Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a gluten-free grain and one of the few plant foods to contain all necessary amino acids. Since many people are looking for ways to prepare this superfood, we decided to try our hand at three ways of preparing quinoa. Without further ado, the recipes:

Preparing the Quinoa: Cook according to directions on package.

Breakfast–Quiona Cereal: place desired amount of cooked quinoa in a cereal bowl. Top with fresh or dried fruit, nuts or seeds (we used Chia), and milk of your choice.

Lunch–Quinoa Salad: To 3 cups of cooked, cooled quinoa, add 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 cup chopped baby cucumbers, 1/2 cup sliced olives, 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and 2 T fresh snipped chives. Add a dressing of 4 T olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon. Salt to taste.

Dinner–Quinoa Stir Fry: Make a pineapple sauce of 2 T cornstarch mixed with the juice from a 15 oz can of pineapple tidbits. Heat in a saucepan on low and stir until thickened. Add a dash of ginger and set aside. Heat a wok or skillet and steam a large package of fresh or frozen stir fry vegetables (or chop your own favorites) to desired tenderness. Add the pineapple sauce and 1 cup of pineapple tidbits. Mix well and serve over a plate of quinoa. Sprinkle with roasted cashews and Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos.

Enjoy the benefits of healthy eating today!