Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bars

I'm still on a quest to try all the different grains in our bulk department at work.  Obviously I've tried quinoa before, but I'd never tried it in a baking recipe, until now.  Prior to making these bars I'd only had quinoa in salads or casseroles.  Why have I waited so long to use it in a sweet recipe?!  Shame on me.  I've been missing out.  I'll have to make up for lost time now.....

Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bars

Modified slightly from this source

Serves: 10

Ingredients

Dry:

1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (this is a little less than ~3/4 cup dry, be sure to measure after it's cooked. You will have some leftover.)

1 cup brown rice flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup chia seeds

Wet:

1 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

1.  Allow your quinoa to cool before starting to make this recipe.  In a large bowl mix dry ingredients.  In a separate smaller bowl, mix wet ingredients, except for the chocolate chips

2.  Add wet to dry, stirring gently until mixed.  Add in chocolate chips and mix.

3.  Poor batter into a greased baking pan (I used a square pan, about 2-inches deep)

4.  Pop it in the oven and bake about 28 minutes- fork check to make sure they are done.

5. ENJOY!

**NOTE:  If you follow a low FODMAPs diet you'll be pleased to know these are low-FODMAPs!

The day I made these Nick was at work.  I couldn't wait for him to walk in the door and smell these so he would beg for a taste.  Sadly, he never did.  Yeah, he walked in the house and didn't even notice the smell of chocolate and brown sugar emanating through the house.  So of course I marched downstairs and forced him to try these delicacies.  He took one bite and wanted the rest.  Muahaha.  Trying to ignore my wonderful baking talent?!  Not so fast buddy.  And he says he "hates quinoa".  

Estimated Nutrition Facts for 1/10th of recipe
Source: CalorieCount.com

Nutrition Highlights:  Good source of protein, fiber, and iron

I packed these in both Nick and my lunches for about a week after making these.  They were just so filling and easy to pack in a work lunch.  They tasted great without heating, but even better popped in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back some flavors.  Please make these today, you won't be sorry (and make a double batch so you can have plenty for lunches!).

QUESTION:  Have you ever baked with quinoa?

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone. Thanks for reading!

The Candid Rd