Saturday, May 26, 2012

When Life Hands You Lemons...


...MAKE LEMON WATER!! 
no, but seriously... 
3 things I'm obsessed with right now:
  • lemon water
  • coconut oil
  • quinoa 
For my challenge of the day, I concocted a new quinoa recipe. 
Whenever I tell people I made quinoa for a meal I usually get.."quin-what?!" 
For those of you who are not entirely sure what quinoa is, I will explain.
Quinoa is a whole grain that is actually a seed. It cooks almost like pasta or rice, you boil it until it is tender. Quinoa is also known as one of the world's "superfoods" due to its high protein content, high fiber content, ANDDDD high vitamin and mineral content. Can't beat that, now can ya?!! 


Above is the new recipe that I tried for quinoa today..I actually made it up myself! 
I know it looks quite boring and bland in the picture, but it is actually bursting with sweet, delicious flavor in every bite.

On top of being incredibly delish, this recipe was quite simple. 

1 1/2 cups of dry quinoa 
1 1/4 cup of water
1 lg granny smith apple
1 cup pecans
1 cup golden raisons 
1 cup dried cranberries 
1 tbs lemon juice
1 tbs coconut oil 

Start making the quinoa just as you would make pasta, bring to a boil in a pot. After it begins to boil, let simmer for 20-25 minutes as it soaks up the water. By the end of the 25 minutes, don't get worried, most of the water should be soaked up or evaporated, so there will not be much left remaining in the pot.

Transfer the cooked quinoa into a large mixing bowl and let cool for another 25 minutes of so. After cooling, add all of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the pecans. Chill in the fridge for about 2 hours. Before serving, add the pecans. 

I must say, this recipe is my new favorite quinoa recipe by far. I was worried about the coconut oil not tasting very good with the other ingredients, but it adds a very sweet flavor to the dish, and I am very happy that I added it. On top of the quinoa being so packed with nutrients, the coconut oil adds a natural energy booster to the dish. 

Is anybody out there reading these posts?! If you are, try this recipe, you shall not be disappointed! Let me know if you switched anything up and how it came out! 
Have you made quinoa before? What recipes have you tried?! LET ME KNOW !! 

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everybody! 
Until next time,
Fitness Felicia 

6 comments:

  1. I'm listening ;)
    Very yummy recipe, gonna try it real soon.
    Thanks for the great tips keep em' coming!!

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    1. do I know you mom of 7?! Cant wait for your wedding momof7...

      ...love ya! xxoo

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  2. i've cooked with quinoa once, but ilike couscous a lot because its quick to make, like 10 min tops. But I will definitely try this recipe and let you know =)
    I just bought coconut oil yesterday! I'm using it for my skin, but i will have to cook with it too sometime!

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    1. Yes, do not even get me started on coconut oil! I use it for everything. I was going to do a post about it sometime soon...I put it in my hair every night and wash it in the morning, my hair has never been softer. I also use it as deodorant, chap-stick, to take off my makeup..the list goes on. Excited to hear that you're using it! Let me know how you like the recipe !

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  3. This sounds delish! Quinoa is my new favorite "grain" to cook with, wish I would have seen the recipe before our BBQ. Totally would have tried it out on my friends! Keep them coming please!

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    1. Thank you for the feedback! Keep up with my posts for new recipes and workouts! <3

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