Happy Friday lovely readers!

I’ve got a breakfast quinoa bake that is packed with decadence and nutrition! Just like my banana bread flake bake from a while back, I’m on a quinoa breakfast kick again. Must be the colder weather that makes me crave a warm and comforting breakfast with lots of flavor AND stars two of my all-time favorite ingredients – nut butter and chocolate. Feel free to use your favorite nut butter and chocolate (or carob) for the bake – the recipe is flexible. I used peanut butter but sunflower seed butter, almond butter, cashew, pecan etc would all work well here.

I’ve listed both quick cooking and baking instructions, just in case you need a fast breakfast or snack on the go.

So I thought I’d give the winter squash a rest…just for a day! Don’t worry, I have plenty of upcoming recipes that will be a great addition to your holiday menus that use your favorite fall flavors and ingredients 🙂

Chocolate N’ Nut Butter Quinoa Bake (adapted from my Banana Bread Quinoa Bake)

Ingredients

½ cup quinoa flakes (can sub oats but cooking time will be less*)
1 Tbsp raw buckwheat groats or millet, optional but adds a nice texture
2-3 tsp chia seeds
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ small banana, mashed
2 Tbsp nut butter (I used peanut butter)
1 1/2 tsp chocolate chips and/or coconut sugar, agave or honey, optional for a sweeter variation
dash of sea salt
dash of pure vanilla extract

For serving
Raw or roasted nuts (I used chopped peanuts) OR more nut butter
Chocolate (or carob) chips or chunks (I used chopped unsweetened Bakers, love this for breakfast)
Coconut butter, optional

Directions
(Oven and Microwave Cooking Methods Included)

1. In a small bowl, add in all ingredients and stir until well combined.
2. Grease a 12 to 16 oz microwave safe ramekin or bowl with coconut oil then add quinoa mixture to prepared dish. Press mixture in the ramekin and use fingers, fork or spoon to smooth out create an even surface.

If baking in the oven
Preheat oven to 350F, then place dish in oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly and then invert onto serving dish, garnish with toppings and enjoy!