Not sure how you all feel about Quinoa-but here, we love it.  It’s a great substitute for almost any grain, a complete protein, lots of fiber and when rinsed properly first-tastes really good.

Now I’ve made some for breakfast by simply switching out broth for almond milk and some agave.  Add some fresh berries into it and I’m good for several hours.

It only takes 20-25 minutes to make too-so it’s easy for a weeknight.

After messing around a bit looking for some new recipes to use with this vitamin packed side dish, I found some interesting desserts!  And no, they weren’t puddings.  Both use leftover quinoa (in this case, make sure you use water!) and they‘re very, very good for you:

Quinoa Brownies with Cookie Dough Frosting

1 C cooked quinoa
2 packets of your favorite stevia sweetener
1/4 C cocoa
1/4 C unsweetened Almond milk
3 Tbsp pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1/8 Tsp soda
1/4 C dark choc. chips

Pre-heat oven to 375 and spray an 8×8 pan

Place everything, EXCEPT THE CHIPS, into a processor and blend til smooth.  Stir in chips and spread into pan.  Bake for 19-22 minutes.  Let stand for 10 minutes and then cool on rack before cutting into 16 brownies.

Before serving-ice with this unusual frosting, which is also really good for you!

Cookie dough Frosting

Place the following into a food processor:

1-1/2 C garbanzos (rinsed and drained)
1/4 C your favorite nut butter
1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
2 packets your favorite stevia sweetener
3 Tbsp ground flax seeds
1 Tbsp vanilla
dash of salt
1/8 tsp. soda

Top your brownie bar and then top w/ a few more pieces of dark choc. chips if you’d like.  Per DAMY site-3 frosted brownies are considered a good treat.

(Do I hear decadent leftovers for breakfast????)

This next recipe is a muffin bite and it makes 12

1-1/2 C cooked quinoa
juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
4 packets of stevia
1 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp soda
das of salt
5 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1 C your favorite berries (dice strawberries)

oven 350 and spray a regular muffin pan.
Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix completely.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  Use a 1/4 C measure and fill muffin tin.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.  Let cool for a few minutes and then remove to cooling rack.  Per DAMY site I got these recipes from-2 muffins are a snack and a meal can be up to 4!