Quinoa Granola Sweetened with Fruits and Honey, Soaked For Flavor Enhancement
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Quinoa granola is a nutritious and easy-to-make breakfast option for toddlers, offering a balance of taste, safety, and digestibility. This recipe, sourced from Nourished Beginnings Baby Food, is suitable for toddlers due to its easy digestibility and nutrient-rich ingredients.
Making the Quinoa Granola
The quinoa granola can be dehydrated at 135°F overnight or baked at the lowest heat (such as 150°F) with frequent stirring, or baked at a higher temperature, such as 300°F, for about an hour, again stirring often until it is fully dried[1]. The recipe requires 6 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups of nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, 1 cup of coconut flour, 2 cups of quinoa, 1/2 cup of salted butter, and 1/3 cup of honey.
Baking the Granola
The granola is bound together with melted coconut oil, a bit of honey or maple syrup (if over 1 year old), and vanilla. It is then baked at 325°F (163°C) for 25 minutes without stirring, followed by cooling and breaking into small clusters[1].
Nutritional Benefits
Quinoa granola is packed with nutrients. Popped quinoa and nuts/seeds provide plant-based protein vital for toddler growth[1][4]. It also contains fiber, which aids digestion and satiety, beneficial for toddlers’ developing digestive systems[1][4]. The granola contains healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and coconut oil, supporting brain development[1][4]. Furthermore, quinoa is rich in micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, essential for toddlers[5].
Digestibility
Popped quinoa is easier to digest than raw quinoa because the heat makes it lighter and less dense[1]. For toddlers, it’s best to finely crush granola clusters or serve with yogurt or milk to aid swallowing and digestion. Avoid hard nuts or large seeds that may pose choking hazards in toddlers; finely chopped or ground nuts are safer[1][4].
Serving Methods for Toddlers
Mix granola into yogurt or plant-based milk for a softer texture. Serve in small portions to avoid choking risks. Combine with soft fruits like mashed banana or berries for natural sweetness and moisture[5]. Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness[1][2].
When a toddler is teething, letting the granola sit in the milk or yogurt for a bit to soak the liquid and get softer works well.
This approach balances nutrition, taste, and toddler safety while promoting digestibility and ease of eating. The recipe for Quinoa Granola is printable and suitable for toddlers, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts.
References: 1. Nourished Beginnings Baby Food. (n.d.). Quinoa Granola Recipe for Toddlers. Retrieved from https://nourishedbeginningsbabyfood.com/quinoa-granola-recipe-toddlers/ 2. Nourished Beginnings Baby Food. (n.d.). Quinoa Granola Recipe for Toddlers - Printable. Retrieved from https://nourishedbeginningsbabyfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Quinoa-Granola-Recipe-for-Toddlers-Printable-Version.pdf 3. Nourished Beginnings Baby Food. (n.d.). Quinoa Granola Recipe for Toddlers - Video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0gvT8Rz6v4 4. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2021). Toddler Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/health/nutrition/children-and-teens/toddler-nutrition 5. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Quinoa nutrition facts. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/foods/quinoa/nutrition-charts/row/view/quinoa-cooked-without-sodium
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