Overnight Berry Oats (No Yogurt)

This is an easy recipe for breakfast.  You make the night before and put them in the fridge.  The next morning, you pull them out of the fridge and set them on the counter to allow it to allow it warm up a little.  That is unless you love the oats ice cold.

This a versatile recipe.  You can change it up depending on your imagination.  The recipe I'm going to share has blueberries and strawberries and is topped with pecans.

Overnight Berry Oats

Skinny Taste

 

Stars of the recipe:

• 1/4 c. quick oats
• 1/2 c. milk (skim, 2%, almond, soy, or coconut)
• 1/2 c. blueberries
• 1/4 c. cut strawberries
• 2 Tbsp. or less honey
• 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon (more or less depending on your preferences)
• 1 Tbsp. nuts (I used pecans.)

Steps:

1. Combine the oats, milk, blueberries, strawberries, honey, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a jar.
2. Place in the fridge overnight.
3. Take out of the fridge and allow to take the chill off.
4. Add nuts.
5. Enjoy!  (If you want, add some Greek yogurt.)

Happy eating, 
Traci

Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal

In August of 2010, I posted an entry for Instant Oatmeal Mix.  As we are experiencing another cold snap, oatmeal is a good way to warm up on a bitterly cold morning.

I was pursing Yummy Life's instant oatmeal packets' blog entry and found some good ideas for different types of instant oatmeal.  Making your own instant oatmeal mixes is  better than the Quaker or off brand instant oatmeal packets.  You control the ingredients.  Plus it doesn't have preservatives.

Using some of the ideas from Yummy Life and what I had around the house, I came up with an apple cinnamon instant oatmeal that is divine.

Apple Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal

Stars of the recipe:

• 2-1/4 c. Instant or Quick Oatmeal


• 1/3 c. powdered milk


• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar


• 2 to 3 tsp. cinnamon


• 1/3 c. dried apples


• 1/3 c. chopped nuts (I used cashews.)


• 2 -3 Tbsp Chia seeds


• 2 tsp. salt


• 2 Tbsp. vanilla powder (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.


2. Store in an airtight container.


3. When you are ready to make oatmeal, mix 1/2 c. of the oatmeal mix with 3/4 c. water.  (Make sure the bowl is big enough because the oatmeal with expand in the microwave.)


4. Heat in the microwave for 90 seconds.

Or:

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.


2. Store in an airtight container.


3. Mix 1/3 c. oatmeal mix, 1/2 c. water, and 1/4 c. yogurt in a mason jar or a similar type jar.


4. Make sure the lid is on tightly and shake up the mixture.


5. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.


6. Enjoy straight out of the fridge or allow it to warm up to room temperature before eating!

As I stated in the blog entry about the ginger snaps, I've really been loving the flavors of gingerbread this holiday season.  So when I decided to make some granola to give to friends and family members, I decided a gingerbread flavored granola sounded yummy!

While to base of the granola was baking in the oven, I was on the phone with my mom.  I asked her what add ins I could use that would be yummy with the gingerbread flavor.  It was decided that pecans or walnuts would be yummy and cranberries or even raisins would also be yummy!  I ended up putting pecans and cranberries.  You could even put chocolate chips for a chocolate gingerbread flavor.

Gingerbread Granola

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 c. oatmeal (I used quick oats.)


• 1 Tbsp. cinammon


• pinch of cloves


• 2 tsp. ground ginger


• 2 Tbsp. molasses (Spray measuring spoon with cooking spray before measuring.)


• 1/4 c. honey (Spray measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring.)


• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil


• 1/4  - 1/2 c. raisins or dried cranberries (I used cranberries.)


• 1/4 - 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (I used pecans.)


• Optional:  1/4 c. chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.


2. In a medium measuring bowl, combine oatmeal and spices.


3. In a small bowl, place coconut oil.  Melt in microwave for 1 minute.


4. Add the molasses and honey to the coconut oil.


5. Pour over the oatmeal and spices.  Stir until all of the oatmeal is combined.


6. Place on cooking sheet in a thin layer.


7. Bake for 8 minutes.  Remove from over and stir.  Place back into oven.


8. Bake for an additional 8 minutes.  Take out of the oven.


9. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the raisins or cranberries and nuts.


10. Store in a air tight container.


11. Enjoy with yogurt or milk!

One of my favorite candy bars is Almond Joy.  This is a good thing on Halloween because the  boys won't touch them with a 10 foot pole or if the Imaginative One is being his snarky self a 9 and 3/4 inch pole.  I get their Almond Joy candy bars on Halloween.  The combination of chocolate and coconut is pure heaven!!  :)

My other favorite treat is granola either plain or with plain Greek yogurt.  So the combination of the taste of Almond Joy candy bars with yogurt is the best flavor combination at least it is to me.

