A perfect alternative to oatmeal in the morning, quinoa covered with fruit, sprinkled with nuts and drizzled with pure maple syrup really starts my day off nicely.

Simple. Delicious. Quick. Nutritious.

This bowl is packed with an outstanding mix of protein, fiber and carbohydrates for a sustained energy level.

The pure maple syrup and dried figs add several beneficial minerals and those farm fresh blueberries, an slew of antioxidants.

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Maple Blueberry Fig Quinoa

(Serves 2-3)

1 cup dry quinoa

1 3/4 cup water

1 tsp extract (vanilla, almond, whatever you like)

2 TBS cinnamon

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 cup dried figs, chopped

Nuts and/or seeds for topping (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds [shown in picture], whatever you like)

100% pure maple syrup for drizzling (none of that faux corn syrup stuff!)

- Bring water, quinoa and extract to a boil and reduce to medium, cooking until done - about 7-10 minutes.

- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and blueberries.

- Scoop into bowls and top with 1/4-1/2 cup figs, light handful of seeds and a drizzle of maple syrup.

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Nutrition for 1 cup quinoa and blueberries, 1/3 cup chopped figs, sprinkle of seeds and 1 TBS maple syrup:

Calories: 428 Fat: 12g Saturated Fat: 2g Protein: 11g Carbohydrates: 54g Fiber: 10g Sodium: 17mg

Additional nourishing benefits: greater than 25% daily value for iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese. Talk about a mineral packed meal!

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Happy Breakfast.