Strawberries and Cream yOATgurt

All right, then. I posted about these in my WIAW post, but it just didn't seem the appropriate place to put a recipe, you know?

So let's get on with it :) Besides, I like posting pictures of yummy food, despite lacking photography skills on my part. But you do what you can... If it tastes good, I think I'm satisfied.

These are super creamy and they really warm you from inside out. Especially when you add some delicious toppings...like peanut butter. Because that improves everything. I pity those with nut allergies.

CREAMY STRAWBERRY yOATgurt (easily doubled)

1/4 cup rolled oats

1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds (optional)

1/2 cup almond milk+ 1/2 cup water (or some combo of the two)

2 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt (plain, vanilla, or strawberry)

1 cup frozen strawberries, partially thawed

Sweetener (optional)

Toppings (optional)

Peanut Butter

 Kashi GoLean Crunch or Granola

Slivered Almonds

White Chocolate Chips

1. Combine liquid, oats, and chia seeds on stovetop in medium size pot. Heat on high until it begins to boil, and then stir constantly for 2 minutes to make sure the oats do not burn.
2. Reduce heat to medium and let cook until about half liquid is absorbed (about 4 minutes). Stir in yogurt and let cook again until it begins to thicken.
3. Add your somewhat frozen strawberries and stir. (It turns pink!)
4. You may cook for a few additional minutes to thicken, but I liked mine runny because it was more like warm yogurt/oatmeal. Sounds weird, but delicious.  
5. Top with whatever you like, and ENJOY!

My Oatmeal Obsession

Okay, so yes, it's my third post of the day (technically speaking) but the thing is, I'm just playing catch-up. I have a whole slew of recipes I've made from about a week ago, and that I haven't shared, and I want to get this blog off the ground and full of delicious-ness! So, without further ado, the recipes: (since I have nothing else to say. I've exhausted my stories)

OATMEAL!

I love oatmeal. It's definitely on my list of top 10 favorite foods for its versatility, staying power, heart-warming qualities, and simplicity. What more could you ask for? I eat it for breakfast (most) days, so the variations are steady and I'm learning how to get more creative. (with the help of Lauren, the Oatmeal Artist. I discovered her blog about 2 days ago and it's fantastic! This recipe closely resembles her Blueberry Cashew Oatmeal, minus the nuts, so I guess great minds DO think alike!) My last few attempts are pretty standard, but of course, we all know what went in to them. Any guesses? Bueller? Bueller?

That's right... BLUEBERRIES! They just never run out, do they? Along with my odd personality and ability/ inclination to take terrible pictures. But it tasted good!

Here's the key to really good oatmeal that has taken me far too long to learn, sadly. Make it on the stove! It absorbs so much more water that way and leaves you with much fluffier oats that are also quite a bit more voluminous and filling. Plus, when you take pictures of the cooking, they look really pretty! (The blueberries bleed out and the oatmeal turns purple! It's a freaking miracle!)

Berry Overload Oatmeal

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

1 and 1/4 Water/Coconut Milk Mix 

(I used 3/4 water, 1/2 milk. You can also use any type of milk you like, or all milk, or all water. It changes the flavor slightly, but you pick!)

Handful Blueberries

Handful Blackberries

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Packet Sweetener or  2 drops Stevia, or more/less to taste

1. Heat water/milk to boiling in medium stovepot. Add oats and stir once, then allow to cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to get very fluffy and most of liquid is absorbed. Stir it up!
2. Add berries and stir again. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 1-2 minutes until berry juices start to seep out and color the oatmeal.
3. Remove from heat and add vanilla and sweetener to taste.
4.  Dish into a little bowl, because it just looks so much better, and ENJOY!

Another Gorgeous View of this Purple Passion!

Blueberry Peach Oatmeal

(A Variation of Berry Overload Oatmeal)

Follow Instructions for Berry Overload Oatmeal, except substituting 1/2 cup thawed frozen peaches for the blackberries. Or in addition if you wish. Also add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, and VOILA... you have now transformed it into THIS!

My Dream Day: Long Runs and Cooking Stores

Well, as you've probably gathered from the title of this blog, I'm a runner. And it just occurred to me that I haven't talked about running AT ALL so far. That must be a record for me, considering I can barely take my rest days off, I'm so in love with it. Running is just awesome. And I'll tell you why.

