Honey Harvest Quinoa

I think everyone knows, whether they like to admit it or not, that breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day.  I am not a licensed nutritionist, but believe me, I've read enough about food and health for all of us.  Save yourself the trouble and take my word for it - if you're trying to eat better, to lose weight, to prolong your life, to boost your immunity, any and all of the above - eat a nutritious breakfast.

Here is a great recipe for you to try this out.  It's different from the same-old cereal or oatmeal (not that there's anything wrong with cereal or oatmeal).  It takes a lovely little under-appreciated seed called quinoa and turns it into a slightly sweet, protein-packed hot cereal.  Yum!

You can play with this as much as you like - maple syrup instead of honey would be great.  Pecans or walnuts or any other nuts instead of the almonds would be great.  The original recipe used dried cranberries, but I had some gorgeous raisins on hand so I used those instead.  The quinoa is your oyster.  Or something like that.  As it is, though, the recipe is nutty and just sweet enough to be a very enjoyable breakfast indeed.

Honey Harvest Quinoa

adapted from Ellie Krieger's So Easy

serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cups quinoa, rinsed in a fine mesh strainer

1 1/4 cups water

1 small Gala apple, cored and cut into small chunks

1/4 cup skim milk

1 tablespoon honey, plus more for serving

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons unsalted butter (optional)

2 tablespoons raisins

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Put the quinoa and water in a small pot over high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer and cover.  Cook for 5 minutes.

2.  Add apple chunks and continue to cook, covered over low heat, until water is absorbed, about 10 minutes more.

3.  When the quinoa is cooked, stir in the milk, honey and cinnamon, and cook until milk is heated through, about 1 more minute.  Spoon into serving bowls and top with a bit of butter if using, along with the raisins and nuts.  Serve hot.

Enjoy!