Back to School :: Breakfast of Real Champs!

We see many creative back to school lunchbox recipes around this time of year, but we can’t forget the most important meal of the day, breakfast. Peas of Mind wants to be sure the kids get off to the best possible start of their school year! This reci-pea combines ALL of the “super grains” and seeds that you’ve been hearing about over the last couple years. You can serve this hot or cold, for breakfast or as a snack. Here is a snippet of the health benefits of each of the reci-peas components:

Chia Seeds: These seeds slow the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar which translates to a longer lasting fuel source for your body. It’s the food version of turning your body from a gas guzzler to a hybrid car!

Quinoa: These seeds are a complete protein, which means they contains all of the 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body for building muscles. Typically, you must eat meat, or combination foods such as rice and beans, to obtain these nutrients.

Amaranth: These ancient grains contain an incredible amount of essential nutrients: protein, iron, fiber and calcium, along with essential amino acids required for brain cell maintenance.

Agave Syrup: This is a wonderful alternative to using regular processed sugars. It has a low glycemic index, even lower than sugars from fruit, which means it will not cause a sharp spike in sugar levels. In other words, parents, no more kids on crazy sugar highs!

Flax Seeds: These seeds are pretty amazing for their size! They help regulate blood sugar levels, increase energy and stamina, and help with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD.)

Brainy Grain Cereal

Serves 6

• 1/2 cup amaranth
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 tablespoon flax seed
• 1 tablespoon chia seed
• 2 tablespoons light agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6 whole graham crackers (optional)
• 1 tablespoon toasted coconut (optional)
• Dark chocolate chips, melted for drizzle (optional)

In a saucepan combined the amaranth with 1 ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil, then let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed (it has a consistency similar to Cream of Wheat.) In another saucepan combined the the quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and, then let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until all water is absorbed (cooking quinoa is similar to cooking rice.)

In a large bowl, combine the amaranth, quinoa, flax seeds, chia seeds, agave syrup, brown sugar and salt.

To serve, spread 2 tablespoons of Brainy Grain Cereal onto graham crackers, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and drizzle with chocolate. You can omit the graham crackers especially if anyone in your family is allergic or intolerant to gluten. Serve Brainy Grainy Cereal straight out of a bowl or in a muffin cup! Another delightful treat, Brain Grainy Cereal right on top of a Nanna’s Banana Puffet.