Quinoa Flakes (pronounced Keen-wha Flakes not quin o a) is a great replacement for oatmeal because it’s a whole protein. The part that draws me to it is: it’s Gluten Free!
You know, when you start paying attention to how you feel after eating gluten, (sluggish, tired, stuffed up, etc.) you may say:
HEY CHEF MARIAN! THERE MAY BE SOME TRUTH TO THIS GLUTEN FREE CRAZE!
And for me it’s not a craze. I eat bread once in a while that isn’t Gluten Free. But I can really feel the difference. So I eat as much Gluten Free as possible, when possible.
The only word of caution I have for you is: It’s not calorie free. As a matter of fact, many people who aren’t reading their labels and just grabbing and eating things because they’re Gluten Free and thinking: “I can eat this whole box” are seeing a few more pounds on their body. You want to read your labels. Sugar Free, no chemicals, no soy (processed), no bad oils…. those are the things I watch out for!
Back to breakfast: You can use the grain shaped or flakes. I usually save the grain for a lunch/dinner thing.
But let me take a moment and fill you in on what I do with both…. and why!
The flakes are great. Unlike steel cut oats, I think a minute or two and it’s done. But I like to cook it longer on slow…. I add: Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Nutmeg, a pinch of salt sometimes apple sauce and chunks of apple….. and instead of water, I use Coconut Milk. YUM!
For lunch and dinner, I caramelize onions, mushrooms and sweet potatoes with garlic powder and pepper… using mushroom broth instead of water….. and YUUUM. 3 or 4 tablespoons every time I’m hungry and I’m good. Add it as a side dish. But just remember: it’s protein. So you can go lite on animal protein if you’re eating quinoa.
And you have a choice: regular or red. I say go with the red! Color is good.
Well, I head out to the Natural Food Show in a couple of minutes. First, I added Organic, dark chocolate on the site of one of the companies I created decades ago. Now, I’m seeking out suppliers of soy, dairy, gluten and sugar free, so that I can create great gift boxes and put it on: Candygram.com! That’s my weekend! I’ll fill you in on what I learn, when I return!
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian
mm@chefmarian.com