Quinoa... what the heck is it?

I started seeing this new item on the shelves at the supermarket and heard friends talk about trying it, so I thought what the heck, let's give it a try.  Now the first thing I had to do was to figure out what exactly it was.....
Quinoa - pronounced keen-wah - is a seed from a species of goosefoot plant. It contains all essential amino acids and it a complete protein. It's high in fiber, potassium, vitamin E, iron, and magnesium to mention a few. There are three varieties - white (mild flavor) red (nutty flavor) and black (not as common-stronger flavor)
Interesting tid-bit: The Incan warriors used to eat it rolled in balls of fat, believing it gave them strength.

I saw a recipe on Pintrest in which they made Quinoa Bites.... I opted to modify the recipe to what I had in my house at that time... mushrooms & cheese. 

Mushroom Quinoa Bites
3 1/2 c cooked red Quinoa (cooled)
3 large eggs - beaten
1 1/2 diced sautéed mushroom (cooled)
1/4 c chopped chives
3 tsp minced garlic
1 cup parmesan cheese
3 Tbs flour

1/4 tsp marjoram

salt & pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients

Grease mini muffin tin pan

Fill to the top of each section with the mixture

Bake 15 - 20 minutes at 350 degrees

Serve warm  - makes 48

I made them for card night with friends; I did get some good reviews. They are best when eaten warm.
Happily, the best reviews I got were actually from my girls who devoured as many as they possibly could!
If they like them then it's a keeper for sure!

Although I think I will also try this combination but made as a risotto.... I think that would be delicious too!