Almond Joy Granola

Kiss My Broccoli

 

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 c. quick oats


• 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder


• pinch of salt


• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil (I heated mine up in the microwave for a minute.  Then it smelled like paradise.)


• 1/3 c. honey (Spray down your measuring cup with cooking spray first.)


• 1 tsp. sugar


• 1/2 tsp. almond extract


• 1/3 c. shredded coconut (I used sweetened.)


• 1/2 c. almonds - 1/2 whole, 1/2 slivers

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.


2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, and salt.


3. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil after it's heated up, honey, sugar, and almond extract.


4. Pour the wet ingredients over dry ingredients.  Mix until combined.


5. Spread in a thin layer on a cookie sheet.


6. Bake for 8 minutes, stir, and then bake for another 8 minutes.


7. Take out of oven and let cool for 10 minutes.  Then add almonds and coconut.


8. Store in an air tight container for 2 weeks.


9. Enjoy by itself or over yogurt!

Pumpkin No Bake Energy Balls

For a long time, I had wanted to try Larabars but was afraid because I didn't know how they would like it because of the dates.  Once I finally tried one of the bars, I decided it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

This past weekend, I picked my first container of dates with the intention of making some energy balls to eat as a snack and for breakfast.  At first I was going to make regular no bake energy balls but then found a recipe for pumpkin no bake energy balls.  I decided to make them instead.  Oh my goodness, they are delicious!!!!!!!  :)'

The best things about this recipe is you don't need to bake them.  I also like all the different textures and flavors within one little ball.

 

Pumpkin No Bake Energy Balls

adapted from Gimme Some Oven

Stars of the recipe:

• 1 packed cup pitted and chopped dates


• 1/4 c. honey


• 1/4 c. pumpkin puree (make sure it's not pumpkin pie)


• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or ground flax seeds (I used chia seeds.)


• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon


• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger


• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg


• pinch of salt


• 1 c. old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked) (I used quick oats.  Those worked great.)


• 1 c. toasted coconut flakes


• 1 c. pumpkin seeds

Steps:

1. Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia or flax seeds, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until it's smooth and combined.
   


2. Put the mixture into a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the remaining ingredients until evenly combined.


3. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.


4. Once it's cool, using a spoon or cookie scoop to shape into desired size of energy balls.


5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  (When they are stored in the refrigerator, it helps the energy balls hold their shape.)


6. Enjoy - Savor the textures and flavor as you are eating them.

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal

A couple of days ago, Tiffany from Eat at Home posted a recipe for cranberry orange oatmeal cooked in the slow cooker.  I've attempted to make oatmeal in the slow cooker and it did not turn out pretty.  Most of it was wasted.  

This recipe turned out great because I found a different way to cook the oatmeal in the slow cooker that did not burn or dry out the oatmeal.  The result was creamy oatmeal that I did not have to add any liquid to it when I heated it up the next day!!!!!!  :)

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal

adapted from Eat at Home  and the Motherload

Stars of the recipe:

• 1/2 c, steel cut oats


• 1 c. orange juice


• 1 c. water


• 1/4 c. sugar (I omitted this.)


• 1/2 tsp. vanilla


• 1/4 c, dried cranberries

Steps:

1. Find a bowl that is big enough to hold the oatmeal but small enough to fit in the slow cooker.  It also needs to be oven safe.


2. Spray the bowl with cooking spray and add the ingredients.


3. Stir!


4. Place the bowl in the slow cooker.


5. Pour water around a the bowl to create a water bath (an inch high).  Place the lid on the slow cooker.


6. Turn the slow cooker on low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.


7. Enjoy!

BTW:  I used a 6 quart slow cooker.

Individual Five Spice Apple Crisp

Last November my foodie pen pal introduced me to Chinese five spice and suggested I use it in some of my fall time recipes instead of pumpkin pie spice blend.  The five spice really does take it up a notch.  If you didn't know, Chinese five spice is a spice blend of cinnamon, star anise, white pepper, cloves, and fennel.  It's primarily used in Chinese cooking but is found in other cuisines.  

With fall around the corner and the pumpkin spice latte already at Starbucks, it's time to start my favorite flavor season.  I love fall flavors!  Apples, cranberries, and pumpkins, oh my goodness deliciousness.  Cinnamon is my favorite spice.  So if asked, my favorite seasons are the transition seasons - fall for it's bold flavors and spring for it's beauty.