Feel the wind at your back (or if you're slightly less lucky, at your front) blowing away all the cares and concerns that have been brewing throughout the day. Hear the dull thud of each step as you pound along the pavement in a beautiful, easy-to-find rhythm. Let your mind wander wherever it may, because right now, you are simply in touch with YOU. Every muscle, no... every CELL, every MITOCHONDRIA, every ATOM is alive and propelling you on to destiny.

I can be a bit melodramatic at times.

But I whole-heartedly believe in what I just wrote. Going for a run is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself on a daily basis. And it's FREE! (provided you don't get swept up in all the junk...heart monitors and calorie counters and fancy watches and shoes and shorts and shirts and leggings and compression socks and, well, the list goes on...)

So the best part of my day thus far was my run. Even though I got lost on it. Maybe ESPECIALLY because I got lost on it (that made it longer than planned.) You see, living in a tiny neighborhood, I don't have many options of where to go when I run. I must have covered the same route hundreds and hundreds of times, and as much as I love it, I've got to say.... it can be kind of boring.

Today I ventured off the beaten path, quite literally, by going to some newly-discovered trails that start a mile and a half from my house (part of why I've never been is just that... by the time I run to them, I usually need to turn back because in my busy, AP-class studded life, there isn't time for long runs). I glanced over the map posted at the start of the main trail and briefly considered taking a copy to go just in case...and then decided I was too cool for that. Ha. Serves me right.

I think I must have gone all over that network of trails today before finding the one that I wanted (I did remember the specific colors of where I needed to go. That gives me some credit, right?) and it took me at least 50 minutes. It was pure, exhausting bliss. I got scratched by thorns, my calves and thighs were screaming, I was getting a little bit anxious...but it was all worth it. I'd do it again. Except now it wouldn't be getting lost. It would just be having a long run.

Speaking of things I love, I got to go to the mall for Connecticut's tax-free shopping weekend. I went to a cooking supply store, and I must admit, I found a small haven there as well. If only I had unlimited access to all the funds I needed, then I would have gone on a MAJOR shopping spree. No joke. There were some really nifty gadgets I would like to try. Like this one:

Or the Yonanas (my friend has one and I adore it. I mean... healthy ice cream? What more could you want out of life? And it's totally delicious! I've tried the DIY version but it doesn't yield the same texture at all. Speaking of which, my food processor broke! I'm in mourning.)

And here is the wall of measuring gadgets, whisks, spatulas, timers, food scales, and everything in between. It was so TALL, and packed with different options. I wanted them all.

But, since I needed new school clothes, alas, no new kitchen gear for moi. That's okay. Christmas is only 4 months and 3 days away. But who's counting? (me! me! pick me!)

Time for a delicious recipe! I was trying to think of something creative that would embrace the good mood I was in today, so what better than a DESSERT? I know you're getting tired of all the berry posts, like the Summer Lovin' Salad and the Very Berry Pancakes, but hey, it's not my fault the fridge isn't working. And this one is different. It's DESSERT, for crying out loud.

TRIPLE BERRY BANANA BARS

4 servings Nilla Wafers, Crushed to Fine Powder (About 32 cookies)

4 Tablespoons Butter

2 Very Ripe Bananas, Sliced

1 Cup Ripe Strawberries, Sliced

12 oz. Red Raspberry Preserves

1 Cup Ripe Blueberries

1 Cup Flaked Coconut

1/2- 1 Cup White Chocolate Chips

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Extra Nilla Wafers for Crumbly Topping

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Crush Nilla Wafers by placing in large plastic bag and rolling over (closed) bag with rolling pin. Place butter in 9x13 pan and pop into the oven until all butter is melted. Swirl it around to coat all the pan evenly, and then pour in your nilla wafer crumbs. Coat all crumbs with butter and press firmly into pan. If you need more butter, USE IT! Evenly distribute sliced bananas and berries over crust. Drop preserves over everything by spoonfuls so they, too, are fairly evenly distributed. You don't need to spread them with a knife, however, they will even out more with baking. Sprinkle on coconut and desired amount of white chocolate chips. Pour sweetened condensed milk over whole thing, making sure that it too is poured EVENLY. Bake for 40 minutes or until milk is no longer gooey. Allow to cool and sprinkle with additional nilla wafer crumbs, or even chopped pecans if you like! ENJOY!

