(Almost) Instant Breakfast Quinoa and More Breakfasts On-the-Go

We are breakfast people.  I wake up ready for a snack and so do my husband and daughter.  It's hard for us to do breakfasts out because it just takes too darn long to get ready and out the door.  On those days we are Hobbit-like and usually go a bit later for a second breakfast.  For that same reason, breakfasts most days are pretty quick.  This Breakfast Quinoa can be on the table in about 2 minutes, as long as you have some cooked quinoa in the fridge (that's the almost part).  When I cook staples like rice, couscous or quinoa, I normally make double or triple the amount that I need so that I can have a few quicker meals over the next few days... like this one!

My (Almost) Instant Breakfast Quinoa

One Serving

1/2 cup cooked quinoa (don't add any seasonings when cooking)

1/4 cup milk (I used 2%, but could be any variety, including soy or almond milk)

2 tsp pure maple syrup

dash of ground cinnamon

Measure the above into a microwavable mug or bowl and stir.  Cook on high for one minute.  While the quinoa is heating up, prepare your toppings.  I used:

5 natural almonds, roughly chopped

1/2 tsp flax seed

1 handful blueberries, rinsed and dried

When the quinoa comes out of the microwave, add your toppings and voila!  Using the Recipe Calculator at Sparkpeople.com, I calculated the following approximate nutritional information for my recipe, including toppings:  240 cal, 29 mg sodium, 4 g fibre and 8 g protein.

Recently, I was contacted to see if I would like to try out the new Fruit and Maple Oatmeal from McDonald's.  At first I hesitated, because for the most part we just don't do fast food and I felt that it would somewhat go against my personal ideals.  I'm trying to go for that 'balance' thing that everyone strives for lately, so I decided to open my mind and give it a try... and it would give the little one a fun outing as our local McDonald's has a PlayPlace.  I had seen some of my Twitter friends asking if anyone had tried it yet, so I knew people were curious... another good reason for me to try it!

We got up last Sunday, had coffee, shared a croissant (the whole 'can't wait for breakfast thing again), and loaded in the car and headed to Tantallon.  When I brought our oatmeals to the table I admit, I wasn't really expecting much.   When I took the lid off, it looked a bit watery and I assumed my expectation was right on... but hold on now, it actually smelled pretty good.  The oatmeal itself is made by Quaker and it is prepared with water.  It is topped with real diced apple (no dried chunks) and moist raisins and dried cranberries.  The maple brown sugar comes on the side, so you can decide how much, if any, you want to add.  By the time I stirred it up and topped it with the maple brown sugar, it thickened up and really smelled good.   Hubby and I both ate all of it and enjoyed it.  It was a bit too chunky for the little one, but she was too busy playing to care.  According to McDonald's nutritional info, one (generous) serving is 230 calories, 90mg of sodium and 5 grams of fibre.  

So, anti-fast food me has decided that this might be a little treat for me once in a while... to get a healthier snack while the little one burns off some energy in the PlayPlace (the Oatmeal is available all day, not just during breakfast hours).  Plus, since McDonald's offers free WiFi, I can also get some me-time on my new iPod... double Mommy treat! (McDonald's also has a new Nutrition Calculator iPhone App which can be downloaded for free from the iTunes App Store)

If you would like to give McDonald's new Fruit and Maple Oatmeal a try and you live in Canada (sorry, my coupons are only good within Canada), comment below with your email address (or via GFC if your email address is visible) and let me know what your favourite on-the-go breakfast is.  I'd also love if you'd follow me (on Facebook or Twitter for example), but it's not mandatory, I'd rather you follow me because you want to :)  

I have two coupons to mail to the lucky winner, whom I will select using random.org on October 7th, 2011.  If I do not get a response from the winner within 48 hours, I will re-draw!  Good luck!  

I received free product to test to be able to provide review & giveaway, but my opinions, as always, are just that...  mine.