Breakfast of Champions: Quinoa w/ Baked Apples, Cinnamon & Almonds

If you are not a breakfast lover, this dish could get you to start eating breakfast, it's that good.

If you are an oatmeal person, you will soon be changed forever.

This is sort of like that yogurt with toasted quinoa and dates that I made last winter, and couldn't stop eating.
Same sort of deal.

It takes about 25 minutes to put together, and I realize some people don't have that much time in the morning before work, but if you make your quinoa the night before, you will be golden.

I baked my apple in the toaster oven, and it took about 10 minutes. I also threw the nuts on the pan with the apples so they would be toasted too.

This is so delicious, you could even serve it as a dessert.
It also makes a healthy after school snack for the kiddies.

Try it, and you will be hooked.

Quinoa w/ Baked Apples, Cinnamon & Almonds: (adapted from What Should I Eat for Breakfast Today, one of my favorite blogs) makes breakfast for 2

1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 apple, cut up into small dice (I leave skin on)
1 tbsp coconut (optional)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp brown sugar
handful almonds
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Cook the quinoa in water as per package directions (usually takes about 15-20 minutes to fully cook).
If you are using leftover quinoa (which is a great idea!), place the quinoa back into a small saucepan and add a tablespoon of water to reheat (on low flame).

While you are cooking the quinoa, prepare the baked apples.
On a small baking sheet (this is perfect for the toaster oven), lay out the diced apples and sprinkle with the cinnamon, brown sugar and coconut, if using.

Bake at 350F on toaster oven setting and bake 8-10 minutes until apples are softening and slightly oozy.
Your kitchen will smell so good................

Add some orange juice to the cooked quinoa in the pot, and mix in the warm apples with the almonds, coconut and juices accumulated.

Serve with a dollop of your favorite yogurt and enjoy your day.

:)