Quinoa Breakfast Cereal

This recipe is from the cookbook:  Cooking with all things Trader Joe's. 

By Deana Gunn and Wona Miniati

 This cookbook was a birthday gift and it is signed by Wona!~

Start with a cup of dry quinoa.    I keep a jar of mixed bulk quinoa.  This is red quinoa mixed in with normal quinoa.  Red quinoa has a higher iron content than the regular.

The recipe called for rinsed quinoa.  I have to be honest, I have never rinsed it before but perhaps I will start rinsing it from here on out. Rinse just like rice, in a fine strainer or in the pan and drain a few times until water runs clear.

Add in the water

One ripe banana.  I think next time I may actually add in 2 ripe bananas to give it that much more flavor.

Give them a quick rough chop.

Add them into the pot with the vanilla.

While it is cooking measure out your chopped nuts and dried fruit.  

I used what I had on hand, which were dried cherries and walnuts.

Add the nut/fruit mixture into the cooked quinoa and you have yourself a meal.~

You can refridgerate or freeze the leftovers.  

Quick and Creamy Quinoa Cereal

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a nice alternative to oatmeal in the morning: just a little bit is very satisying.  Quinoa is high in protein and gluten free, it is super healthy and has a nice "seedy" texture and a nutty taste. 

1 cup Quinoa, rinsed and drained

 2 cups water

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract or flavoring

1 ripe banana, peeled and diced

1/2 cup dried Golden Berry Blend or Dried Berry Medley

1/4 cup silvered Almonds

Add Quinoa, water, banana, cinnamon, and vanilla to a small saucepan.  Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

Mix in nuts and dried berries.  Top with cream, milk, honey, sugar, or maple syrup as desired.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Hands off cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves 4