No Added Sugar Breakfast Bars For BLW - No Banana

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Health Benefits Of Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious superfood that can be beneficial for babies starting their journey with solid foods through baby-led weaning.

Here are some reasons why quinoa is a great choice:

1. High in Nutrients: Quinoa is packed with essential nutrients like protein, fibre, iron, and magnesium, which are important for a baby's growth and development.

The perfect first food for baby.

2. Easy to Digest: Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain that is easy for babies to digest, making it a gentle option for their developing tummies.

3. Energy Boost: The complex carbohydrates in quinoa provide a sustainable source of energy for active little ones, supporting their play and exploration.

4. Versatile: Quinoa can be cooked to various different textures, making it adaptable for different stages of baby-led weaning.

It can be pureed for early stages or served in soft, cooked grains for older babies to practice self-feeding.

5. Immune Support: Quinoa contains antioxidants and vitamins that can help support your baby's immune system, keeping them strong and healthy.

Introducing quinoa during baby-led weaning can expand your little one's palate and introduce them to a nutrient-dense food that can be a valuable addition to their diet.

Remember to cook quinoa thoroughly and offer it in a safe way for your baby’s little tummies to explore and enjoy this wholesome grain.

Is Quinoa A Grain?

Quinoa is often mistaken for a grain due to its appearance uses in the kitchen, but botanically, it is not classified as a grain.

Quinoa is actually a cereal seed that is related to spinach. Despite not being a true grain, quinoa is commonly referred to as a grain because it is prepared and consumed in a similar way to true grains like wheat or rice.

Its high protein content and versatility in various dishes make quinoa a popular and nutritious choice for many people seeking a wholesome addition to their diet.

Great for baby led weaning as it is highly nutritious, versatile and filling.

How Long Does Quinoa Take To Cook?

Quinoa typically takes around 15-20 minutes to cook.

It's important to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can cause a bitter taste.

Once rinsed, combine one part quinoa with two parts water in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover (optional), and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, usually around 15 minutes.

Fluff with a fork before serving, similar to couscous.

No Added Egg Breakfast High Protein

This easy snack is a versatile and nutritious option suitable for both babies and adults for snack time.

Using simple ingredients this bar is packed with protein from quinoa, it offers a satisfying and wholesome start to the day.

This bar is similar to a porridge oats bar with the absence of added eggs, which makes it a safe choice for individuals with egg allergies, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.

Whether enjoyed as a quick morning snack or a light meal on the go, this breakfast bar is a basic recipe that provides a convenient and healthy option for all ages.

Ingredient information

Oats - I have used rolled oats, as these are what I use from day to day.

As the oats are blitzed you could use any porridge oats such as jumbo oats, steel cut oats or quick oats.

Any of these oats are a great option you may have in the cupboard.

Quinoa - I often forget about quinoa. But it is a great choice for a substitute for rice and pasta.

I love the fact quinoa is high in protein so it will keep you fuller for longer, perfect to incorporate within a breakfast.

Ground almonds - I have added ground almonds to add flavour and a little more protein to these bars.

Strawberry apple puree - I have used a strawberry and apple puree pouch.

You could use apple sauce or cooked apples blitzed, or a ripe banana instead if you wish.

This is for added sweetness to the bars, without adding any sugar.

Flaxseed - I love to add flaxseed to muffins, cakes and bars as it adds a little extra nutrition to the recipe, and you do not even taste it.

You could also add in some chia seeds to the oat bars.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon works so well within this recipe, adds an earthy flavour.

Goes really well with apple too. You will be able to find the full recipe below.

Serving suggestion

The bars are great drizzled with a nut butter such as peanut butter, almond butter or a cashew butter.

You could also serve with a plain Greek yogurt for dipping.

They are a great finger food perfect for lunch boxes as they can be served at room temperature or an on the go snack for babies, toddlers and for Mum and Dad too!

Finger foods can be healthy snacks which are always great on the go. A great snack for the whole family.

Other similar breakfast recipes: Spinach muffin, Carrot cake muffin, Oaty bars.

Storage instructions

Store the breakfast bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The bars can be frozen in an airtight container or in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Be sure to label the freezer bags with the item and date, so it is clear how long they can be stored.

To label the airtight container I use masking tape this way it will not ruin the airtight container.

To defrost the bars, keep them in an airtight container and defrost in the fridge overnight.

Make sure they are fully defrosted before serving. They will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Do not refreeze the bars.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.

Large bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.

Baking sheet - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.

Recipe | No Added Sugar Breakfast Bars For BLW - No Banana

Ingredients

Makes 10 small bars

• 50g rolled oats, blitzed in a Nutri bullet or a food processor

• 50g quinoa, cooked as per packet instructions (or see above how to cook)

• 25g ground almonds

• 120g strawberry/apple puree pouch

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Smooth 100% nut peanut butter for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F.

• Add all your ingredients into a large bowl and mix until combined

• Take your bar moulds or you could use a 9x9 inch dish lined with a piece of parchment paper, place on a baking tray and cut once cooked.

• Spread the oat mixture evenly in your chosen mould or dish.

• Pop into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

• Serve with a drizzle of natural peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if you like.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

To make this recipe 100% gluten-free make sure you use gluten-free oats for any little ones with really sensitive tums when it comes to gluten allergies.

A great way to include gluten-free baby’s to the recipe.

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