Name:	muddauber -	Reply
Subject:	Easy Quinoa Crackers
Date:	1/15/2014 11:20:06 AM

Easy Quinoa Crackers
It's crazy how few ingredients are in these super yummy and addicting little crackers.
We make them at least once a week - Sam will eat an entire batch.
Which is totally cool because they're whole-grain, gluten-free and packed with protein.


Ingredients:
(We use all organic ingredients)
1 1/2 c quinoa, soaked and drained
(We like Bob's Red Mill)
1/2 - 3/4 c filtered water
1/2 tsp sea salt - or table salt if you prefer
1-2 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
1 tsp oregano (optional)
1/2 tsp basil (optional)
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
(if you're using muffin tins)

The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the quinoa to soak!
We usually put the quinoa in a bowl,
add enough filtered water to cover,
set a loose lid on top and leave it on the table overnight.

The next morning, drain and rinse the quinoa.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add the quinoa, 1/2 c water, garlic and spices to your food processor or blender.

Line your baking pans with parchment paper.
If you're not using parchment paper,
oil your muffin pans and put them in the oven for a few minutes to heat.
We use 2 pans, twice (4 pans of crackers).

Spoon your mixture in dollops into/onto your pans.
The crackers won't spread much while they bake
so you can space them close together.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp on the bottom.
Flip each cracker (if using parchment, you'll have to peel them to flip)
and bake another 5-10 minutes.
Recipe makes 24-48 crackers, depending on dollop and/or pan sizes.

We eat them plain, with hummus or bean dips, with marinara...
there are all sorts of possibilities.
If you want a gluten-free alternative to pizza crust,
you can use this recipe too...don't divide it into crackers!
Yum!

This recipe is easily customizable to fit in with your menu.
Rosemary would be nice to add around the holidays.
For those who like cheese,
maybe a bit of shaved parmesan on top during the last few minutes of baking?
Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear how yours turned out.

*****
I made these and comments ranged from "keeper" to "these can replace chips". Just wish I could give credit, but I forgot to record the link.
Don

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/15/2014 11:41:00 AM

Do you really think this crowd will eat quinoa?

Name:	muddauber -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/15/2014 1:41:23 PM

Their loss if they do not. That's a little harsh. This is more like what I mean. One does not have to try this recipie, but should at some time give quinoa a try. Lots of good recipies online.

Aside being a "superfood", it is so versatile. In this case, the quinoa is not cooked other than when baked, it has more of a nutty flavor.  Combined with the other herbs/spices, well, one really should try it.

Jus saying.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/15/2014 3:49:38 PM

You are correct about it's nutrition. My daughter-in-law gave me a quick education on it. It's a super trendy-popular ingredient today. I just haven't tried it yet and you have inspired me. Now can we get Bigfoot to give it a whirl?

Name:	muddauber -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/15/2014 5:32:23 PM

Bigfoot?  Hummm.  I dunno. That may take some serious intervention. lol

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/16/2014 9:44:31 PM

LOL!

Name:	Little Talisi -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/17/2014 8:26:04 AM

How well does it hold together with a big ol slice of mater?

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/17/2014 9:00:11 AM

My thoughts exactly....except I was thinking of putting it between two tomato slices

Name:	muddauber -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	1/17/2014 6:22:35 PM

Inside/outside mater don't matter. Tastes great.haven't done it yet but plan to use for bruchetta when I make up more next week.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	2/17/2014 9:51:08 PM

I'm sarting to worry about you. You been hanging out in Atlanta?

Name:	muddauber -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	2/18/2014 11:08:55 AM

Been several years since I visited that "little burg".  lol.

I do like going to the international market time to time.  Believe it is located on the north end of Chambliss, a bit past the small airport.  Not the touristy one by the mall.

Other than that I just go thru Atlanta on way to SC or NC beaches.  Trying to visit more of Bama.  Still lots I haven't seen nor done.

Got some surgery mid to late summer that will put me down for several months.  Hopefully next year will be healed enough to really get out and enjoy things. Looking forward to that.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Mud...
Date:	3/1/2014 8:50:53 PM

First hope you do well with the surgery.  Prayers for you!

Second its Chamblee. But third...the GREAT farmers market in Atlanta is the DeKalb Farmers Market on Ponce de leon...let me give you the link. They have the freshest seafood and vegetables not to mention the international brands you will find nowhere else. Trust me its a lifetime experience...and its safe. DeKalb Farmers Market