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Thursday, January 24, 2013

RECIPE: Apple-Cranberry Quinoa Muffins


Quinoa (pronounced "Qin-wah"), is a seed that can be prepared just like whole grains. Actually, it's a great substitue for grains and is gluten-free and cholesterol-free to boost! Historically, the Incas considered it a staple food for thousands of years in the Andes region of South America!

I really love cooking with quinoa because it is easy to prepare, tastes great and 1/3 cup of cooked quinoa only has 160 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. That's a good amount of protein! And that is exactly why I decided to make muffins from it.

We're busy in this house and sometimes we need a grab-n-go breakfast...one that is kid-friendly! Little do they know these yummy muffins are giving them the nutrition they need to kick-start their day.

This recipe is quite simple. Comprised of a few healthy household ingredients a bowl, whisk and wooden spoon....there is no need to drag out your stand mixer!


If you place everything in small containers before starting, this makes the perfect project for a pre-schooler to help with.

It also provides incentive to eat the muffins later!
Apples and dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness to the muffin.

Use some fun cupcake liners for the kiddies.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ cup lightly-packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ cup sugar free apple sauce
1 egg
⅔ cup organic milk
1 cup chopped apple pieces (leave skin on)
½ cup dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.  Place liners in your cupcake pan and set aside.
  • Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and baking soda in a large bowl.   Stir in the cooked quinoa.
  • In a separate bowl combine the applesauce, milk and egg then stir into the dry ingredients.
  • Fold in the apples and cranberries and spoon the batter into the muffin tin.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack.  Enjoy!
*Adapted from a recipe from Lemons & Artichokes


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