They look kind of patriotic, don't they?

Here's a little laugh for the day, just something I saw in the mall parking lot (it fits with my them of getting lost, too, coincidentally) :)

Pancakes for Lunch

Well, it's been one of those days. The kind where you get that annyoing little black cloud following you around and everything seems to get you really emotional. Your iPod is on shuffle, and it seems to pick the very songs that are guarenteed to make you cry. Your dishwasher didn't work so you end up eating things straight from the container with plastic utensils. All the shampoo is gone so you scrub your hair with bar soap (it only seems to make it more greasy... who's with me?) You can't find anything that you're looking for and all the sudden you've been looking so long that you don't even remember what it was that you were looking for. Uggh. Oh, and did I mention that it was cloudy outside again?

So I started the day on the wrong side of the bed to say the very least. But that's no way to live life. Frowns never helped anyone. And, as one of my absolute favorite quotes puts it, "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." (Nora Ephron) So I decided to stop looking for all the reasons that the day was going to stink and making reasons that it would be good.

This may seem like a really cheesy post, but believe me, it took years for me to discover that fairly obvious key to living happily. It's time for a blog reality check. In other words, putting myself out there again; being a heroine and not a victim. Nothing was ever gained from hiding. Well, reader, this blogger has a long and turbulent history of mental illness. The works. Anorexia Nervosa, Anxiety Disorder, Manic Depression, Passive Suicidal Thoughts... And I still struggle. The world can be a pretty harsh place. I always used to use that as an excuse to give up and draw into myself, thinking that if the world was so cruel it didn't deserve me, nor I it. Of course, there are way more to all my mental illnesses than that, but you get the picture...

So here's the thing. No matter what you are going through, you will encounter obstacles. You will feel beaten, unhappy, dissatisfied, and bitter. But you will also have those flashes of pure joy and glee. Make them worth it. Take the not-so-great days and doctor them up with a little bit of love. Because we only get so many chances to start a new day (on average, 25,550 for an American). Don't waste them hating yourself or your body or other people. It won't do anything but push you farther down into that pit of despair.

Instead, look for something meaningful. And if nothing seems that way, try something fun. And if nothing sounds fun, at least eat something that will be good and nourishing. I find that when I'm grouchy, it's often because my body needs some good old-fashioned treats (I'm no physchologist or nutritionist YET, but that's just my opinion here. Indulge once in a while. It helps.)

So sometimes that means 'breaking the rules' a bit.

Like having PANCAKES for lunch.
VERRY BERRY PANCAKES to be specific.

Perfection :)

Because obviously you didn't get enough berries yesterday with the Summer Lovin' Salad. Clearly I didn't (and the fridge still isn't fixed!) Now, I was pretty nervous about making these. I've never invented my own pancake recipe before. I can be a good cook... when I follow directions. But, like I said, today was a day to break out of my comfort zone. So I went for it. And amazingly, they were not only EDIBLE, but they were pretty good. Especially warm, spread with blackberry jelly and a little bit of coconut butter. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's what you need to do:

On the griddle





VERY BERRY YOGURT PANCAKES (High Protein, Whole Grain)

1 flax egg (1 T. whole flax seeds+ 1/4 c. water)

1- 5.3 oz container strawberry Greek yogurt (or blueberry/blackberry...even vanilla)

1/2 c. rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda (I think it could be reduced. Probably go with 1/2 tsp)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon Blueberry or Strawberry Syrup

2/3 cup water/almond milk

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (can omit. Just reduced water/milk to 1/3 c. or so)

Optional: Cut up berries or nuts

Combine flax egg, yogurt and oats in blender or food processer. Pulse and blend until oats and flax are all ground up and everything is nicely mixed. Add baking soda, vanilla, syrup, water, and protein powder. Mix again, probably another 1 minute until everything is well blended and there are no chunks. Drop by 1/4 cup fulls onto griddle or skillet at 300 degrees. Be sure to grease/spray skillet first. If using berries and nuts, throw on top of each pancake now. Allow to bubble, but DO NOT TURN OVER until pancakes start appearing tan. You can test if they are ready to flip by nudging spatula underneath and seeing if pancake stays together. They should fluff up quite a bit. Flip and cook until done. They DO take a while... I will work on that. When fully cooked (ie staying together and looking a deep brown) put on plate and serve. I recommend spreading them with jam and coconut butter, as stated before. You could also put in additional berry-flavored yogurt and roll them up for a little portable crepe.

