Happy Monday Folks!!
We have had a heat wave here in the Inland Northwest. Marc and I volunteered at Ironman CdA yesterday, and it was so hot. Our shift was in the hottest part of the day with temperatures reaching 105 degrees. I was so inspired by all the amazing athletes, and really shouldn’t be complaining about the heat. I just handed out oranges and grapes to the runners. They did amazing and battled the heat like champs.
5 members of my running team all completed the race. Volunteering always makes me want to do an Ironman. Maybe one day when I feel I can make time to train for one I will. It is a big commitment. Loved cheering on all the athletes and watching them accomplish an amazing feat.
I was craving something filling and hearty the other day, but didn’t want to heat the house up because of the high temperatures outside, and the fact our house is already a sauna. I cooked up some quinoa since it’s fast and doesn’t require a lot of heat. I love adding it to my salads.
I thought it would make a great addition to quesadillas. The quinoa adds some protein to the meal, along with the black beans. Quesadillas can be a nutritious meal when done right. Most often they are filled with too much cheese and creamy sauces, making them high in fat and calories. These Quinoa Spinach Quesadillas are a great alternative to the meat and cheese varieties.
I think you will find these quesadillas a great vegetarian friendly meal or snack. I threw in some spinach too for some greens, and only a little cheese since the quinoa helps to make them think and meaty like. I have a quesadilla maker which makes these so easy and quick to make.
Top with a Spicy Avocado Hummus, and you have a great fiber, protein full meal. My favorite is the Spicy Avocado Hope Hummus, which can be found at Costco or you can make your own using this recipe. Homemade hummus is simple, don’t be intimidated 😉 .
Since many of you asked for the recipe, I decided to share it. It’s not much for a recipe, but I guarantee you’ll love them!!
- 4 tortilla shells
- ½ - ⅔ c cooked quinoa
- ¼ - ½ c black beans
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- 2 Handfuls of Spinach
- Cayenne Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Place one tortilla shell down on the quesadilla maker.
- Spread the ½ the quinoa, spinach,and beans on top of shell, and with sprinkle cheese and a little cayenne pepper and chili powder.
- Top with another tortilla shell.
- Close the quesadilla maker lid and cook until tortillas are lightly browned.
- Repeat the process with the remainder of the ingredients. You can add as much quinoa, spinach, cheese and beans as you like.
- Enjoy topped with Spicy Avocado Hummus
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I have been doing early runs whenever I can to beat the heat. When its 70-85 degrees at 7 a.m. runs are not fun. It’s been so hot and humid outside. I had a 3:45 a.m. wake up call on Saturday to meet a few girls for a 4:30 a.m. run to beat the heat and it was already 67 degrees outside. I come back looking like I just ran through a sprinkler.
Enjoy some Mexi inspired quesadillas with some great flavor.
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
How is your summer running going? Warming up around your part of town? What’s your favorite way to dress up your quesadillas?Â
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I can’t imagine doing a full IM in those temps. Seriously… there are no words other than- no thank you. haha! Your food speaks to me Brie- this looks so good.
I meant to type Bry! LOL I must be hungry!! so funny
I know Lisa!! It way hot!! The pavement burned!! I love Brie cheese!!
Hi, great recipe. I mashed up the black beans with a potato masher. Then I added ground cumin, Chili powder and cayenne pepper powder. Layered a slice of chao cheese on the bottom and added the spinach on top with some raw diced red onion. Tasted awesome! Thanks for the recipe idea!
I am so glad we could offer some inspiration!! A favorite among my kids and I.