Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so I like to start with something delicious and hearty to fuel my energy. Regardless of how hectic the morning is or how many times you hit the snooze button, breakfast is the way to start the day off right and set a healthy tone for the rest of the meals to come. Ever since I tried the Quinoa “Oatmeal” at D’Lish in Tempe, Arizona, I wanted to replicate it at home. Quinoa is a nutrient rich grain packed with protein to keep you full. Using it as a hot cereal-like alternative to my go-to instant oatmeal has been a recent favorite. This “recipe” really couldn’t be any easier, especially if you pre-make quinoa in a large batch and just warm it up in the mornings. Here are the simple 4 steps to trying quinoa “oatmeal” at home.

Follow the instructions on the quinoa package to make either just one serving at a time, or a big batch for the week. Try using the leftover quinoa to serve with meat and veggies for dinner or make a summer salad for lunch.

Heat about a cup of milk on the stove until it is warm. Stir continuously over medium heat. I add about a tablespoon of honey to the milk while it warms to give it a little natural sweetness. If you were using vanilla soy milk, which would be great, you wouldn’t need the extra sugar. The original version from D’Lish uses frothed-milk, but until I have the luxury of a milk-frother I’m sticking with the stove top.

Slice up any fruit you have on hand. Apples and bananas add great texture, but colorful summer berries would be perfect, too.

Top the quinoa and milk with your fruits of choice and a sprinkle of granola for an added crunch. If your sweet tooth is extra strong, you could drizzle honey or agave on top, too. The topping possibilities are endless!

See how easy that was? Four simple steps to making a nutritious and filling breakfast that will keep you going all morning. I’d like to try blackberries, raspberries and slivered almonds for my next topping combination. What do you have in mind? Try some this weekend and let me know what you think!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela