Baked Pear, Chocolate, Nut and Quinoa Oatmeal 

The following recipe and photography is courtesy of Graham R. and his dog, Carl. For more of their delicious food ventures, visit them on Instagram @cookingwithcarrrl.

It’s that time of year where cookies, pies, starchy side dishes and homemade treats reign supreme and healthy food often takes a back seat.

I’ve got a new game for you this holiday season called “health on the shelf!” Simply put a healthy recipe on your mantle, counter or table and you’ll be guilted into eating one healthy meal a day until the new year! I’ll provide you with the first recipe. After all, it is the season of giving!

Baked Pear, Chocolate, Nut and Quinoa Oatmeal is first on the list and believe me, you won’t even notice how healthy it is! Topped with pear, decadent dark chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts, it’s almost like dessert for breakfast. If macadamia nuts don’t do it for you, swap them out for hazelnuts, pecans or even walnuts. I even snuck in some quinoa and chia seeds for an extra healthy boost.

The key to this recipe is soaking the oats, quinoa and chia seeds overnight. You can use water, but I like to use a mixture of water and half & half. Honestly, you could use any kind of liquid and it will turn out delicious. I’ve even used French vanilla coffee creamer. It was a bit less heathy, but oh-so delicious! Soaking the quinoa makes it easier to digest, drastically reduces the cooking time and removes some of the bitterness that may have turned you off from quinoa before.