Quinoa is a great grain to use, especially for athletes. It is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids. It cooks just like rice but in about half the time.

Quinoa Bars

2 cups water

1-cup quinoa, rinsed

Dry Ingredients:

1-cup brown sugar
1-cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp crushed anise seed
1/2 cup black currants
1/2 cup diced dried figs
1/2 chopped walnut

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 orange juice, fresh is better
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten

Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bring the water to a boil, add the quinoa and reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until water has been absorbed, then cool. Combine dry ingredients. Add cooled quinoa. Wisk together wet ingredients and then add to dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over mix. Pour onto a greased 9x13 pan or spread onto a greased cookie sheet with sides. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, approx 15 minutes.

Variations:

You can substitute any of your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Just use whatever you have on hand.