appetizers

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sweet Breakfast Quinoa


Quinoa is naturally loaded with protein and fiber making it a perfect nutritious start to a productive day. It has a light fluffy texture and slight nutty flavor.  It is also gluten-free.
I have to admit I never tried quinoa before and am happy I did since it opens up a lot of possibilities.

*Ingredients:
1 c. red quinoa, rinsed
2 c. water
1 Tbsp. oil (I used walnut)
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 c. dried apricots, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 c. golden raisins
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. quark (a ricotta substitute)

1. In a small saucepan, cover the quinoa with water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 15-20 minutes. Lightly fluff with a fork and cover it again.
2. In a medium skillet heat oil and add almonds. Cook over medium stirring a few times, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add apricots, raisins, maple syrup, orange zest and cinnamon and stir until heated through.
3. Add quinoa to the skillet and stir gently to mix. Top each portion with a dollop of quark.

Serves 4
*all ingredients except maple syrup are available at the Green Barn



2 comments:

  1. Hi Laura,
    This is a great blog, great recipe ideas and amazing photos. I was thinking it would be nice to get together some time. I was going to invite you over the next time I saw you at the Library but that was a few months ago! Let me know if you would like to come over or meet at the park sometime.
    Barb
    922-0848

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yum! Great breakfast idea :)

    ReplyDelete