Today’s guest blogger, Amanda, a busy mother of 2 loves to cook and entertain incorporating staples from the anti inflammatory kitchen.

If you’re like me, I don’t always have meals planned ahead of time. At times, I find myself staring into my pantry trying to conquer the daily mealtime dilemma. When considering cost, convenience and nutrition, Quinoa is a go-to staple in my pantry.

• Quinoa is one of the only plant-based foods that stands alone as a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids and ideal for vegetarians.

• It has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. It can be boiled or steamed using the same techniques as rice, and it requires about half the time to cook.

• One of the things I love about quinoa is its versatility. It can be served as a salad, side dish, main meal or as a hot breakfast cereal.

Get creative and toss in some of the things you have on hand – a can of beans, some diced tomatoes, herbs and seasonings, or fresh produce – and before you know it – you’ll have a balanced, healthy meal! Stay tuned for my family’s favorite Quinoa recipe tomorrow!

What are your go-to staples in a pinch?