What is Quinoa? Quinoa (Keen-wah) is often considered a “grain” or “seed” from South America and is quickly becoming more popular in America. Quinoa is very versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is packed with high quality protein/amino acids as well as other important nutrients like iron. Despite its higher carbohydrate content it is considered a low glycemic index and gluten-free food. It is also high in natural fiber. Here are some recipes for this great super food. Enjoy! Coach Lora Erickson “Blonde Runner” www.BlondeRunner.com Coach Lora’s Vegetarian Quinoa Salad This is a salad I often have for lunch. It’s quite tasty and healthy. My husband and kids like this “bird seed” salad too. Enjoy. ~ Coach Lora Erickson 1 cup quinoa 3 cups water Dash of lemon juice Dash of vinegar (sometime I use white, other times balsamic) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large tomato dices (fresh from the garden – yum) ½ cup diced cucumber ¼ cup finely chopped white or purple onion ¼ cup fresh chives from the garden Fresh herbs to taste, minced (cilantro or basil is good) 1 Tablespoon canola or olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Rinse quinoa well and add the water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest and cool for a few minutes then stir in the garlic, onions etc and veggies. Enjoy. So yummy (and healthy)! Lora’s Berry & Wild Honey Breakfast Quinoa This recipe got two thumbs up from my taste testers (my kids). So, it will stay on our menu. They really like “bird seed” as they like to call it. LOL Enjoy. ~ Coach Lora Erickson ½ cup quinoa ½ cup low-fat milk (soy milk works well too) 1 cup water ½ teaspoon of cinnamon Dash of vanilla extract Drizzle of wild honey ½-3/4 cup berries (fresh or frozen work – I like to use several different kinds of berries at once) Rinse quinoa well and add the milk and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest and cool for a few minutes then stir in the spices and vanilla. Top with berries and drizzle with honey and enjoy for a healthy and warm breakfast.