Farmers Markets and Quinoa for Breakfast

I've said before how the produce in the fall is my absolute favorite. My sister, E and I went to our neighborhood farmer's market this weekend to check out the harvest. Not being too far into Autumn there was still an abundance of apples, squash, eggplant, greens and pumpkins!

Shopping at your local farmer's market has a plethora of advantages. Often prices are lower than those in the supermarket since there are no shipping or packaging charges. Also you can get to know your farmers and get a better understanding of where your food is coming from and what type of practices they use in keeping your food safe and healthy. Many small local farms don't have the money or time to get certified organic but still abide by those standards, so get to know a little bit about your produce, meats and cheeses. Bringing your children to the farmer's market may also spark there interest in eating a little healthier. I bring E in a backpack and let her look, touch and taste whatever she can. She may be a little young still to connect the dots but, getting them involved at a young age by letting them help choose the vegetables for the week could jump start a life time of healthier eating. Farmer's markets also usually boast crafts, baked goods and food vendors which can be a lot of a fun! Be sure to always pick up something you've never tried before you may find a new favorite. Also be sure to bring small bills and your reusable bags! (They will love you for it!)

From the market, we brought home, apples, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, a Halloween cookie and a sugar pumpkin. I decided tonight to get a little creative with the apples and some quinoa I still had in the pantry.

You've heard me talk about quinoa before. The super seed, a complete protein, loaded with vitamins and mineral, but did you know you could eat it for breakfast? Here's my take on oatmeal, quinoa style!

Apple Cranberry Cinnamon Quinoa Oatmeal

1/2 Apple, peeled, cored and diced small (Granny Smith, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, any cooking apple)
1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
2/3 Cup Quinoa
1 1/3 Cup Water
1 Cinnamon Stick
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Your choice of milk for serving.

Put water and quinoa in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add apples, cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Lower the heat to medium and keep at a simmer. Cook for 10 min and add the dried cranberries and brown sugar and stir. Continue to keep at a low simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes until quinoa is soft but still got a little bite and water is absorbed. Portion "oatmeal" into appropriate size containers for your toddler (or just go ahead and eat some yourself!) and keep refrigerated until serving. When ready to serve heat in the microwave with milk, to the consistency you like and eat!