Breakfast Quinoa with Blackberries and Honey Tangerine Slices

The first time I had quinoa was several years ago. I was working at a jewelry design studio. I was between jobs, and a friend had generously given me the gig as a way to make ends meet while searching for full time work in my field. It was everything that my past job was not — mellow, relaxed, totally not corporate in the least bit, and I was able to work with my hands. Not by typing on a computer keyboard like I was used to, but by sifting through containers full of exotic stones and intricately wrapping wire this way and that, eventually creating a pair of handmade earrings or a necklace.

It was a small business that was run out of my friend’s home studio. There were 6 employees total but even that small number made for comfortably cozy quarters. Since it was a such small studio, meals were always a joint event. It was a health conscious group, many of them vegetarian and some even playing with the idea of going completely “raw.”

There was a beautiful blue-eyed young woman that brought the most gorgeous homecooked meals for lunch, always prepared with fresh whole ingredients. And, one morning, she arrived with bagful of fresh berries, assorted toasted nuts, and a container of cooked red quinoa to make breakfast for everyone. It was simple, hearty, full of texture, and so delicious. I was instantly intrigued. This is the day I fell in love with quinoa.

One of my favorite times to eat quinoa is in the morning along with some fresh fruit, toasted almonds, and a little drizzle of honey.

Red Quinoa with Blackberries and Honey Tangerines

*Honey tangerines are the sweetest variety of tangerines. They are said to be a combination of a tangerine and a sweet orange. They are delicious paired with the blackerries and nutty quinoa.

Inspired by my friend Briahna and Heidi at 101 Cookbooks

1 cup almond milk

1 cup water

1 cup  quinoa, rinsed

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup fresh blackberries

2 whole honey tangerines, peeled and sectioned

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds

honey to taste

Combine almond milk, water, sea salt, and quinoa in saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 -15  minutes. Turn off heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Mix blackberries, tangerines, and toasted almonds into quinoa. When placed in serving bowls, top with more almonds and a drizzle of honey to taste.

Tagged as: blackberries, Breakfast, citrus, food memories, grain, healthy breakfast, honey tangerines, protein, red quinoa, sweet quinoa, toasted almonds