Quinoa Pilaf with Raisins- Teach your kids to be smart snackers

Makes 8 snack size servings

If your kids have never eaten quinoa before, they may approach this dish thinking rice. Try it a few times until they get used to the delicate, nutty texture of quinoa. After school kids are so ravenous they are open to trying new foods. Not only is this snack delicious—thanks to the sweet raisins and cinnamon—it is nutrient dense. This great mini meal is a powerful way to fortify young bodies, immune systems and brains, due to quinoa’s high protein content and the diabetes healing qualities of cinnamon. Great warm or cold.

Ingredients:

3 cups liquid, such as water  low sodium chicken or vegetable stock (I like Pacific or Brad’s Organic)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup raisins

1 ½ cup quinoa, rinsed to remove saponins

Toasted pine nuts (optional, but highly recommended)

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, boil your chosen liquid.

2. Add quinoa and raisins. Reduce heat to a low simmer.

3. When liquid is completely absorbed (about 5 to 8 minutes), add the spices and stir gently.

4. Place in serving containers and garnish with optional pine nuts.

More About Quinoa

Quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular grains and fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates. Snack on quionoa regularly! You can also start your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a half cup of milk and half cup of blueberries! A quick trip: Quinoa contains a bitter substance called saponin, which protects it from being devoured in the wild by birds. Remove this with a quick rinse in a colander before boiling.