10.27.2010

the perfect apple crisp


I can not get enough apple crisp this fall! I found this recipe over at Joy the Baker and have made it at least 3 times a week since I found it.

I think the key to a great apple crisp is not over-sweetening the apples (I only added cinnamon. a lot of cinnamon.) and using equal parts brown sugar and flour (I use whole wheat) with a big chunk of butta. Toss in a little oatmeal and pecans and you've got a killer, and quick, dessert :)

like I said. Lots of cinnamon.
and a perfectly crisp top. YUM.


10.24.2010

Pumpkin Yogurt Pancakes

Pancakes. I love them. I crave them all the time. Here's one of the best I've whipped up lately... try it out.

Recipe adapted from this recipe.

Pumpkin and greek yogurt in the batter?!
Nutella and peanut butter on top?! Even better.

10.16.2010

Oats!

I don't know about you, but I love breakfast. Nothing beats a big brunch with family or sipping on a cafe au lait and pastry. (even better if you're in Rome. I'm sorry, I digress) But even in your own kitchen (or at work!), on a typical weekday morning, you can be treated to a great breakfast. A breakfast, that I have grown quite fond of and truly look forward to!! Let me walk you through the easy steps of an awesome, healthy, and filling breakfast!!
My breakfasts are very similar day to day, but that's because they taste SO good and are so filling. Filling, but not in a 'Im going to pop because I had 2 of those big donuts' kind of way. You know the feeling. ugh.

Start by setting out your dry ingredients the night before. You will save so much time. Sometimes on Sundays I even package 5 little bags up for the week ahead.
Looks like a lot, but it's not. Think health!!
Oats + flax seed + chia seed.
Banana + peanut or almond butter.
Milk (I used almond) + water.
You are truly fueling your body for the day.
On medium heat combine the following:
1/4 cup oats (I use both steel cuts and old-fashioned for a more complex texture)
1 T chia seed
1-2 T ground flax
1/3 cup water
1/3 milk
1/2 sliced banana

Now go get dressed or finish getting your things together. Check back in about 5 minutes and once you see the first simmering bubbles, start stirring and whipping. After a minute of whipping you will have light airy oats with pillows of warm bananas.
Plop half into a tupperware, add 1/2 T nut butter, top with remaining oats, and top with more nut butter.

Now is the time to get creative :)I added peaches and granola here...
Granola, blackberries, and apples here...
and apples and almonds. Kath at Katheats.com does a great tutorial on her whipped oats, which is exactly where I first learned of this great breakfast!

10.14.2010

Homemade Whole Wheat Crackers

I have always felt a bit defeated as I pluck a box of crackers that cost over $3.00 off the shelf and into my basket. I struggle with understanding how a couple handfuls of crackers can cost so much.

erg.
That's where today's recipe jumped in. I made Whole Wheat Crackers based on HowSweetEats recipe. The only change I made was added garlic powder instead of parmesan (because I don't have any).
These were so simple. Maybe 20 minutes from start to completely cleaned up and they only bake for 12 minutes.
Tester square. Needed a little more time to bake.
ahhh... can't get enough of these little guys! I'm eating them with red pepper hummus and spinach tonight.

10.11.2010

Pumpkin Nutella Bread

pumpkin and nutella.
what a combo.
I followed this recipe almost exactly.
I only added 1/2 tsp. ginger... I'm not a big fan.
and would make only one change if I were to make it again.

add more nutella!
4 tablespoons just wasn't enough!
This bread was perfectly spiced and so moist! A perfect way to welcome Fall... enjoy!

10.07.2010

Avocado Hummus English Muffin

I love hard salami sandwiches.
I love a good corn dog.
Oh gosh and I love warm delicious chicken pot pie!

but.

There are so many reasons that I have happily been opting for more vegetarian options almost exclusively. and even vegan choices more than half the time! The 'fullness' I feel is pleasant, cravings (for sweet, salty, unhealthy, more) has been slashed! I am more than satisfied and love knowing I am giving my body all the nutrients it needs throughout the day.

Each morning I start with an awesome bowl of steel cut oats, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and almond butter. I truly look forward to it and crave it! Most importantly—it is the only breakfast option I have found that keeps me full until lunch. how great is that!?
And for dinner— This is one of my 'fallbacks' for dinner. An easy option that is satisfying, yummy, and packed with nutrients!
1—toast 100% whole wheat english muffin
2—smear hummus (I made homemade with garlic, basil and sundried tomato)
3—layer roma tomatoes. avocado. spinach. s&p.
4—enjoy!
I also snacked on green grapes and salsa/wholegrain chips. Give it a try and let me know what you think!


10.04.2010

Preoccupied

I've been missing lately...
because I've been busy.
or, just, preoccupied.

Preoccupied celebrating this lovely bride's big day.
It was wonderful. Gorgeous sunshine and awesome friends.
aaand... a $15 dress. I love deals.
I've been preoccupied cooking dinners at night.
broccoli asparagus peanut stirfry w/tofu and brown rice.
and spaghetti with homemade sauce.
unbelievably good. it was packed with meaty mushrooms, basil, and lots of herbs!
I've been preoccupied with baking.
Although my moist sweet potato muffins turned out to be dense piles of dough.
They were great. [and completely healthy with chia seed and whole wheat pastry flour!]
I've been preoccupied decorating and loving every minute in my new loft.
Welcome!
living room/dining room/kitchen/seating area.
the doorways lead to our bedrooms, dressing areas and the bathroom.
Thanks for catching up!