Apples with Quinoa

 This recipe is so good and almost tastes like apple pie! I love to have this as a sweet and healthy breakfast. The high protein quinoa lends a nice nutty, whole grain taste without the gluten. It's been a while since I posted it. Here it is again with a few tweaks. Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients:

-  3 apples cubed (peeling is optional. The skin is very tender after simmering it)

-  1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
-  1 1/2 cups water
-  dash salt
-  cinnamon to taste (I use about a Tablespoon while cooking and then add additional sprinkles right before serving)
-  1 tsp brown sugar (optional - the apples sometimes make it sweet enough)

-  1 Tablespoon slivered or sliced almonds

-  Honey to taste


    Directions:

1. Combine quinoa, water and salt
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes
4. Add apples, cinnamon and brown sugar
5.  Cover, and simmer until all water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes)
6. Check and stir occasionally 
7. Sprinkle with almonds
8. Drizzle with honey if desired
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Other possible toppings may include shredded coconut, raisins or chopped walnuts.

What I Eat: Apples and Quinoa

This recipe is so good and almost tastes like apple pie! I love to have this as a sweet and healthy breakfast.

Ingredients:

-  3 apples (peeled and cubed)

-  1/2 cup quinoa
-  1 1/2 cups water
-  dash salt
-  cinnamon to taste
-  1 tsp brown sugar (optional - the apples sometimes make it sweet enough)

    Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in medium pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Lower heat and simmer until all water is absorbed (about 20-25 minutes)
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

What I Eat: Veggie Quinoa Bowl and Peach Cobbler

I went totally vegetarian tonight and it was absolutely delicious. It was a bowl of quinoa topped with roasted zucchini, roasted chic peas, and tomatoes. I seasoned the zucchini and chic peas with some paprika, salt and pepper. Then I topped the whole thing with some green onions, fresh thyme, and lemon juice. Originally, the recipe called for couscous, but that's full of gluten so that was a big no for be. Luckily, quinoa is my go-to substitute for couscous.

I also had a simple salad I made from some of the veggies I had lying around the house. I put in brussel sprouts, cubed turnip, and cubed apple. Then I topped it with some salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.

I made an absolutely delicious peach cobbler tonight as well. I started with two bags of frozen peaches which I mixed with 1/4 cup sugar. Then I just added them to a buttered casserole dish. I used a gluten free Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix* for the crust on top. Simply make the crust according to the package directions and then pour the batter over the peaches. Bake until golden brown and serve warm. I love serving it with vanilla ice cream!

*The Bisquick mix that I use is not completely corn free. It does contain xanthan gum which I do try to avoid most of the time. However, I do have a slight tolerance for it in very small quantities.

What I Eat: Salmon, Green Beans, and Za'atar Spiced Quinoa

This dinner was really similar to what I ate the other day at the fish fry. I had salmon again, but you can never eat too much salmon! I seasoned it with just some salt and pepper.

I also made some quinoa to go with it. Once the quinoa was done cooking, I mixed in some za'atar spice. Za'atar is a delicious Middle Eastern spice blend usually made of thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. I love to use za'atar in my cooking! It's pretty much delicious on anything. Try seasoning fish or chicken with it. Or, mix it into some hummus for some extra flavor.

I made some green beans as well. I just steamed them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. After that, I mixed in some butter.

I topped my fish with a yummy sauce made of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Then I topped the whole thing off with some dill and lemon juice.

Quinoa

     One delicious gluten free grain is quinoa. It is actually a seed. It is easy to cook. Quinoa can be cooked in a rice steamer with the proportion of one part quinoa to two parts water. It is also full of fiber.

    The above recipe was made with cooked quinoa topped with roasted vegetables, green onions, slivered almonds and feta cheese. The quinoa was cooked in broth for added flavor.

     Quinoa can be a good gluten free substitute for couscous, which is what this recipe originally called for.