Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

I want you all to know that I don't eat horribly all the time (unless I'm on a cruise). I actually really enjoy eating healthy. My one requirement for eating healthy is that it still has to taste good. I love adding whole grains to things to make them healthier. The greatest thing about this salad that it's not only healthy but it tastes great too! Even if you have never had quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah in case you were wondering) this recipe is quick, easy, and bound to be a crowd pleaser.

Quinoa and Black Been Salad

Ingredients
2 tsp onion powder
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 can corn kernels
1 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional - I personally hate cilantro so I left it out)

Directions
Place quinoa in a bowl of water and let soak for about 10 minutes. In a rice cooker combine the rest of the ingredients add in the quinoa and let cook in rice cooker until done (approx 20-30 minutes). Serve warm or cold. Serve as a side dish or a main course.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Allrecipes

Start the morning off right!

I am always looking for healthy ways to start the morning. I have always been a HUGE breakfast lover but as I grow up (kinda) I have tried to make my breakfasts more with whole grains and other healthy stuff. I have recently gotten into green smoothies which I love but I don't always have the fresh fruit and veggies on hand needed. This is also something I can put in a container and bring with me to work. I hope you enjoy.

Steel Cut Oat and Quinoa Oatmeal

1 cup steel cut oats
1/4 a cup quinoa
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp cinnamon (I use fresh ground cinnamon)
1/4 - 1/2 cup cream, half and half or milk
2-4 tbs honey
Fresh fruit (optional)

Rinse and drain quinoa. Combine oats, quinoa, water, and cinnamon in a rice cooker. Turn it on and let it do its thing. When oats are soft, quinoa has opened, and all the water has absorbed add the cream and honey mix well. Add fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy!

Note - The cream just gives it more of a creamy texture. You could also use milk in place of the water while cooking which also gives it a creamy texture but you have to watch it very closely because it will boil over and make a mess.