A lot of people are scared to try new things. But with the Halloween season fast approaching, why don't you step outside your comfort zone and try something different, even if it does scare you?

After all, that's was the spooky night is all about, so step outside your comfort zone and give Quinoa a try! Imagination and creativity can go a long way with this incredible ingredient. It can be used as either a main in salads, as a rice replacement in your favourite dish, or even as a substitute baking ingredient.

Check out this nutrient breakdown for 1 cup of cooked quinoa, (but do not worry, if this doesn't make you want to try Quinoa, then the killer dished you can make with it will):

• Protein: 8 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
• Folate: 19% of the RDA.
• Copper: 18% of the RDA.
• Iron: 15% of the RDA.
• Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
• Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
• Over 10% of the RDA for Vitamins B1, B2 and B6.

Cultivated in the Andes for over 5,000 years, quinoa has been called the "mother grain" and "the gold of the Incas." (It's technically not a grain but a seed, but it is used in virtually the same ways as other whole grains.)

Today, the popularity of quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is growing steadily as people discover its pleasant nutty taste and superfood qualities. As a complete protein source also high in iron, magnesium, and fiber, quinoa is not only one of our healthiest pantry staples, but also one that's incredibly easy and quick to cook.

• Quinoa also contains powerful flavonoids in high quantities, which are plant antioxidants that help to cleanse the body of free radicals amongst their many other health benefits.
• Quinoa is also much higher in fiber than most grains, with one source finding 17-27 grams of fiber per cup of uncooked Quinoa.
• Quinoa is naturally free of gluten and using it instead of typical gluten-free ingredients can increase the antioxidant and nutrient value of a gluten-free diet.
• Protein is made out of amino acids. Some of them are termed "essential" because we can not produce them and need to get them from the diet. If a food contains all the essential amino acids, it is seen as a "complete" protein. Quinoa fits this bill and is made of essential amino acids, making it super high inn protein.

So, let's learn the basics first. Follow the tabs on the left for your step-by-step guide on how to cook killer quinoa this Halloween. It's time to wow your friends with your cooking skills!