Quin-WHAT? Quinoa Basics

I'd been wanting to incorporate Quinoa into our diets for a while, so when my lovely sister-in-law got us a Quinoa cookbook I figured it was time to start. You may be asking what the heck is it? Keep reading for all the basic information on this powerful superfood.
Pronounced: Keen-wah
Nutrition: Gluten-free super-grain that contains all essential life-supporting nutrients. 
One cup cooked=
222 calories, 5 grams fiber, and 8 grams protein.
How to use: Use as a rice substitute in casseroles or as a side dish. Cook a batch on Sunday and keep in the fridge to use for the week. Yummy recipe below for Quinoa burgers I tried this weekend.
Where to buy: Best deal is a 4 pound bag for $7.99 at Costco, but it's also available near the rice at most grocery stores, and even in the bulk bins of your health food store.
Other stuff: The saponin seed coating provides and natural protectant from pesticides

Quinoa Burgers  pairs great with mama's homemade oven fries
recipe adapted from "Quinoa365" book by Patricia Green & Carolyn Hemming
Ingredients:
1/4 c quinoa
1/4 c green lentils
1 1/2 C water
1/3 C walnuts
1/2 C whole wheat breadcrumbs
one can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3/4 C chopped celery
3/4 C chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1 C chopped green or red bell pepper
1/4 T salt and pepper
Directions:
* combine qunioa, lentils and water in saucepan and bring to boil. Cover, reduce to simmer 23 min.
* preheat oven to 350, and grease baking sheet
* combine all ingredients in food processor. Mix until combined and chickpeas are broke apart
* using about 1/2 C mixture at a time, shape into burger patties, place onto sheet.
* bake 20 min and enjoy! 
Resources:
All things Quinoa and Additional Recipes
Cooking Quinoa