*Makes about 9 pancakes. Can be 1 REALLLLY big serving, but serves 2-3 generally. Whole recipe only has about 500 calories!*

Look how FLUFFY I am!

Summer Lovin' : My Affair With Fresh Produce

For all my fellow foodies out there, you know what the best part of summer is: Fresh Produce. The whole gambit of food options finally opens up for us, nice and cheap, often organic and even, dare I say, BETTER TASTING than the produce throughout the rest of the year. Especially winter. I mean, I've got nothing against apples and oranges... but there's a time when a girl needs some strawberries and peaches. Am I right?

Well, in any case, the sad part is that summer is almost over, at least up here in New England. *SIGH*  Now all I can think of is a dreadful, cold, rainy winter that is almost sure to show up... even if it won't be for another few months. (Maybe I should just be happy I don't live in Seattle.) What's making things worse is our fridge is acting up. As in, the freezer is way too cold and the fridge part isn't really cold at all. Since I'm not any good with technology, I'm leaving all those problems up to my Dad. Since we're too cheap to just call a repairman, this is what our kitchen currently looks like:

Kind of a mess. Basically, there are frozen foods sitting around in the sink, all over the counter tops, on the island, blocking the stove... it's not really ideal. But, hey, if it fixes the fridge, I'm all for it. Because with the fridge NOT working, all our saved up summer produce, frozen and fresh, is going bad. And having just done an entire project on food safety, I'm pretty sure we'd be violating restaurant health code (if we were in the restaurant biz).

But I like to problem solve. I'm a geek, remember? Having a chemist and an engineer as your parents as well as a sibling majoring in biology and another majoring in economics, you just kind of can't help but develop a bit of an OCDish tendency here and there. For instance, my quirks include:

• Sorting out all the crayons I own into individual bags based on color groups
• Organizing the spice cabinet alphabetically
• Not opening one package of something until all the open boxes have been finished
• Tearing off those annoying 'fringies' when you take paper out of a notebook

And that's just a few. Believe me, though, I don't hold anything against anyone with OCD. I have a bit of it myself and some of my best friends struggle with it. It's a real mental illness. So please don't take offense. I try and write with a bit of levity on serious situations. It's an attempt to lighten the mood. But moving on...

My problem solving.
So, here we have all these lovely fresh fruits and veggies just NEEDING to be eaten, and here we also have a hungry, teenage, vegetarian trying to think of something for lunch. Do you see where this is going?

A Summer Lovin' Salad!

I really love salads. You can put almost anything in them, and they're nearly impossible to mess up. Today's creation did not disappoint. That being said, it was a new experience for me. Usually, my salads are pretty plain-o, jane-o, boring. Lettuce, tomato, pepper, cucumber, peas, carrots, and a healthy drizzle of Italian vinaigrette. Well, I know a lot of people swear by putting fruit on their salads, but it always sounded gross to me. The sweet flavors combined with the hardier, saltier ones? Hmmm. I was skeptical. Especially since I had added in a veggie burger as a protein source. Berries plus veggie burger in the same forkful? I was reluctant to try. But those berries were getting old, and they were just SCREAMING my name. So into the salad they went.

And it was good. I'm a believer (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeeahhhh). The veggie burger paired with blueberries is actually an excellent combination, if anyone is interested. I may have to expand on that idea at some other time... But back to the salad.

SUMMER LOVIN' SALAD

1 portabella mushroom cap

Splash Balsamic Vinegar

Dash of Rosemary

About 10 leaves Romaine Lettuce (?)

1 Frozen Veggie Burger (or homemade)

1/4 cup FRESH blueberries

3 FRESH strawberries

1/3 cucumber, sliced

 Red Pepper, cut into strips

1 T. Red Wine Vinegar

1/2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pinch Sugar

Drizzle the Portabella cap with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle generously with rosemary. Place on top of the frozen veggie burger and microwave on high for 2 minutes (cooking times may vary). Meanwhile, toss up your salad with remaining ingredients. You can arrange them artfully if desired, because pretty things sometimes seem to taste better :)  When portabella/burger are done, take them out and slice them up. Place on top of rest of prepared salad. Mix together vinegar, oil, and sugar, then pour over salad.

And... as always... ENJOY

Another View....