One of the really cool things about my “job” is that I am both the teacher and the student.

In the words of Henry Ford:  Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.  Anyone who keeps learning stays young.  The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

In coaching a client along with her health, two months ago quinoa was a foreign food to her.  She tried it, she liked it, she started to open her mind and try some new things.

These are four recipes that were passed along from her.  The muffins I have made, the cookies I have tried.  The other two are on my list.  Once I get in the kitchen I will share my experience.  If however, you do enjoy them before me, please let me know how you enjoy or tweek them. 
QUINOA MUFFINS
1 cup of quinoa
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1tsp salt
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup oil or 1 tbsp butter
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup blueberries

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.  Gradually one by one mix together the sugar, butter/oil, milk, egg, vanilla.  Once mixed well add the flour mixture and blueberries and quinoa, stir until combined.  Bake in 350 degree oven for approx 20 minutes.

MY PERSONAL CHANGES:  I used coconut oil in place of the oil or butter.  The sugar can be decreased to 1/2 cup.  We don’t drink milk but simply mix up some powdered skim milk as needed for recipes.  HEED THIS ADVICE: with quinoa some is good, more is not necessarily better.  I used 1 1/2 cups of quinoa and 1 1/2 cups of flour, not very successful.  The muffins were very dense.  Their ok enough the kids still enjoy them for breakfast.  We will make these again and keep the quinoa and flour to what is suggested here.

QUINOA PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES – these were crazy yummy
1/2 honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter (preferably natural, smooth or crunchy)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup quinoa
1/4 chocolate chips

Combine flour, salt, baking powder and set aside.  Mix well honey, sugar, butter, peanut butter, vanilla.  Once done, add gently flour mixture, quinoa and chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min or until done.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use coconut oil and may even use agave in place of the sugar.

Those two are great for lunches or a healthy in the middle of the day treat in place of a bar.  Onto….a vegan dinner

QUINOA PATTIES

1 baked potato (or yam)
1 cup COOKED quinoa
green onion
salt and pepper
garlic
cheddar cheese
1 egg
breadcrumbs
oil to cook
This one of those recipes that you just mix it all together.  It should be workable into a patty shape.  If it needs more of this (egg) or that (breadcrumbs) then add. FAST TIP:  coat a baking sheet with olive or coconut oil.   Place several patties to cook at once, just until browned, then flip to brown other side..  These will freeze well.

AND……now to start your day in a healthy (powerful) way!  Breakfast!

QUINOA PANCAKES
1 cup quinoa
3/4 cup flour
2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg white
1/4 cup milk
Mix, cook, enjoy!

So there you go, a day full of quinoa.

REMEMBER, all of these can be made in double or more and frozen for later use.  Imagine a regular school day, kids can easily thaw for breakfast, lunch or snacks!  Their happy, your healthy.  Their healthy, your happy!