Quinoa: An Amazing Grain

This incredible grain contains the highest amino acid profile of any plant source. That means it is great for the vegetarian diet. It gets better! The grain is gluten free so for those eliminating gluten, have at it! Its popularity is driving the market to embrace its versatility. It's available in pasta, flakes, flour and in packaged soup mixes. Here is a recipe my daughter created in frustration over the lack of tasty gluten and nut free granola bars.

Quinoa Cranberry Granola Bars

3/4 cups sunflower seeds or chopped nuts

1/2 cup coconut ribbons

1/2 cup dry cranberry

1 whole egg

3 egg whites

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup agave nectar

1/4 cup honey

4 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spray dish with spray oil. Combine dry ingredients except cinnamon. Whip wet ingredients so well mixed, then add the dry and wet ingredients together. Mix well. Press into a lasagna sized baking dish with moistened fingers or spoon.

Place in oven and bake for 35 minutes, remove from oven and slice into granola size pieces, sprinkle with cinnamon and then bake for another 20 minutes.

Let cool and enjoy!

Maple Flavoured Quinoa Granola Bars

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup nuts

1/4 cup dried fruit

1/2 cup demerera sugar

1 teaspoon maple flavouring

2 tablespoons nut butter

2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

1/4 cup coconut ribbons

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Spray baking dish with spray oil. Combine dry ingredients. Whip wet ingredients together, except cinnamon. Mix well. Press into a 9x9 inch baking pan, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and slice into granola size pieces. Return pan to oven and cook for additional 15 minutes.Let cool before removing