Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not actually a true grain but is a relative of such plants as chard and spinach. Actually the seeds of an edible plant, quinoa contains twice the protein of rice. This isn't just any protein we're talking about here either, but one which contains all nine essential amino acids (nutritional building blocks that help form proteins and muscle), including lysine, which makes it a complete protein.

Delicious, nutritious and surprisingly filling this is a great way to introduce the family to quinoa!

As allergies to dairy products continue to rise, so do the choices for alternatives. My favorite dairy alternative is definitely Almond milk. *Blue Diamond Almond Breeze brand to be specific. This non-dairy beverage made from almonds has a smooth and creamy flavor that far surpasses such choices as rice and soy milk.

Now don’t turn your nose up at it just because it says “sweet potato.” Canned sweet potatoes (also known as yams) have given this delicious and nutritious vegetable a bad rap. Full of flavor, rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta carotene (a vitamin A equivalent nutrient), vitamin C…

A few weeks ago I made this recipe (my own personal creation!) and as my 6 year old son was slurping it down I said “There’s a secret ingredient in that pudding.” Pretty sure that I had hidden some unknown treasure in his pudding he excitedly asked “What is it? Tell me, tell me!”