Coconut Quinoa Pudding

This is a healthy, creamy breakfast pudding, reminiscent of a rice pudding.  Unlike standard white rice pudding, this pudding is made from nutrient-rich quinoa, so comes with loads of protein and fiber.  The flavors are pretty comparable, and the texture is a little more creamy than standard rice pudding.  To make the pudding, you will need:

• Quinoa of choice, uncooked (I used basic white quinoa)
• Milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond)
• Coconut flakes
• Sweetener of choice (I used a mix of stevia and agave)
• Ground ginger
• Vanilla (optional)
• 2-3 Green cardamom pods

1. Fill small (1.5 quart) crockpot until 2/3 full with quinoa and milk, with approximately 1 part quinoa to 3 or 4 parts milk 
2. Stir in remaining ingredients to taste
3. Cook on low overnight or on medium or high heat for a few hours, until the pudding is soft and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings; sprinkle with some extra coconut flakes.
5. Enjoy!

Orange Creamsicle Powerbar Balls

 These balls are the lovechild of an orange creamsicle and a protein power bar.  They also happen to be rich, creamy, coconutty, and vegan.  With the proper choice of jam, they are poteintially fiber rich as well as sugar free!  They're also super-easy to make.  No baking or waiting required-just mix, roll, and presto!  You have healthy creamsicle balls.  If you have been following this blog, you may recognize the following dough mix as the same as the one from our no-bake shortbread cookies.  This time just go a bit heavier on the marmalade and vanilla, and there's no need to refrigerate the balls first.

You will need:

• Coconut butter
• Protein powder (I used unsweetened soy; I haven't tried others here)
• Orange marmalade (I used SF Polaner)
• Vanilla extract

1. Melt the coconut butter in the microwave.
2. Add protein powder and orange marmalade and stir into the melted coconut butter.  Start with equal quantities of the three ingredients, and then keep adding protein powder until you get a thick dough.
3. Add vanilla to taste.
4. Roll into balls.
5. Enjoy!