Cinnamon Quinoa “Oatmeal”

I know, I know.. I should be studying. But I made an extra delicious power breakfast this morning that I felt needed to be shared! Expect a lot of recipes over the next little while. This particular dish was inspired by 101 Cookbooks’ recipe for Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa. I had “pinned” a photo of it on Pinterest and thought it resembled an alternative to oatmeal. So, after a few modifications of my own, I made this into tasty breakfast!

 

 

Cinnamon Quinoa “Oatmeal”

Ingredients:

1/2 cup organic quinoa (Costco sells it in bulk!)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup low fat milk (soy milk works too)

1 cup organic berries (I had a frozen bag of organic mixed fruit – cherries, blackberries, and blueberries – so I just used that! Really you could use whatever fruit you want. Mango would be delicious!)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 small handful flax seeds (ground flax seeds would be better as it is more easily digested and the nutrients are better absorbed, but this is what I happened to have)

A splash of vanilla extract

Pecans, for garnishing

Directions:

1. Combine the quinoa, water, and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. If you’re using frozen berries, allow them to thaw while the quinoa cooks.  ***NOTE: Keep a watchful eye while the quinoa is boiling, I found the milk made it boil over the sides of the pot really easily.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cinnamon, flax seeds, vanilla, and berries. Because I used frozen berries, their juices turned the quinoa a pink-ish colour. Woops! Still delicious, though. Sprinkle some pecans (or walnuts, almonds, etc.) on top. There you have it – a healthy protein/fibre-packed breakfast! I enjoyed my “oatmeal” with a sliced orange, hard boiled egg, glass of organic soy milk, and a fresh cup of coffee. Mmmm… Now, time to get to work!!!!

- Be Well xo

Oatmeal Cookies for Your Skin [& Tummy]

Strange title for a post, I know. Last week I made a homemade oatmeal cookie facial scrub. It smelled soooo good that I decided I absolutely had to bake some oatmeal cookies that I could actually eat. The result? Soft skin and a happy tummy!

Oatmeal Cookies [for your face]

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp honey

1 tbsp plain yogurt

Simply mix all the ingredients together and use as a gentle facial scrub. Warning: it’s messy and may clog your sink. I would recommend rinsing your face off over a big bowl of warm water. I ended up having some leftover, so I just popped it in the fridge to use later.

Oatmeal Cookies [for your tummy]

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 3/4 cups all-purpose (or whole wheat) flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar (I used less sugar and added a bit of honey instead)

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg, beaten (or 2 egg whites)

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional)

I added cinnamon to this recipe as well.. probably about 1 tbsp or so.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon in a medium-size bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy; beat in the egg until blended.

2. Add the vanilla and coconut and mix well. Then add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Shape into small balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 1-2 inches apart. Flatten the cookie slightly with a floured fork.

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Makes 4 dozen cookies.