Honestly, I never thought I liked cooking. It was such a chore. It was always so messy. It was so tedious. I wasn't very good at it. I was always missing ingredients. But what I realized is: I just hate following a recipe. I like being creative. I like trying new things. I like problem-solving. I like discovering how flavors blend. I like creating meals based on ingredients I have available (so shopping for good staples is key!). I like feeling accomplished when something turns out perfectly (like my Honeydew Caprese Salad!) All that is to say - I've been having FUN with cooking these past couple of weeks.
I've been seeing the phrase "Overnight Oats" throughout the healthy-living blogosphere over the past few weeks. No cooking, prepare in advance, and wake up to a delicious breakfast? Sounds good to me! The only problem??? I needed to go shopping! I'd never bought "rolled oats" in my life. I "started" with this original idea and then substituted and changed a lot of the ingredients/measurements b/c that's what I DO! :) I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Recipe for PB/Banana/Cocoa Overnight Oats:
Gather the following ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
a small banana
2 Tbsp Peanut Butter
2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 packet Truvia
~2 - 3 Servings
Combine them together in a bowl: (I love all those colors! What a pretty palette!)
Mix thoroughly:
Cover (with lid or foil) and put in the fridge overnight. Night-night oats! Do your thang!!
In the morning, I was delighted to find a nice thick consistency. I microwaved the mixture in a ceramic bowl for 30 seconds to take the chill off. Then I topped it with cinnamon and sliced almonds. It was really yummy!
I will definitely be experimenting with different combinations/toppings in future weeks. This beats the heck out of "Quaker Oatmeal"!!!!!!!
Pooch Run Training Update:
Running is going well. I am almost through week 2! Thankfully the nice weather has held up pretty well so far. Last night I was quite adventurous and ventured out with both doggies AND Babycakes. It was a bit chaotic, a lot funny, and mildly awkward. But I did it! Here's a pic of the gang:
PS. Is it a bit ironic that the person who says she hates following recipes (me!) is posting RECIPES on her blog for you to follow? Hopefully you actually enjoy following a good recipe!
When was the last time you "strayed" from a recipe? Did it turn out well?
Have you ever had Overnight Oats? If so, what are some of your favorite combinations?
Honestly, I never thought I liked cooking. It was such a chore. It was always so messy. It was so tedious. I wasn't very good at it. I was always missing ingredients. But what I realized is: I just hate following a recipe. I like being creative. I like trying new things. I like problem-solving. I like discovering how flavors blend. I like creating meals based on ingredients I have available (so shopping for good staples is key!). I like feeling accomplished when something turns out perfectly (like my Honeydew Caprese Salad!) All that is to say - I've been having FUN with cooking these past couple of weeks.
I've been seeing the phrase "Overnight Oats" throughout the healthy-living blogosphere over the past few weeks. No cooking, prepare in advance, and wake up to a delicious breakfast? Sounds good to me! The only problem??? I needed to go shopping! I'd never bought "rolled oats" in my life. I "started" with this original idea and then substituted and changed a lot of the ingredients/measurements b/c that's what I DO! :) I was skeptical but pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Recipe for PB/Banana/Cocoa Overnight Oats:
Gather the following ingredients:
~2 - 3 Servings
Combine them together in a bowl: (I love all those colors! What a pretty palette!)
Mix thoroughly:
Cover (with lid or foil) and put in the fridge overnight. Night-night oats! Do your thang!!
In the morning, I was delighted to find a nice thick consistency. I microwaved the mixture in a ceramic bowl for 30 seconds to take the chill off. Then I topped it with cinnamon and sliced almonds. It was really yummy!
I will definitely be experimenting with different combinations/toppings in future weeks. This beats the heck out of "Quaker Oatmeal"!!!!!!!
Pooch Run Training Update:
Running is going well. I am almost through week 2! Thankfully the nice weather has held up pretty well so far. Last night I was quite adventurous and ventured out with both doggies AND Babycakes. It was a bit chaotic, a lot funny, and mildly awkward. But I did it! Here's a pic of the gang:
PS. Is it a bit ironic that the person who says she hates following recipes (me!) is posting RECIPES on her blog for you to follow? Hopefully you actually enjoy following a good recipe!
When was the last time you "strayed" from a recipe? Did it turn out well?
Have you ever had Overnight Oats? If so, what are some of your favorite combinations?