter tasting saponins on seed coat.
• Bring water and sea salt to boil in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon and nutmeg. You can substitute soy milk for water for a creamier texture.
• Stir in the quinoa, cover, and reduce heat and simmer until all of the water/milk is absorbed and the grains pop open and appear translucent, 15 minutes, or so.
• Remove from heat and let it cool down; chill or serve warm.
• Divide quinoa evenly into bowls and top with a selection of the toppings suggested below.

Mix and match your toppings. Try the combo’s below or come up with your own.
• Drizzle honey over quinoa. Add yogurt, and top with fresh berries and ground flax seeds
• Mix a few dashes of vanilla into yogurt and dollop on top of quinoa. Sprinkle with walnuts, sliced banana and fresh strawberries
• Add Yogurt topped with mixed berries and ground flax seeds

Enjoy! I’d love to hear what you think about eating Quinoa for breakfast. Write to me and tell me what your favorite toppings are!