Quinoa Cake

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour or spelt flour)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (or hazelnuts or pecans)

4 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger (optional)

1/3 cup of dried apricots (or 1/2 cup of raisins or ½ cup of dates)

3 large eggs

½ cup orange juice

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large rectangular pan (11x7).

2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the quinoa and cook until the grain is translucent (about 11 to 14 minutes).

3. Drain the quinoa through a fine mesh strainer and put it back into the put (there should be no flame under the pot. The heat from the burner will dry the quinoa.

4.  In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, walnuts, apricots and ginger.

5. In a small bowl combine the eggs, orange juice, butter, and vanilla extract.

6. Stir the liquid ingredients and quinoa into the dry ingredients just until blended.

7. Pour batter into the baking pan and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.

8. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.  – Enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert!