Quinoa Mac & Cheese Muffins

Vegetarian comfort food made light (and with more protein). The soy bacon really gives this recipe a rich flavor & baking them in the muffin tins portions them perfectly.

Quinoa Mac & Cheese Muffins

Yield: about 20 Muffins

• 2 cups dry quinoa
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups 2% milk shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 egg whites
• 6 slices Morningstar Farms bacon strips, chopped
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 3 Tbsp chipotle chilies in adobo, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp whole wheat panko bread crumbs
• Dried ground chipotle and garlic powder for panko dusting (optional)

Tuna & Quinoa Burgers and Zucchini Fries

Recently I was reminded how much food ends up going to waste in our homes and it motivated me to take a closer look at the way I use the food in my kitchen (to be honest, it's mostly for personal budget reasons - thanks for the frugal gene dad!). I decided that this week I would avoid the supermarket and stick to what I already have.

Yesterday I browsed for recipes based on the ingredients next in line to go bad in my kitchen: 1/2 an onion, 2 zucchini, spinach, half a jar of marinara sauce and a box of matzo meal (though not about to go bad, I need to use it up). With only slight alterations and additions, these recipes were the perfect fit (adapted from postings on the MyFitnessPal.com community forums).

 

Tuna & Quinoa Burgers

 This "burger" without a bun was definitely a healthy choice although could have used a little more spice. Next time add some Old Bay seasoning, chopped up pickled jalapenos (they would have been in there trust me, but I was out!) and maybe even add some goat cheese into the actual mix.