Hello, my name is Quinoa

Hello boys and girls. Welcome to the cyber class today. Today, we will be learning about Quinoa (insert cheering from the audience). Pronounced 'Keen-Wa'. Repeat after me, KeenWA...again, KeenWA. Get used to saying this new word, because your life is about to change....

Quinoa is another super amazing, super cool, super food! Quinoa is usually referred to as a whole grain, but it really is a seed. Typically, it is prepared like barley or rice and used in these ways. Some people think of it as a cross between brown rice and oatmeal. It's actually a relative to Spinach. So, why is Quinoa the gnarliest? Check this out...

- quick to cook (10-15 minutes)

- doesn't have a strong taste on its own - it will take on the taste that you mate it with

-** of all the whole grains, Quinoa has the highest protein content - so no need to add meat to your dinner or lunch (think Meatless Mondays - a healthy trend that seems to be more and more popular lately - I'll catch you up on Monday!)

- provides all 9 essential amino acids = complete protein! (Go KeenWA!)

- gluten-free and no cholesterol

- Versatile! - Are you a crunchy food fan?  A fluffy food fan? A creamy food fan? A nutty fan? Well, Quinoa fits them all? Odd, I know...

- High in Magnesium  - great for your red pumper

- Contains manganese and cooper - Great for boosting antioxidants and keeping your red blood cells at high achieving level 4s (inside joke for all those teachers :)

- High Fibre! - Keeps things moving...nuff said.

---------------Reference: Dietrrific.com----------------

Some FYIs

- be sure to prewash Quinoa before you cook it. It has a chemical on it called saponin that makes it taste funny if it isn't washed off. If you can figure out how to wash Quinoa without it going down the sink, let me know. I'm still trying to find the best way to drain the gems.

- it comes in different colours. Don't be alarmed, it hasn't gone bad. I've only had the white kind though. My favourite brand is below from Costco. Much cheaper!

- it's a little pricey. $$

- it is found in the health food aisle of most grocery stores (You know the aisle where all the people browsing are glowing from the inside out? All beautiful? And you wonder if they have ever eaten at McDonalds? Yeah, that aisle)

- It comes in different styles - the puffed Quinoa is something I am still trying to conquer and the flakes are used in some baking recipes. I tried it as a porridge and it was just too blah for me. I would have to add sugar, dried fruit, and seriously jazzify it and that would take away the benefits of the quinoa.

Some Suggestions:

- I love quinoa based pasta - tastes fantastic! My favourite brand is below. I never make regular pasta anymore and simply use this beauty. Cooks well, tastes great, and contains all the benefits of quinoa.

- I'm a huge fan of Skinnytaste.com - any recipe that I've made has turned out amazingly well. This week, I'm wanting to try:

-Beef, Potato, and Quinoa Soup

-Quinoa Risotto - looks simple but so yummy...

-Stuffed Cabbage Casserole (Think lazy man cabbage rolls type meal - looks fantastic!)

-Quinoa Chili - I've made this many times - always turns out well

- and baking! Yes, you can buy quinoa flour or used cooked quinoa in baked goodies like this chocolate chip muffin recipe. You can splurge a little with the chocolate but know that you are doing a body good with the quinoa bliss.



Alright folks, can I hear a 'KeenWA'? Give it a try this week! I'd love to hear how you've used Quinoa before or share your favourite recipe on my Facebook page.