Quinoa Dessert Bites

Makes 24 Mini Bites

Recipe from http://www.superhealthykids.com

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

When you want a little treat for a snack or for your lunchbox that is more nutritious and less sugary and fatty than the usual cookie, these little "bites" will fill the bill.  These Quinoa Dessert Bites are packed with nutrition, but have a touch of added sweetness. Quinoa not only provides fiber, and vitamins and minerals, but also protein making these little bites super filling!  The added fruit adds bonus nutrients and also a natural sweetness.  One cup of uncooked quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.  So, when you make these little treats, you'll have enough cooked quinoa left to make these delicious Sriracha Quinoa Bites for your lunchbox too!   

1 cup cooked quinoa* (There are directions at the bottom of this post as well.)

1 cup oats, uncooked 

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 cup chopped fruit (apple, coconut, raisins, dried cherries or apricots)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, the oats, and chopped fruit.   In a separate smaller mixing bowl, combine your cinnamon, sugar and salt.  Add the spice mixture to the quinoa and oats.  Stir in the chopped fruit.  Once combined, add the eggs, and mix just until combined.  Scoop into a sprayed mini muffin tin, making sure the pan is thoroughly sprayed.  Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool, and dip in chocolate.   

Amount Per Serving (1 Quinoa Dessert Bite)
Calories		64.1
Total Fat		2.3 g
	Saturated Fat	1.1 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.1 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol		14.2 mg
Sodium		7.8 mg
Potassium		12.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate		10.3 g
	Dietary Fiber	1.1 g
	Sugars	4.7 g
Protein		1.5 g

Basic Quinoa Recipe: (Makes 3 cups)

2 cups water (Vegetable or chicken broth may be used to boost the flavor for savory dishes. If you are some or all of the quinoa for breakfast or a dessert, use water.)

1 cup quinoa

Rinse the quinoa well (otherwise it will taste very bitter) and drain. Place quinoa and water in a 1½ quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until almost or all of the water is absorbed. As quinoa cooks, the germ is released from the exterior of the grain and forms a tiny spiral. You will know that the quinoa is done when all of the grains have turned from white to translucent and the spiral-like germ has separated. Drain off any excess water and then fluff with a fork.