Gingerbread Breakfast Quinoa
Wake up to a festive breakfast with this Gingerbread Breakfast Quinoa! It’s a cozy way to start your day—with all the warm spices you’d expect from holiday treats with a nutritious twist. Think creamy quinoa, a hint of molasses, tangy cranberries, and a sprinkle of pecans and hemp hearts. This Gingerbread Breakfast Quinoa is gluten-free, vegan, and packed with goodness, so you can savour the season’s flavours and feel great too. Perfect with a drizzle of maple syrup and paired with your favourite holiday playlist!
Gingerbread Breakfast Quinoa Recipe
Gluten-free | Vegan | Dairy-free | Vegetarian
Prep time: 2 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Serving size: 1
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice, I use homemade almond oat milk
- 1 tbsp black strap molasses
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa
- ½ cup whole fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raw pecans, chopped
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
- Maple syrup to taste
Directions
- Whisk milk, molasses, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger in a pot.
- Bring to a boil and add quinoa and fresh cranberries.
- Reduce to a low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the gingerbread breakfast quinoa from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes, and fluff it with a fork.
- Spoon into a bowl and top with dried cranberries, pecans, hemp hearts and maple syrup to taste.
Health Benefits of Molasses in this Gingerbread Breakfast Quinoa
Blackstrap molasses is a nutrient-dense sweetener that offers several health benefits, particularly for energy and bone health. Rich in iron, molasses can help support red blood cell production and improve energy levels. So, it’s an excellent choice for people prone to anemia. It’s also high in calcium and magnesium, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Additionally, blackstrap molasses contains potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body. With these nutrients packed into each spoonful, blackstrap molasses is a great way to add some festive cheer to your dish and it’s loaded with nutritional benefits!
Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries are small but mighty berries packed with health benefits. Known for their high levels of antioxidants, especially proanthocyanidins, they help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce inflammation. Cranberries are widely recognized for promoting urinary tract health. That’s because their compounds prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, which may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). They’re also a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, and dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Whether fresh or dried adding cranberries to your diet can be a delicious way to boost your overall wellness this holiday season!
Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutrient powerhouse that brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. As a complete protein, it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a valuable protein source, especially for plant-based diets. Quinoa is also rich in fibre, which supports healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes satiety. It’s packed with minerals like magnesium, which can help reduce muscle cramps and support heart health, and iron, which is essential for energy production and oxygen transport. Additionally, quinoa provides antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, which may help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage. With its versatile, nutty flavour and impressive nutrient profile, quinoa isn’t just a dinner main, it’s a great breakfast item too!
Cook Up Some Holiday Cheer with a Festive Virtual Cooking Class!
Looking to whip up some holiday cheer with your team this season? I’ve got a lineup of virtual cooking classes that’ll bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen. These hands-on classes are a fun way for your team to connect, laugh, and create delicious holiday treats together. Here’s what I have in store this month:
- Chocolate Peppermint Dream – Embrace the magic of chocolate and mint with Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, plus a choice of Healthy Peppermint Truffles or Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate!
- Elevated Gingerbread – Move over, gingerbread men! This class lets you create Gingerbread Squares, paired with a cozy Gingerbread Hot Chocolate or a Gingerbread Hot Toddy Cocktail.
- Candy Cane Desserts – Get that signature peppermint crunch with Candy Cane Blondies, and choose between a decadent Chocolate Candy Cane Bark or a festive Candy Cane Moscow Mule Cocktail.
Ready to spread some holiday joy? Contact me at info@jesselanewellness.com or visit my Corporate Wellness page to book your class!
Holiday Recipe Roundup
Easy Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
These Easy Chocolate Peppermint Truffles are the perfect festive treat—rich, fudgy, and with a hint of refreshing peppermint! Made with wholesome ingredients like cocoa powder and Medjool dates, they’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. I promise you, everyone will enjoy these chocolatey bites this holiday season!
Holiday Candy Cane Blondies
Get ready to add a festive twist to your holiday baking with these Holiday Candy Cane Blondies! These nut-free blondies are rich, chewy, and packed with holiday cheer, thanks to a hint of peppermint and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane. Whip up a batch in under an hour, and watch them disappear from the dessert table!
Orange-Scented Gingerbread Squares
These Orange-Scented Gingerbread Squares are one of my go-to dairy-free and nut-free holiday treats. They add a festive twist on classic gingerbread, combining the comforting spices of ginger and cinnamon with the bright zest of fresh orange. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these squares are easy to whip up in just 15 minutes of prep time. They’re super moist and perfectly complemented by a light dusting of powdered sugar and a hint of citrus zest on top for a beautiful statement on your dessert table!
