I don't know if you are aware, but I'm an oatmeal-aholic. If my day doesn't start with a big bowl of oats, I can't function. [Well, technically, I'll manage, but you get my point.]
Oatmeal and strawberries is my absolute favorite combination, with fresh peaches as a close second. But some days I'm just in the mood to shake up my taste buds.
This morning I was craving nut butter and strawberries. Usually I just throw these ingredients on some toast and rush out the door, but since it's Saturday and I'm anything but in a hurry, I decided to heat up some oats. Smartest thing I've done all day.
Berries, Flax and Protein Oatmeal
Serves 1
1/2 c rolled oats (not instant!)
1 c unsweetened almond milk
4-6 large strawberries, chopped
1 1/2 Tbsp flax meal
1 Tbsp nut butter (I had almond, peanut and cashew butter on hand)
Optional: 1 Tbsp nonfat cottage cheese, or 1 Tbsp chopped nuts or granola (Depending on how I feel, I'll occasionally throw these in for a little more creaminess or texture.)
Combine oats and milk in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached. (You can add more or less milk if needed.) Add in berries and cottage cheese, if using. Cook 2-3 minutes more. Spoon into bowl and top with flax, nut butter and any additional toppings. Enjoy immediately!
*NOTE: This bowl of oats can keep me full for hours. But some days I'm not as hungry and I only manage to eat half. When that happens I just put the oats in the fridge and eat it cold as a snack when I get home. Delicious!
While we're gathering with family today, we're celebrating Christ. Celebrating that Jesus put death in his grave. The glory of God went into hell and brought Jesus out. And he unleashed grace on earth
Mark 10:34 - "And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
Thank you, Jesus, for your incredible work on the cross.
To celebrate this glorious day, here's a video featuring my favorite song. Enjoy!
2. Yesterday we celebrated my Grandpa's 70th birthday. My grandpa loves Golden Corral, so we had a big party for him there. Mr. B and I never go to buffets...unless it's for a party. (We're just not fans of being able to eat an endless amount of food because then you always over eat and feel miserable later.) Anyhoo. Do you know they have cotton candy? That's insane. I felt like I was at a circus. I haven't had cotton candy in forever. Of course, I had to get one. After three bites my teeth felt like they were going to fall out.
2.1 Later that day Mama and Daddy decided to take Mr. B and I to a small ice cream stand on the outskirts of town. I got a small twist cone. It was the size of my head! No joke.
2.2 Good night! I was on a sugar rush like I had never been on before. And then I crashed....hard.
2.3 And then Mama surprised me with two! boxes of Lucky Charms. She got them on sale with her coupons. She's a coupon-holic. Now I'll be swimming in Luckies for a while....if Mr. B doesn't hoard them first.
3. I want to make these candle holdersand display them all over my house for my book club friends.
4. Opening Day has come and gone. And my Tribe made MLB history on Thursday...however, we blew it in the 16th. And then we blew it in the 12th yesterday. Mr. B is now ranting about how our season is over and he's going to start rooting for the Reds. (I'm sure Daddy and my brother would be thrilled to have one more on the Cincinnati side.) I don't think Mr. B understands there are 160 games to go....
5. Working as a Reference Assistant at the library has allowed me to answer a plethora of questions that I was unaware the library actually answered...like looking for Home Depot's phone number or finding out how much you can sell your Chevy Cavalier for on Craigslist.
5.1 Of course, the first question I answered post-training was about martial law. This had the whole library stumped, and 4 hours of research later we still weren't able to give the patron the information he needed.....there is absolutely nada in print.
6. I stumbled across this on Pinterest, and I HAVE to have it! I don't know where it will fit on our counter, and if I bring one more thing home for the kitchen Mr. B is going to kill me. (Or go on a "tossing" rampage while I'm at work--he keeps threatening--which if he does, and I hope you're reading this, my dear, I'm going to throw the biggest tantrum you have ever seen!)
7. I love this blog, and my mouth is watering just looking at these cupcakes. I need to get my friend Jessica on these ASAP!
8. I was suuuper excited when I finally made it to Robeks this week and saw they are now offering fresh juices. After I went on and on about how excited I was, I vaguely remembered that I knew this already. I even remember them announcing it on Facebook.
Source: Robeks.com
9. Ummm....I just found out that Trisha Yearwood is getting her own show on Food Network! It premieres April 14th! Who knew about this and didn't tell me? I thought we were like.this.