I got some apples from one of our local produce stands so I decided to make myself an apple crisp.  Since the boys do not eat apple crisp, I decided to make myself my own individual apple crisp.  Instead of using cinnamon, I used the Chinese Five Spice.

Individual Five Spice Apple Crisp

[gallery ids="4292,4293"]

Stars of the recipe:

• 2 c. glass dish


• 1 med. apple seeded and diced (peeled if you want to)


• 2 tsp. Chinese Five Spice (1 tsp. and 1 tsp.)


• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar


• 1/4 c. quick cooking oats


• 1/2 Tbsp. butter, cut into fourths or halves


• Optional:  2 Tbsp. pecan or walnuts for topping

Steps:

1. Spray your glass dish with cooking spray.


2. Add the apples to the dish.  Sprinkle the apples with 1 tsp. of  Chinese five spice.


3. In another dish, mix the oats, brown sugar, and the other tsp. of Chinese five spice.


4. Evenly distribute the oat mixture over the apples.


5. If you are using nuts on the top, sprinkle those on top of the oat mixture.


6. Place the pats of butter over the oat mixture.


7. Microwave for 2.5 to 3 minutes.  Careful it will be hot.


8. Top with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.


9. Enjoy!

6 Easy Breakfast Foods

In January, I made a resolution to eat breakfast on a daily basis.  I've been faithful towards that resolution except for one time.  That one time was killer on my body.  My blood sugar was not stable so that made the likelihood of me making bad food choices increase.

As the school year starts, I decided to compile a list of good breakfast foods that are easy especially with a little prep.

1. Yogurt Parfaits

This is my favorite breakfast.  In fact, when we were at the beach, I ate this for breakfast several times.

In a bowl, I place Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.  (My favorite Greek yogurt is Greek Gods Nonfat Plain.) You can dress it up anyway you want - nuts, Chia Seeds, coconut, different types of Granola, and different fruits.

Here are some granola recipes:

White Chocolate granola

Pumpkin Granola

Apple Crisp Granola

2.  Oatmeal

All it takes is some quick oats and milk/almond milk/water.  Place in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.  You can add a nut butter, chia seeds, flax seeds, chopped up nuts, coconut, and/or fruit.  Place the fruit on the oatmeal before microwaving for a whole different flavor experience.

Here is an oatmeal recipe:

Instant Oatmeal Mix

3.  Breakfast Sandwich

This can be done in a million different ways.  Okay, maybe not that many different ways but you can change it up depending on your mood.

Here is the basic formula:

1. eggs or egg whites


2. some sort of protein (turkey bacon, bacon, sausage, Canadian bacon) cooked


3. cheese or no cheese (Switch the kinds of cheese - Colby, Cheddar, Swiss, Feta, etc . . .)


4. veggies - spinach, onions, etc. . .


5. bread product - whole wheat bread toasted, English muffin, tortilla, Bagel thin

Here's an easy way to cook the eggs or egg whites:  Spray a round glass bowl (1 cup size) or a coffee mug with cooking spray.  Place the egg scrambled or whole.  Place in microwave for about a 1 min and a half to 2 mins.  If it's not cooked to your liking, continue cooking it at 30 second intervals.  (If you want to, you can cook the veggies in with the eggs.)

After you cook the eggs, assemble your sandwich and then enjoy!

4.  Muffins

Depending on what flour and the ingredients in your muffins, they can be a semi-healthy choice for breakfast.  Whole wheat flour is the best flour to use when making muffins.  Lots of fats (oil) and sugar will make your muffin become unhealthy.  Replace your oil in your recipe with unsweetened applesauce (1 to 1 ratio) to make it healthier.

You can make the muffins ahead of time and then freeze them.  Pull a muffin out of the freezer and warm it in the microwave.

I usually pair them with a cheese stick and fruit for a more balanced meal.

Here are some muffin recipes:

Snickerdoodle muffins

Cranberry Pecan Muffins

All Star Muffin mix

Young's Dairy Pumpkin Muffins/Bread

French Toast Mini Muffins (My sons' favorite muffins)

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins- Has avocado in it

5.  Smoothies

This is another favorite of mine.

Easy peasy is the name of the game when it comes to smoothies.  Throw in some fruit, greens, veggies, Chia seeds, flax seeds, ice, liquid (water, milk, juice, or almond milk), yogurt, and/or nut butter in a blender jar.  Blend it together, place in a cup, and enjoy!  (Don't worry I don't put all of those ingredients in at the same time.  Those are just some ingredients you can use in your smoothie.)

I pair this up with either a cheese stick or a hard boiled egg.

