Back in February, my 25 year old daughter – who is a teacher and currently looking for a job – asked me if I would go meatless with her for Lent. She was more concerned about the fact that she would not make it 7 weeks if she didn’t have some help with preparing meals. I told her no problem and she started looking for recipes she liked.

One of our favorites is Cheesy Quinoa Bites. While these could be considered an appetizer, with a salad or without they could also be served as a main course. It’s also a great use for that mini-cupcake pan you have on hand that you hardly ever use.

Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Makes ~28 bites

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 2 stalks green onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Mix together quinoa, carrot, egg, green onion, garlic, cilantro, cheese, flour, salt and pepper.
3.  Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each).
4.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.