Breakfast Quinoa with Cashew Cream

Continuing through the Salad Samurai, I made this recipe this morning. The book calls it "Quinoa à la mode". It makes a lot and I put some in jars, so I will have breakfasts on the go for the rest of the week. Before I go any further, I must tell you, this cashew cream is delicious!!! I've never tried it before and it tastes so good. I would make it again to put on oatmeal or even drizzle on some fresh fruit to add in some protein. Do cashews have protein? I think so.

I texted Juliet this morning and told her about it and said, all you do is mix soaked almonds with some lemon, maple syrup and vanilla. She asked me why is it called Cashew cream if it's made with almonds? well, because it's not. it's made with cashews, lemon, maple syrup and vanilla and I was just half asleep..woops! Good catch Juliet ;).. clearly I need more coffee.

Many of the recipes in the cookbook use soaked cashews, so I took a trip to Bulk barn last night to stock up. In addition to the cashews, I bought some dried apples for this recipe and some hazelnuts for a salad recipe.

I also tried a boxing class at Beaver Boxing, and it was so much fun! I can't wait to go back. There were so many people in the class, it is packed. We did a warm-up, some shadow boxing, partner work, heavy bag and core and the time flew by. My foot held up fine and it felt great to get some exercise.

I would recommend making the quinoa beforehand as that saves a lot of time. I used Gwynyth's recipe for perfectly cooked quinoa.  The recipe says to chill the quinoa but you can also eat it hot.


Quinoa
- 2-3 cups cooked quinoa (I used 3 because that's how much I had)
- 1 cup raisins (optional- I know some people HATE raisins so just leave them out)
- 1 cup dried apple
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Divide into small mason jars if desired.

Topping:
- 1 apple
- cinnamon


Cashew Cream
- 1/2 cup cashews ( RAW- NOT ROASTED)
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- dash salt

Pour boiling water over cashews and let it sit for 20 minutes. You can do this directly in your blender.  After 20 minutes, blend with other ingredients ( nutribullet or other small blenders are perfect for this)

Top quinoa with apple and sprinkle with cinnamon. Drizzle on cashew cream.

Enjoy!!