Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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

10 comments :

  1. These look so tasty! I've been looking for a baking project for the next couple of days and this might be it!

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  2. Wow do these look good! Not too long ago I made a honey quinoa bar that was pretty delicious - I made it around Passover so I topped it with some charoset for a little extra crunch & sweetness. Before that I made a chocolate cake with quinoa - also really good!

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  3. HELLOOOOO HEALTHY snack bars!! This are fantastic! Def. a recipe EVERYONE should make and store in the freezer and just grab and go with! :)

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  4. i have never baked with quinoa before but these bars look so goood

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  5. Do you think the brown rice flour is a good sub for the bean flour!! I've had gummy results with rice flour and just wondering your thoughts! They look fab!!

    I made a cookie with cooked quinoa once, and a popped quinoa cake- both on my blog, check them out!

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    Replies
    1. Hey Jaqui! So...I do find brown rice flour to be gummy sometimes, yet, but these weren't gummy (and I didn't want them to taste like bean!) I will definitely check out your popped quinoa cake! Yum.

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  6. How could Nick not notice the incredible smell of chocolate and brown sugar wafting all over the house? Inconceivable! (I just got Princess Bride flashbacks here). This recipe looks delicious! I've not tried quinoa in baked goods before, but I'll have to now :)

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    1. haha, I know!! Ok, I need to see that movie again....I think this is the third person who has mentioned it this month (once on a TV show) and I'm sad to say I really forget the movie! I used to watch it all the time....yikes, movie night!

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  7. I forgot to buy Chia seeds. Can I make these without them and will they still taste good?

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    Replies
    1. I think they would be too wet without the chia, since the chia seeds sort of binds the liquid. I would wait and make them with chia.

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