Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa

Have you ever seen that beer commercial with the guy at the grill wondering to himself why his girlfriend always brings frozen quinoa patties to their tailgate parties? The one where he calls it "A kween-oh"? That commercial cracks me up, because a few years ago, before I'd fully hopped on the quinoa bandwagon, I, too, had no idea how to say it. (I called it "kwin-oh-uh," and still do in my head.)

Anyway, no matter how you say it, quinoa is delish and a great substitute for rice when you happen to be married to a carb-shunning personal trainer. That's how I'd always prepared it, until a few weeks ago, I happened upon an Ellie Krieger recipe for breakfast quinoa. It was filled with apples, cinnamon, and toasted nuts...  I just had to try it as an alternative to my AM oatmeal fix.



It took just 15 minutes and I am a total convert. While oatmeal still has a place on my breakfast rotation, I am happy to have this new addition.

Here's my take on Ellie Krieger's original version.

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa
(Serves 1)

Ingredients
1/3 cup of quinoa, rinsed
1 cup water
1/4 fuji apple, diced
1/8 cup of milk
2 tbsp toasted walnuts
cinnamon to taste
drizzle of maple syrup or honey

Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine water and quinoa and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover and add the apples and then cover and cook for 10 more minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa and apples are tender. Stir in milk and cinnamon until combined. Transfer to a small bowl for serving and top with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of cinnamon or honey.