10. Because I allowed myself to be side-tracked by other great books (cough, The Hunger Games, cough), I will have to speed read the rest of the A Wrinkle in Time books in hopes of finishing them by Book Club on Friday!!!
10.1 Which reminds me, I need to write a "What I'm Reading" post. I want to hear what great reads you all have picked up lately!
It's Tuesday! I hope everyone's week is off to a grand start. I've been so busy I actually thought yesterday was Wednesday. I can't seem to keep my days straight and literally didn't realize it was April until today. All of my students' slips still say it's March. Oops.
But I wanted to take a minute and write a quick post to inform you.....(drum roll, please):
1. It's been one of those days. My breakfast popovers didn't pop, my chips burnt in the oven....I'm afraid to attempt a grilled cheese for lunch. Ughhh.
2.1 I'm still heartbroken over my Buckeye loss last night. I spent the first 5 minutes of post-game staring at the TV in complete denial. Then I shed some tears. Don't laugh. I'm very passionate about my sports teams.
2.2 I'm still proud of them, though, for making it to the Final Four.
3. My new position with the library has made me suuuuuper busy this week. No idea where the week went. I realize it has been a full week since my last post. Sorry!
4. I have to confess. The free time I did have this week was spent watching the entire first season of Downton Abbey. I'm obsessed. Best show on TV. Get on it.
5. I then spent the remainder of my free time stalking the actors on IMDB......Don't judge.
6. Oh. I want summer to be here so I can make these STAT.
7. I also want to sit on my front porch with a tall glass of peach sangria. Problem is I don't have a front porch or a tall glass of peach sangria.
8. Ever have a conversation with someone where you leave with more questions than you had when you started? Yeah. Times that by 10 and that was my Friday.
9.1 I made this for dinner this week. Recipe post is coming soon :)
9.2 Also, I'm hoping to have my Recipage up and running this week. All the recipes will be easier to find in one place.
10. Are you as pumped as I am about tonight's Country Music Awards? After last night, I need some eye candy. And a relaxing bubble bath.
I'm feeling quite pink today. I blame the raspberries.
I found them in our fridge this morning, pretty much on their last leg. I knew someone just had to eat these berries. Like right this minute. As I was popping them into my mouth I remembered, Uh, you don't really like raspberries.
I don't know what it is, but out of all the fruit I eat, raspberries are my least favorite. And it's not the seeds or the texture. It's definitely the taste. I just don't like them raw. I love raspberry preserves, ice cream, cobbler, pie....I really like them frozen.
But these sad, raw berries needed to be consumed two days ago. And I couldn't just let them hang out a couple more hours until Mr. B. woke up.
So, I threw them into a protein shake and it made this pretty pink color.
Pretty Pink.
Pretty in Pink.
Cheers!
Raspberry Banana Protein Shake
Serves 1
handful of raspberries, rinsed
1 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla soy protein
1/2 c almond milk
1/2 c 1% milk
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
2-4 ice cubes
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
NOTE: A handful of spinach would be delicious as well. (You can't taste it. It will just change the color and add a healthy dose of vegetables.)
I have a super healthy green soup to celebrate the day....and just in time for Spring!
Today is the one day we celebrate all things green, at least in my household. And when I made this soup a few weekends ago to celebrate the approaching spring (this warm weather is crazy, but I'm loving it), I knew this dish was a St. Patty's Day must.
Only five ingredients, ready in 30 minutes, it's light and simple and spring-y and healthy and GREEN!
Plus, it's one of my all-time favorite soups. EVER. Mr. B despises peas. He can find them in anything. So this is a great way for me to get my pea-fix, and knowing it's all mine because he won't go near it is fabulous.
I'm almost positive I could eat the whole batch.
Perfecto!
Spring Pea Soup
Serves 6-8
2 c peeled and cubed potatoes
2 Tbsp butter, cubed
6 c chicken broth
1 c frozen peas
handful of minced chives
In a Dutch oven, saute potatoes in butter until lightly browned. Stir in broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 minutes. Stir in peas; cook 5-8 minutes longer or until potatoes and peas are tender. Cool slightly. Transfer soup to a blender (in batches, if needed) and puree until smooth. (Or you could use an immersion blender if you have one. I do not. I'm demanding one for my birthday.) Return soup to pan and heat through. Sprinkle with chives and enjoy!
Nutritional Information Per cup: 99 calories, 3 Fat, 14 Carbs, 3 Fiber, 3 Protein
This soup is perfect for a work lunch. I make this Sunday night and eat on it throughout the week.
