Creamy Coconut-Strawberry Quinoa

Breakfast? Sure. Snack? Of course. Lunch? Definitely. This creamy quinoa is perfect for any time of day. Upping the traditional ratio of liquid to quinoa results in a more porridge-like consistency (but still with a bit of texture), and using the Coconutmilk Coffee Creamer adds a hint of sweetness and a bit of decadence.

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Creamy Coconut-Strawberry Quinoa

  • Servings: 1 regular or 2 small servings
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1 cup finely chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chia seeds, plus more for serving, if desired
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup So Delicious Original Coconutmilk Coffee Creamer, plus more for serving
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
Pinch salt
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Put the strawberries and water in a small saucepan. Bring to medium-high heat and cook until the strawberries begin to break down, about 5 minutes, mashing any large pieces with a fork. Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Let stand to thicken while preparing the quinoa.

Put the Coconutmilk Coffee Creamer, water, quinoa, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, for 18 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Spread the coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

To serve, spoon the quinoa mixture into one or two bowls. Top with the strawberry mixture, coconut flakes, and additional Coconutmilk Coffee Creamer  and chia seeds as desired. Serve warm.

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(Disclosure statement: I received monetary compensation and free product coupons from So Delicious Dairy-Free for taking part in this campaign. I only, however, promote and partner with companies I love and use regularly in my own kitchen. As always, all opinions and recommendations expressed are completely my own.)

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Flourless Crispy Rice Peanut Butter Cookies

You know those three ingredient peanut butter cookies you learn how to make when you’re a babysitter? These are an updated, vegan, low sugar, super quick version that adds some additional crunch from crispy rice cereal and salted peanuts. There’s pretty adaptable and so good straight out of the freezer, like a mini peanutty good-for-you fudgy cookie that’s perfect for breakfast on-the-go.

Flourless Crispy Rice Peanut Butter Cookies

Flourless Crispy Rice Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Servings: 16 cookies
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2 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
1 cup natural, crunchy peanut butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups gluten-free crispy rice cereal (I use Nature’s Path)
1/2 cup salted roasted peanuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper.

Put the warm water and ground flaxseeds in a small bowl. Mix to combine, then let sit for about 2 minutes, until thickened.

Put the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and baking powder in the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl. Using the stand mixer or a hand mixer beat until well combined. Stir in the crispy rice cereal and peanuts.

Spoon the batter (about 2 tablespoonfuls) into small mounds on the prepared baking sheet, pressing gently to about 1-inch thick. The mixture will be sticky.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until firm on the top and the sides. Cool completely on the pan.

These are best stored in the refrigerator (for up to a week) for the freezer.

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Basic Buckwheat Granola

This granola recipe is a standard go-to recipe with countless variations. It has only a hint of maple syrup for sweetness and uses applesauce for added moisture without relying on additional sugar or oil. I love using a fruity, medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil as a main flavor agent,  along with a dark maple syrup, rather than having these ingredients in the background. The spices, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit you use can be totally up to you. 

Basic Buckwheat Granola

You’ll want it to sprinkle it on everything, eat it on its own, and will soon become a staple.

Basic Buckwheat Granola

  • Servings: about 12 servings
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2 1/2 cups buckwheat groats (not kasha)
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried large-flaked unsweetened coconut (see Notes)
6 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (see Notes)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (see Notes)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea or Himalayan salt

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the buckwheat groats, pecans, walnuts, and coconut in a large bowl. Put the applesauce, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a medium glass measuring cup. Mix to combine. Pour the mixture over the buckwheat mixture. Stir until well mixed.

Spread the mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes, then stir the mixture. Bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the mixture is dry to the touch. The granola will firm as it cools. Let cool completely, and store in an airtight container.

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