"Christmas" Quinoa

Ok, so this isn't really only for Christmas, but I've been told it's reminiscent of Christmas flavors, and I guess it is.

Budget Tip
Quinoa (said Keen-wah) can be found in the bulk section of natural food stores or buy online.  It's usually around $4.00/lb but, if you have a Costco near you, you can get it for $2.00/lb: http://gluten-free-blog.blogspot.com/2009/08/quinoa-bargain-at-costco-gluten-free.html And, let me tell you, one cup of this stuff will last you a full week!

Suggested Ingredients

1/3 cup slivered or sliced almonds

1/3 cup craisens - or slice up an apple and throw it in there if you find craisens are too expensive or sweet

1 cup Quinoa

1 1/4 cup water

1/4 cup Orange Juice

1 cinnamon stick

Cooking Method

Toast the almonds in a sauce pan.  When you start to smell the toasty nutty smell, add in the Quinoa and toast that as well until a good bit of it is light brown.  Add in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.  Turn down to a low temperature, cover and let cook for about 20 minutes.  Take off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.  Done!

I served this as a side dish with a Caribbean Jerk Talapia fillet, however I bet it would be good with turkey breast too.  Then, I ate it as lunch that week..I still have some left!  A little goes a loooong way :)