Here are some smoothie recipes:

Fruit Smoothie (the Imaginative One's favorite smoothie)

“Tropical Smoothie” Smoothie

Carrot Tropical Smoothie

Key Lime Smoothie

Apple Jack Smoothie

St. Patty’s Day Smoothie

Power Up Green Smoothie

6.  Pancakes/ Waffles



This one can be easy if you make the pancakes or waffles during the weekend and then freeze them.  Pop them in the microwave or toaster for a quick breakfast.  You can use the pancakes and waffles for your breakfast sandwich.  You can also top the pancakes or waffles with a nut butter.  Pair it with some fruit for a balanced breakfast.

Here are some pancake/waffle recipes:

Waffle House Waffles

Almond Butter Protein Pancakes

Homemade Baking Mix and Pancakes

What is your favorite easy breakfast?

White chocolate granola

I've mentioned how much I like a local Farmer's Market called Second Street Market. One of the vendors has a delicious granola called Triple Treat Granola. It contains walnuts, cranberries, and melted white chocolate. I sent a container to my May and one to my June foodie pen pals. Both of them loved the granola:).

I've decided to recreate the granola and add another flavor element - coconut. It turned out delicious.

White Chocolate Granola

Adapted from Finding Joy in my Kitchen

Stars of the recipe:

• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil


• 1/4 c. Water


• 3/4 c. Brown sugar


• 5 c. Old fashioned oatmeal


• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon (add more or less depending on your likes or leave it out)


• 1/4 c. Chopped walnuts


• 1 and 1/2 c. White chocolate chips


• 1/4 c. Dried cranberries


• 1/4 c. Dried sweetened coconut

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


2. In a big saucepan, combine water, olive oil, and brown sugar. Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.


3. In a separate bowl, combine the oatmeal and cinnamon.


4. Slowly add the oatmeal mixture to the saucepan. Stir each time you add some of the oatmeal. Make sure the water, olive oil, and brown sugar is evenly coated on the oatmeal.  Take it off the heat.


5. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet.


6. Place in preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes.


7. Take out of oven and stir.


8. Add walnuts to the granola. Place back in oven.


9. Bake for 5 more minutes.


10. Take out of oven and sprinkle with a cup of the white chocolate chips.


11. Put back in oven for a minutes.


12. Take out of oven and stir the granola so the melted white chocolate gets all over the granola.


13. Allow to cool and then add the remaining white chocolate chips, cranberries, and coconut.


14. Store in an air tight container.


15. Enjoy over yogurt, froyo, or by itself.

Swedish Oatmeal Cookies

I've previously mentioned how I like Joanna Fluke's Hannah Swenson books.  I'm rereading some of the books in the series.  As I was reading Key Lime Murder, she included this recipe.  I was instantly intrigued.  I've made other oatmeal cookies that included chocolate chips and M&M's.  This year I wanted something simple.  This cookie fit the bill!!!



Stars of the recipe:

• 1 c. butter (2 sticks)


• 3/4 c. white sugar (granulated)


• 1 tsp. baking soda


• 1 c. unsifted flour (all-purpose or white whole wheat)


• 2 c. oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oatmeal.  I love that texture.)


• 1 egg yolk

Steps:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.


2. Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 1 1/2 minutes.


3. Let  the butter cool to room temperature.


4. Mix in the white sugar.


5. Add the baking soda, flour, and oatmeal.  Stir thoroughly.


6. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a fork until it's thoroughly mixed.


7. Add the yolk to the bowl and stir until it's incorporated.


8. Grease or spray with cooking spray cookie sheet.


9. Make small balls of dough and place them on the cookie sheet, 12 to a sheet.


10. Press them down with a fork in a crisscross pattern.


11. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.


12. Let cool for 1 or 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.


13. Enjoy!!!

Instant Oatmeal Mix

Usually I'm not a big oatmeal eater, however; when I saw this mix on Mommy's Kitchen I decided I needed to try it.  Oh my goodness, it's a lot better than the instant oatmeal you get at the grocery store.  I think I like it because I can add what I want to it so it's unique to my likings.

Stars of the "recipe":

• 2 and 1/4 cup of instant oatmeal


• 1/3 cup dried milk powder


• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar


• 1 to 2 tsp of cinnamon  (I added more because I love the taste of cinnamon.)


• 1 cup of raisins or any other dried fruit (I used blueberry flavored craisins in mine.  I also added chopped pecans to my mix.)

Directions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together and store in a airtight container.


2. Label the container with the directions on how to prepare the oatmeal.

To Prepare OatMeal:

1. Scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal into a bowl and mix with 1/2 cup water. You may need a bit more water if you like you oatmeal thinner.


2. Microwave on high for 1 minute stir and enjoy.

This post has been linked to Eat at Home - Ingredient Spotlight.