1. Rinse the Quinoa Thoroughly: Place the uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial for removing saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water or milk, diced apple, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently to ensure it’s well mixed.

3. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over, especially if using milk.

4. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as it traps the steam needed for cooking.

5. Rest and Fluff: After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the quinoa rest for another 5 minutes. This allows the remaining liquid to be absorbed and the grains to become perfectly fluffy.

6. Stir in Pecans and Sweetener: Remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the chopped pecans and maple syrup or honey (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon if desired.

7. Serve Warm: Ladle the warm quinoa into bowls and serve immediately. You can add extra toppings if you like, such as a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few more pecans.