The everyday superfood

Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wa') is quickly becoming a favourite staple in many families' diets. The reason? This protein-rich ancient grain is easy and fast to prepare, perfect for those who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease, contains all eight essential amino acids, and is high in vitamins and minerals.

The perfect cookbook

Recently, we checked out Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood, by Canadian sisters Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming, which we found to be a great cookbook featuring interesting facts about quinoa and more than 170 recipes. Here are some great kid-friendly recipes from the book. We hope you enjoy them!

Chocolate Quinoa Crepes with Bananas

A decadent morning dish full of nutrition. Topped with bananas (and a bit of chocolate sauce if you want to indulge), these light chocolate crepes are not as sinful as they appear.

Ingredients

1/3 cup (80 mL) quinoa flour
2 Tbsp (30 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp (15 mL) white sugar
Pinch salt
2 egg whites
1/3 cup (80 mL) milk
¼ cup (60 mL) water
2/3 cup (160 mL) plain yogurt
2 Tbsp (30 mL) brown sugar
½ tsp (2 mL) pure vanilla extract
4 bananas, sliced
Chocolate sauce (optional)

Directions

Combine the quinoa flour, cocoa, white sugar and salt in a medium bowl, mixing well. Whisk in the egg whites, mixing gently. Slowly add the milk and water, blending until smooth. Lightly grease or spray a small frying pan with cooking oil and place over medium heat. When the pan is hot, pour about 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of the crepe batter into the pan, spreading evenly to coat. Fry until the edges begin to turn golden brown and flip, cooking about 30 seconds per side. Set aside on a plate. Repeat until all the crepes are done (you will have about 8 crepes).

In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, brown sugar and vanilla to make the filling. Spread about 3 Tbsp (45 mL) of the filling onto each crepe. Add some sliced bananas. Wrap the crepe gently by folding in each side. Garnish the top of each crepe with additional sliced bananas and drizzle with chocolate sauce (if using). Serve immediately.

Quinoa Cheese Fruit Cup

Use fruit that is in season to create this quick, satisfying lunch or snack.

Ingredients

¼ cup (60 mL) cottage cheese (2%)
2 Tbsp (30 mL) cooked quinoa, quinoa flakes or quinoa flour
2 Tbsp (30 mL) peeled, finely chopped fruit (kiwi, banana, papaya, mango, strawberries, blueberries, peach, plum or pear)

Directions

Combine the cottage cheese and quinoa in a small bowl. Stir the chopped fruit on top. Best if enjoyed immediately.

Where to find it

Quinoa is available at your local grocery store. For more information about the book, visit www.quinoa365.com. You can also purchase the book at your local bookstore or online at Chapters or Amazon.

The everyday superfood

The perfect cookbook

Chocolate Quinoa Crepes with Bananas

Quinoa Cheese Fruit Cup

Where to find it

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