I first was introduced to quinoa a few years ago when I worked at Wish magazine. Touted as a superfood, this whole grain from South America is gluten-free and an excellent source of amino-acids (protein), manganese, iron, magnesium…the list goes on. Its impressive nutrient value is reason enough to start incorporating it into your diet right now. The facts that it’s also quite tasty and versatile are bonuses. (If you want to learn more about quinoa, check out this article from www.whfoods.com.)
So I hit the grocery store, or rather T. did since I’ve been sick, and this proves that the ingredients are easily found (though we did have to substitute almonds for pistachios). I will warn you quinoa is a bit of an investment at $10 for 737 g but it is totally worth it.
Making the recipe is also a cinch, as long as you don’t leave your pot unattended. Simmering milk gets me every time, so of course I had to clean up a boil over. Alas, the making of really was quite simple and the results, well they were divine.
I’ve been a big rice pudding fan (my Grandma Leifso’s specialty) my whole life so this took cooked pudding to a whole new level for me. I loved the creamy texture, subtle hint of vanilla and fresh berries but I think next time for a more seasonal option I will try using brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins instead. Kind of a healthy makeover for my childhood favourite.
Of course I wish I could be showing you photographs from a sunny picnic on the beach as well but since it’s February in Toronto the truth is T. and I savoured our dessert while watching Canada vs. U.S.A in the men’s Olympic hockey prelims. Go Canada go!
Comment to WIN!
Any tips, suggestions or advice for my pudding this week or perhaps you have a recipe suggestion for my next post? I want to hear from you in the comments section below – and as a thank you for sharing you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to WIN a President’s Choice® Blue Menu® prize pack valued at $150 CDN. For full contest details and rules and regulations, click here.
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: