Tag: breakfast

Try This— Cheesy Savory Oatmeal

Confession: there’s people out here that put sugar in their grits and I know this because I am one of those people. My argument is this. Grits are a type of cereal and cereal NEEDS to be sweetened— end of story…drops mic. I can admit when I’m wrong though and with all the time I spend sweetening foods that are traditionally savory, or spicing foods up that are traditionally sweet, I have to say, I should totally abandon my stance on grits. You know why? Because I’ve developed a new obsession. Say what?! Savory oatmeal!!!

Last fall I was addicted to grain bowls for breakfast. Seriously. I couldn’t start my day without that hearty, stick to your ribs breakfast. When the weather starts to get colder, breakfast smoothies no longer work for me. I need hot meals that are filling and delicious. So when I came across this savory oatmeal recipe on Healthy Nibbles and Bits, I knew I just had to try it. Guess what?! It’s amazing. Just what the doctor ordered for those chilly Autumn mornings. You must try this!

Cheesy Savory Oatmeal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup dry quick-cooking steel cut oats
  • 3/4 cup water
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp shredded white cheddar cheese (or more, because how can you really measure cheesy goodness?)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup diced red peppers
  • 2 TBS finely chopped onions
  • 1 large egg

Directions

  1. Stove Top Method: Bring water to boil. Add oatmeal, reduce heat a little and let it cook for about 3 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and stir in cheese, a small pinch of salt, and pepper
  2. Microwave Method*: Place oats and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Line microwave dish with paper towels to catch any spills. Microwave at a high setting (but not the highest, about 8/10 power setting) at one-minute intervals for a total of 3 minutes. If you want a softer texture, continue microwaving at 30-second intervals. Give the oats a little stir between intervals. When the oatmeal is done, stir in shredded cheese, a small pinch of salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a nonstick pan with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until they soften. Spoon vegetables over cooked oats. Reduce heat to medium.
  4. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon of oil and fry egg. Cook until the whites are no longer translucent and serve over oatmeal.
  5. Top with chopped walnuts, green onions, and za’atar

Blueberry Beauty—Spa Days at Home

I watched Willy Wonka over the weekend. Not that newer Tim Burton mess. Nah. I watched the classic, y’all. The Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder and the incredibly macabre songs. Yep. That’s the one. I just love those strangely sinister children’s stories a la Edward Gorey.  Anyway, I’d just gotten to the part in Willy Wonka when Violet Beauregard turns into a blueberry and I got all déjà vu all over again. I love blueberries, and when I was a kid, my mother used to say that if I wasn’t careful I’d turn into one. Ha!

I guess I proved Mommy wrong because I’ve been eating, drinking, and most recently smearing blueberries all over my skin and I still haven’t suffered Violet’s fate. Seriously, blueberries are the incredible, edible, antioxidant rock star of DIY beauty. Internal and external, that tiny purple giant is a beauty powerhouse. There are so many ways to enjoy the benefits of blueberries that I couldn’t settle on just one, so I decided to share a few ways to reap their rewards with you.

For Snacking

Blueberries are an excellent source of fiber, they’re low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium. They’re also jam packed with vitamins. So if you find yourself a little peckish between meals, grab a cup of blueberries and nom nom away. One cup of blueberries is an energy boosting and filling snack at just 84 calories!

For Breakfast

One of my favorite breakfasts is this super simple blueberry banana smoothie. Just blend together 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup plain or vanilla whole fat yogurt, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 1/2 of a medium sized banana. Add a little ice to the blender to make it extra frothy.

For Beauty

Harnessing the antioxidant power of blueberries and coupling it with the antibacterial power of honey, this face mask is easy to whip up and the results amazing. In a blender, mix about 1 cup of blueberries, 2 tbsp raw honey, and 2 tbsp raw sugar. Apply this mixture to your clean skin and allow it to work magic for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Eat, drink, and bathe in blueberries, y’all! I promise you won’t turn violet.

Homemade Granola With Extra Clusters

I have a love/hate relationship with granola. I love the taste. Real talk, I can eat granola on top of yogurt or fruit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If I’m being completely honest, I really have done just that. But I absolutely do not love the price of store bought granola. It’s super expensive considering the price of the individual ingredients and how much granola those ingredients yield coupled with how easy it is to make. Most of all I ‘m not in love with the fact that as you make your way through a box or a bag of granola, all of the delicious granola clusters disappear and you’re left with half a bag of granola crumbs. Because I eat so much granola, I had to find a homemade recipe that didn’t skimp on the flavor, or the clusters. If you love granola clusters as much as I do, you must try this!

Homemade Granola

Makes 3 to 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (1/2 pound) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) whole, raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) whole, raw cashews
  • 1/3 cup (2 ounces) light brown (or unrefined) sugar
  • zest of 1 small orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons / 3/4 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

  • Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325º F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Have a second rimmed baking sheet and piece of parchment ready.
  • Combine the oats, nuts, sugar, orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, melt together the butter, maple syrup and salt, stirring to dissolve the salt. Pour over the oat mixture, tossing to combine thoroughly.
  • Dump the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, and spread it into a thin sheet no thicker than an almond. Ideally, the edges will be slightly thicker than the center as they will bake faster. Lay the second piece of parchment over the granola, and place the second sheet pan on top, right-side up, making a little granola sandwich.
  • Slide the whole thing into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Rotate and continue baking another 10 to 20 minutes, peeking under the parchment to make sure the edges aren’t burning, until the granola is a rich golden brown. It will still be soft, but will crisp up as it cools.
  • Let the granola cool completely in the sheet pan sandwich, then break up and store in an airtight container for up to a month (or possibly more). Enjoy over fruit and yogurt for breakfast, alone for a crunchy snack, or over ice cream for a decadent dessert.

I use this double baking sheet trick for a variety of granola flavor combinations like maple brown butter, rum-kissed coconut, or cardamom honey! The clusters do not disappoint!

Source: Food52

Try This---Add a Little Heat to Your Shake: Mexican Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

Try This—Add a Little Heat to Your Shake: Mexican Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve been getting really bored with smoothies lately. I feel like I’ve run the gamut when it comes to all the healthy add-ins. Chia seeds, flax seeds, oats, peanut butter, you name it, I’ve thrown it in my smoothie. I’ve been feeling the need for something different. I don’t know about you, but when the weather is this cold, I crave nothing but warm things. Even though smoothies are the perfect breakfast, it’s so hard for me to get excited about a frothy cold drink in the Winter.

I started to think of drinks that make me feel warm and toasty. Of course there’s always alcohol, but I can’t very well start my mornings with a shot of smoothie. It’s too soon in my relationship with liquor to take that step, plus day-boozing totally defeats my fitness goal purposes. Then I started to think of this deliciously spicy hot chocolate that I got at the Chocolate Room in Park Slope. Um, the combination of sweet hot chocolate and chili peppers… seriously?! It’s delicious and I was determined to bring that warm, spicy flavor to my icy breakfast smoothie.

Solution: Cayenne pepper! Cayenne pepper promotes circulation, speeds up the metabolism, and improves digestion. This powerhouse spice also adds an unexpected kick of heat to your otherwise ice cold smoothie. This recipe is the perfect blend of sugar and spice. You absolutely must try this!

Mexican Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie

ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (I use vanilla almond milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 of a ripe (preferably frozen) banana
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • a pinch of ground cayenne pepper, to taste (but I suggest you start really small)
  • extra ice, if desired

Directions

  • place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth
  • garnish with cacao nibs and coconut shavings, if you’re super fancy

Creamy, sweet, and spicy. This recipe is everything! If you haven’t paired chocolate and chili peppers before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. You won’t regret it!

Source: betterwithcake.com

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Try This—The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

I make it a point to eat yogurt everyday. Yogurt has so many health benefits! Everything from weight management, to digestive health, to healthy skin, nails, and hair, yogurt does it all. I’ve had my fair share of health concerns and yogurt has seriously regulated my system. I love yogurt, but in keeping with my quest to decrease the amount of sugar I consume, I’ve been paying special attention to the amount of added sugar in popular yogurt brands. Surprisingly enough, some yogurt brands have more added sugar than ice cream! Double U, Tee, Eff!

As for me, I’ve settled on Siggi’s yogurt which is totally amazing and has just 8 grams of added sugar as opposed to some of the brands that have over 30 grams per serving. Everytime I go to the store, I stock up on Siggi’s. In fact, if after reading this post, you go to the store and there’s no Siggi’s left on the shelf, I apologize in advance because it was probably me that bought them all… Also, If you happen to see Siggi vacationing on the French Riviera, or some beautiful tropical island, you can tell her that I said you’re welcome. I’m pretty sure I’m financing that trip.

As absolutely wonderful as yogurt is, I admit it can get a bit boring when you eat it Every. Single. Day. That is unless you have an arsenal of add-in ideas to take your yogurt from drab to fab! This is seriously the list to end all lists of yogurt toppings. I have tried every single one of these bad boys and let me tell you, these toppings take yogurt to a whole new level. Guilt-free, fine-yogurt-dining, y’all! You must try these!
Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Toss together pitted and quartered peaches with a pinch of cardamom and drizzle of maple syrup. Roast in 350°F oven until tender. Eat warm or at room temperature over yogurt with chopped pecans.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Roast extra peaches and keep refrigerated in a sealed container so you can use them throughout the week.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Coarsely grate carrots and toss with honey and cinnamon. Spoon over yogurt and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Stir lemon juice and a dash of almond extract into yogurt. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Pit and coarsely chop cherries. Add to a saucepan with a few tablespoons of full-bodied red wine and a pinch of sugar. Simmer until the liquid is thickened, then cool and serve over yogurt.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Cook extra cherry-wine sauce and keep refrigerated in an airtight container so you can use it throughout the week.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Whisk together honey, orange juice, and orange zest. Drizzle over yogurt, and sprinkle with chopped crystallized ginger and chopped pistachios.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Make extra honey-orange sauce and keep in the fridge in an airtight container so you can use over the next few days.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Swirl honey into yogurt. Top with coarsely chopped almonds and apricots. Drizzle with additional honey.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Wrap whole sweet potatoes in aluminum foil and roast in a 375°F oven until tender. Peel and mash with a drizzle of maple syrup. Dollop on top of yogurt and sprinkle with hazelnuts.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Roast extra sweet potatoes to make extra potato-maple mash and then keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container to use throughout the week.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Whisk together lime juice, zest, and agave. Slice fresh sweet corn kernels off the cob. Toss with lime mixture and sprinkle over yogurt.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Make extra topping and keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container to use throughout the week.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Toast large flaked coconut in a 350°F oven until lightly browned and fragrant. Cool slightly. Stir cocoa powder into yogurt and top with the toasted coconut and chocolate shavings.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

In a bowl smash together half of the blueberries with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of granulated sugar. Swirl gently into yogurt. Top with whole blueberries and lemon zest.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Make extra blueberry sauce and store in the fridge in an airtight container so you can use throughout the week.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Stir vanilla extract into yogurt. Top with diced fresh strawberries. Sprinkle brown sugar and coarsely chopped pecans over top and serve.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Mash banana and cinnamon together with a fork until smooth. Swirl gently into yogurt and top with finely chopped peanuts (or pecans).

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

***Make extra banana-cinnamon mash and store in the fridge in an airtight container so you can use for the next few days.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Stir lime zest and lime juice into cajeta. Swirl the lime-cajeta into yogurt and top with diced kiwi and sliced fresh mint. [Cajeta is a goat milk caramel sauce, but if you can’t find it, feel free to use regular caramel sauce]

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Whisk together balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a bowl. Add the berries and set aside to macerate for 30 minutes. Spoon over yogurt.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Halve fresh or dried figs. Drizzle the cut sides with honey and place, cut sides down, in a hot skillet. Caramelize for 2 minutes. Top yogurt with figs, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Try This---The Definitive List of Delicious Yogurt Topping Combos

Swirl pumpkin butter into yogurt and top with shards of graham crackers and pumpkin seeds.

There’s something on this list for everyone for sure. These combos aren’t just for yogurt either! Get creative and amp up your oatmeal, waffles, or toast!

If you’re more of an ice cream lover and you’re trying to stay away from all of that sugar, you absolutely must check out this 30 Days of Nice Cream series for a totally healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional ice cream!

Source: buzzfeed