K is for…Asian Kumquat Quinoa Salad & Announcements!

February 11, 2013 -
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Hi all! Today is “K” day – which is obviously one of my favorite letters in the alphabet!

Yesterday for “J” day – we had an awesome appearance by Julieanna Hever & her book giveaway!

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Don’t forget to enter that – you have until the end of the month!

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Last night, Corey & I headed to a new Japanese place for some sushi!

I enjoyed some veggie avocado rolls with a side of seaweed salad & edamame! SO GOOD.

It was nice to have a little date night to kick off this busy week.

On the ride home, I checked my Instagram feed to find some awesome “J” #plantPOWER lovin.

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As always, we are loving the #plantPOWER Participation & support!

Speaking of support, I got some awesome news from a HUGE supporter of mine & owner of BN SHAPE clothing, Dozie!

He announced last night that I am now 1 of 5 BN SHAPE Ambassadors!

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Dozie typed up this awesome shout-out on their Facebook that I have to share!

“We’re very happy to announce Kasey Arena, also known as Powercakes, as a BN SHAPE AMBASSADOR!!
We met Kasey at the 2012 Arnold Fitness Expo, and she has been a HUGE supporter of BN Shape ever since. Through her Powercakes blog, she has helped thousands of people learn about the proper ways to B.N. Shape, while making it fun and very engaging! She is very passionate about educating and motivating others to find the what works for them, offering many tips for living a healthier life. This passion is truly captured through her motto: “Be True to You”

Welcome to the team, Kasey!!!!”

You can also see my official Ambassador Page http://www.bnshapeclothing.com/ambassadors-powercakes !

Being a part of this amazing community has brought so many amazing people, opportunities, & blessings to my life.

I am very thankful!

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Alright, enough of the Kasey part of “K” day! Onto the KUMQATS..yup, kumquats!

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What are Kumquats? Facts from this [source]

Kumquats are a citrus fruit from China that ended up all over the world.
Kumquats are a small 1/2 inch size orange fruit with an olive shape.
They have a bright citrus flavor that’s great eaten alone or they can be added to other recipes!

Did you know? [source]

  • Kumquats are low in calories, full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, iron, selenium, zinc), and lots of fiber.
  • Kumquats have polyphenols in them like green tea and beta-carotenes important for your immune system.
  • Kumquats contain vitamins A, B’s, C, and E which are important for keeping way degenerative diseases.
  • 200 grams of Kumquats will give you most of your daily dietary needs of vitamin C. And Kumquats contain lots of B vitamins that are important for energy and for boosting your metabolism and for keeping away depression.
  • Kumquats also contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids like the ones found in cold water fish

When I first saw these in the grocery store, I wasn’t sure what they would taste like. I picked up a pack & headed home with no idea what to do with them. I started by washing them off and eating one whole…before I realized that they have seeds inside. Go me!

I then started cutting them in half and taking out the seeds.

The skin of the kumquat is SO SWEET & delicious!

The inside is very tart – so it really is like nature’s own “sour patch kid” – first tart then sweet.

I could eat the whole pack alone but then thought, hmm, this may go good with some Asian flavors.

Which then lead to another hour in the kitchen as I composed this recipe to share with you all! I guess you could say it worked!

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Serves 5-10

Ingredients:

Quinoa Salad

  • 4 cups of cooked quinoa
  • 1 pint of Kumquats
    • Washed, de-seeded, & cut in half.
  • 2-4 sheets of Nori Sheets (optional but so good)
  • 1 pint of Mushrooms
  • 1 can of bamboo shoots (optional)
  • 1 can of water chestnuts
  • 1/4 cup Chopped White Onion
  • 2 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 TB Coconut Oil (for sautéing)

Asian Dressing

  • 4 TB Coconut Vinegar (or vinegar of choice)
  • 3 TB of Tahini
  • 2 TB of Coconut Aminos
  • 1 TB Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp of ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • few drops of liquid stevia (optional)

[You can find some of these ingredients at www.iherb.com with my coupon code XUG228]

Directions:

  • Cook Quinoa from directions on the box.

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  • While that cooks, add your coconut oil, onion, & garlic to the pan to heat on medium heat.
  • After a few minutes, add in your mushrooms, bamboo shoots, & water chestnuts into the pan & sauté until tender. (about 5-10 minutes)
  • Chop Kumquats in half & de-seed each one.

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  • Once quinoa & mushrooms are cooked, combine quinoa, mushrooms, & kumquats into a large bowl.

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  • Rip up your nori sheets into small 1 inch squares & add to your bowl of warm ingredients.
    • This helps the Nori sheets shrink into your dish.

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  • Mix your Asian dressing together & pour onto your quinoa salad.

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  • Combine all ingredients & enjoy warm or let cool!
  • Store in the fridge.

This was GREAT as leftovers all week & the flavors got even better as they sat together in the fridge.

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I also wrapped some up into some nori sheets with avocado for some “sushi” with coconut aminos for dipping!

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I promise you won’t be disappointed if you make this!

You also won’t be disappointed if you check out Heather’s post today with Danielle’s guest recipe post!

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Have you ever tried kumquats?

What is your favorite “K” #plantPOWER ingredient?

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