Every other Sunday I like to post a blog sharing my favorite finds from around the Internet and current obsessions.
What I Had For Breakfast Today: Toast with peanut butter and strawberry jam, an apple and a mug of Wild Berry Black Tea. (Sorry, no photo today.)
Sweet Dessert Option: Kiwi Popsicles.....yes, please! (Plus, check out this site for more popsicle ideas!)
Daily Inspiration: "Faith in God includes faith in His Timing." This is something I've been telling myself multiple times a day recently. Trust in Him and work with Him and He will bring you through it.
Sweet Do-It-Yourself Craft: I'm dying to get my hands on this craft: Wood Pallet Photo Display. LOVE.
Sweet Recipe Find: Next year to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday, I'm making this Cat in the Hat Bread.
Sweet For-the-Home Want: I want this home office STAT! It looks well organized.....and nothing makes me happier than organization!
Daily Smile: Haha. This happens to me every time! But I still love you, Target.
Sweet Place: Check out this awesome Tree House! Kids these days have it so good.....
Sweet Fashion Find: I want this outfit. Love the color and the lace :)
Sweet Entertaining Idea: I think these striped linens would be cute for a tea or coffee party.
Sweet Dish To Make Soon:Stuffed Zucchini. I'm thinking dinner tonight with pork chops for Mr. B.
Sweet Photography: Love everything about this picture....especially the boots :)
Sweet Idea I Wish I Had Done: Books as wedding favors!!! Oh well, maybe for another event.... (I found this idea on theknot.com)
Sweet Idea For My Future Home: A vertical garden!!!! Of course!
Best Day Brightener: God's creation cannot subsist without God's abundant grace. God has given human beings the sacred responsibility of mediating God's grace. --Vigen Guroian
I hope you're enjoying a fabulous start to the week. My day started off a little slower than I wanted....sleeping in until 9 AM! However, I did not get to bed until well after midnight because Mr. B got a new toy over the weekend and I was introduced to Angry Birds for the first time. (I know. I'm way behind. I'm aware.) Anyhoo, let's just say I'm obsessed, frustrated, crazy addicted.
Just like I'm addicted to this homemade marinara sauce. I will never, not ever buy another jar of marinara sauce. This is THE sauce. Light and perfect and tasty and everything a sauce should be.
Not to mention portion controlled. I love recipes for one. I need, need them for the times when my husband wants pork chops (again) and sausage (for the third day in a row).
I've had this recipe in my repertoire for a few years now. But every time I come across it, or remember I have it, it's like a new find. A fantastically, delicious hidden treasure in my cookbook. And I'm serious. I have not bought any other sauce since this discovery. I mean it's not as quick as opening a jar and warming it on the stove, but it's close enough. The taste is worth the extra few minutes it takes to throw the ingredients in a blender and heat up. I mean, the pasta has to cook, the chicken has to cook....to be honest, the sauce is the easiest and the fastest of the three.
And did I mention how fantastically delicious it is?
And that I love Chicken Parmigiana.
And I love making comfort foods healthy.
So this here, my Internet friends, is a winner.
Chicken Parmigiana
Serves 1
1 egg white
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c seasoned bread crumbs
1 tsp EVOO, divided
2 Tbsp grated mozzarella cheese
1 c canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 Tbsp chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp tomato paste
2 basil leaves
1 oz cooked whole-grain angel hair pasta
1 c steamed broccoli
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place egg white in shallow bowl. Sprinkle chicken with salt. Spread bread crumbs on sheet of wax paper or foil. Dip chicken in egg, then dredge through bread crumbs. Coat small oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. Heat 1/2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken on one side until bread crumbs begin to brown, 4-5 minutes. Turn and cook 2-3 minutes more. Transfer skillet to oven; bake chicken 8-10 minutes. Remove. Sprinkle chicken with mozzarella and bake until cheese melts and chicken is cooked through, 1 minute more.
For sauce: Blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, Parmesan and pepper in food processor or blender until smooth. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add remaining 1/2 tsp oil. Cook tomato paste, stirring constantly, until paste browns, 3-4 minutes. Add tomato mixture and basil. Cook until sauce becomes smoother, 4-5 minutes. Stir in pasta; serve with chicken and broccoli.
*Note: When I make this for Mr. B, he needs a little sugar to cut the acidity, so I chop up a few baby carrots and toss them into the blender as well. The sweetness of the carrots cut the acidity and he never even knows they're there. Well, maybe now he does....
