Quinoa & Apple Breakfast Cereal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 tsp. canola oil
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, & cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 3 tbsp. granulated brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon & additional for sprinkling

Makes 4 Servings (2/3 cup per serving)

1. Put quinoa in medium bowl with enough water to cover and soak 5 minutes; drain in fine-mesh sieve, Rinse under cold water and drain again.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter and cook until melted and sizzling. Add apples and cook, turning occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, 5-10 minutes; remove skillet from heat and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, combine quinoa and 2 cups water in medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat; boil 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and fluff quinoa with fork. Stir in remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter, milk, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until butter is melted; stir in apples. Spoon evenly into 6 bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meal Cookbook. This is a wonderful alternative to a traditional oatmeal. It's creamy and flavorful and will quickly fill you up. Quinoa is high in fiber and other nutrients. You can also add a touch of raisins, dried cherries, cranberries, and apricots to this cereal and it will still be good. if you don't finish this cereal, wrap it in plastic, put in the refrigerator, let it sit overnight and eat it for breakfast the next day and it will still be delicious. I highly recommend adding a touch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a more flavorful taste.