Cert Testimonial and Some Great Food
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As all of you know, our October certification took place a couple of weeks ago and with it came Sandi O’Shaughnessy, a long distance traveler coming all the way from Hawaii. About a year ago she befriended Stefanie Tropea who encouraged her to attend our kettlebell certification if she was ever able to make the trip out here. After completing the weekend she quickly sent Stefanie and email letting her know what she thought. Here is what she had to say.
Stef,
The AOS certification has been one of the best experiences of my life. What can I say? I learned soooo much, almost too much. Everyone was so nice to me, welcoming and friendly. Anthony did help me with my nerve damage issue, pointed out how I’m protecting it and gave me a high pull prescription. I feel so humbled.
I only took 2 kb lessons so subsequently had a bit of improper form from self teaching. Fortunately I use ropes everyday so they didn’t kill me, but Staci is a maniac with tons of
rhythm which I don’t really have! Every penny, every mile was worth it.
I have been to many workshops, courses, certifications, and clinics both for fitness and as a Marriott executive for 11 years. The AOS was by far the best and the one I learned the most from.
Mahalo Nui Loa and a hui ho,
Sandi
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Staci’s Pick…
I love these new pants! I’ve been gravitating towards the hip hop look recently and I really like the look. This style is super sexy – and when I look better I train harder. Check these out and get yourself a pair.
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Black Bean & Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Guacamole
Quesadillas are inherently quick and easy to prepare, and this one even more so. Assemble the quesadillas up to a day ahead and cook just before serving, or cook them a few hours ahead and reheat (wrapped in foil) in a 350°F over for 10 minutes. Serves eight as an appetizer or three as a main course.
goat cheese
avocado
black beans
more
3 Tbs. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
15-1/2-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large or 2 small ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
2 tsp. fresh lime juice; more to taste
3 to 4 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled
6 flour tortillas, 8 inches across
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In a medium skillet, heat 2 Tbs. of the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the onion and sauté, stirring, until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the beans, cumin, chili powder, and 1/2 cup water and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost all the water has evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Take the pan off the heat. With the back of a fork, break up the beans to make a chunky mash. Stir in half of the cilantro and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine the avocado, lime juice, and remaining cilantro and use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash into a chunky paste. Season to taste with salt and pepper; add more lime juice if you like.
Spread the black bean mixture evenly over three of the tortillas. Scatter the goat cheese over the beans and cover with the remaining tortillas. Lightly coat a large heavy skillet or griddle with oil (about 1 tsp.) and heat over medium heat. Set one of the quesadillas in the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Flip the quesadilla over and brown on the other side for another 1-1/2 minutes. Remove from the pan, cook the remaining quesadillas (add more oil to the pan each time) and cut each into eight wedges. Serve each wedge with a dollop of the guacamole.
Want to cut back on calories? Avoid the last step and serve the quesadillas with uncooked tortillas.
