Quinoa Pudding

I have been focussing much energy this week on cleaning up my diet, banning added sugar for the moment. I am also seriously reducing my starchy carbohydrate intake as well as overall amount of food. For me to be successful with this, I need to maximize nutrition and taste. I want my meals to give me the power and energy I need while satisfying my taste buds.
We need carbohydrates for energy. Quinoa is a good grain to keep IN the diet.It has no gluten, is high in protein, low on the glycemic index, and is quite versatile. I had some yesterday in a savory main dish with shrimp and vegetables. Today it is dessert, and I still have some already cooked for another creation, perhaps a cold salad. As well as being gluten free, I don't use much dairy. Coconut milk is an extremely satisfying alternative.
Quinoa Pudding

serves 4

1 c. cooked quinoa ( some say rinse before cooking to reduce any bitterness, I also suggest soaking overnight before cooking for easier digestion)

1c. coconut milk ( go ahead and use the full fat, and please get organic)

1 tsp. Chinese 5 spice powder

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 T. lemon juice

2 pears, cored and cubed

pinch of salt

1/4c. chopped walnuts

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy warm or cold.

So, we have got protein from the quinoa, good fats from the coconut milk and walnuts, sweetness from the pears, and unusual flavor from the 5 spice powder. This is tonight's dessert as well as breakfast one morning this week.

This is a recipe that has room for much improvisation. I didn't use any sugar. If you want, add some honey or agave nectar. I used pears because they are coming into season. Try apples. Stone fruits are still in season here in California so plums or peaches would be good. If I had had some fruit liquor that would have matched the flavors, I would have added 1 T. If only I had not finished off that ginger liquor! That would have been tasty. I have a lemon tree in my yard and this week lemons are plentiful. Orange zest would also work really well. And, of course, use any nuts you like.

Eating food like this reminds me that high power nutrition can be delicious. No reason to stray from the course I have set! Enjoy.