healthy start

you don't need me to tell you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. i'm always searching for something that has enough staying power to get me through the morning, so when i stumbled upon quinoa flakes at the grocery store, i knew i had to try them. they taste just like oatmeal or other hot cereals, but with more protein, thanks to the quinoa. i'm sure i'll dress up the flakes in all sorts of ways, but lately i've been doing a sweet variation.

quinoa flakes with toasted coconut and hazelnuts (serves 1)

1/3 cup dry quinoa flakes
1 cup water
pinch of salt

unsweetened coconut flakes
raw hazelnuts
splash of half + half
a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon
drizzle of honey

mix quinoa flakes, water and salt in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for two and a half minutes. stir in cinnamon and set aside.

preheat oven to 375 degrees f. on a baking sheet, spread a thin layer of coconut flakes evenly and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure they don't burn. remove flakes and set aside, turn oven down to 350 degrees f. spread the hazelnuts out on the same baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. immediately after removing hazelnuts from oven, wrap them in a dish towel and rub the skins off.

pour hot quinoa flakes into a bowl, top with toasted coconut and hazelnuts. drizzle half + half and honey right before eating.