Cinnamon Raisin Quinoa

 After becoming gluten free and vegan, my favorite breakfast quickly became quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, the Super Grain. It has complete protein profile providing all of the essential amino acids, and is packed with calcium, iron, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, B1, B2, B6 vitamins, zinc, Vitamin E, and folate. 3 ounces of quinoa have a whopping 14g of protein. It is the perfect comfort food to start your day, balance out a meal, or top off your meal as a dessert.

This tastes like a bowl of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies, but much healthier!

1 Cup Quinoa

2 Cups filtered water

Directions:

1. Soak 1 cup of quinoa 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to rid it of the bitter outer coating. Use a cheesecloth to strain it if your sieve might allow the grains to slip through.

2. Add 2 cups of water and the quinoa to medium saucepan and bring to boil, then reduce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Add (generous amounts) vegan 'margarine', Cinnamon, sweetener, and the raisins to each bowl/serving as desired.

4 Tbsp. Earth Balance vegan margarine
1 tsp. Cinnamon
2-3 Tbsp. Evaporated Cane Juice or sweetener of choice

1/4 Cup Raisins  (organic if possible!)

4. Enjoy warm! My family loves quinoa so much that I constantly keep cooked quinoa in the 'fridge, ready to add cinnamon, margarine, and sweetener and warm up as a hot breakfast, or combine into a refreshing cool salad with other ingredients. Quinoa is a great filler to use in recipes calling for rice or pasta.