Quinoa- have you tried it?

Sometimes I wonder if I live under a rock because I always feel like I am the last to know about new products/foods. I'm fairly certain that Quinoa has been around for ages, but yet, I am just learning now about what a great source of protein it is, among other things.

If you want to read some quick facts about Quinoa, check out this article http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/quinoa-nutrition-facts . What I love best about it, is that you can use it in lots of different ways, as a side or main dish. So far, I have tried two recipes, one which was on the back of the box I bought (I buy PC Oragnic Quinoa). The recipe is basically Quinoa with cumin and mixed veggies (I used red pepper, carrot and fresh chives) and it was great as a side dish! But, for me, I think the second recipe I tried was my favorite.

As a main dish I checked out a Quinoa Mac N Cheese Recipe and the whole family loved it. It makes a big 9x13 pan, so we had lots of leftovers for the week. This recipe can be found on my Healthy Living Pinterest Page or through this link http://aroundthetableri.blogspot.ca/2012/02/cheesy-quinoa-mac-cheese.html. For veggies I added some onion and broccoli and I topped it with some Franks hot sauce just as I was plating it. Oh, and don't skip on the Panko Italian Bread Crumbs before putting it in the oven, this gave it a really nice crunch and flavor. I'm sure if you compare nutrition facts between your regular mac n cheese and this healthy alternative, you will be surprised at how much better the Quinoa option is for you.

Quinoa Mac N Cheese