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Monday, May 2, 2011

The Basics of Cooking Quinoa

Quinoa "keen-wa" is generally thought of as a grain, because that is how we use it.  It isn't a grain at all. . . it is actually the seed of a plant that is related to beets and spinach.  Quinoa is a highly nutritious seed that is delicious and very versatile.  Quinoa is a protein rich food, it actually is a complete protein because it contains all essential amino acids.  It is also higher in calcium and iron that rice, corn, wheat, oats and barley.  Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate, which means it digests gradually, this also helps regulate blood sugar.

Quinoa is naturally gluten free, and can be used in a variety of ways: cooked, ground into flour or soaked and roasted. 

Cooking Quinoa

Cocodamia Cookies

I've been experimenting with quinoa (keen-wa) this past month and I have discovered so many ways to use it.  Quinoa is an excellent gluten free "grain" that can be used in a variety of ways.  This recipe uses quinoa in its cooked form to make delicious coconut, white chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies.  Yummy--Enjoy!

Cocodamia Cookies