Overnight Oats

You guys - I'm obsessed! This is a revelation and I'm so excited to tell you about it. I am way behind the times but for those of you who haven't heard of them, I had to share it with you. Overnight oats is an easy breakfast solution for vegans and non-vegans, health nuts and non-health nuts. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is a healthy alternative to sweet breakfasts like a parfait or pancakes. I use a mason jar but you can use a bowl, cup, Tupperware, etc. and can be covered or uncovered. The recipe can vary to taste but it is just rolled oats with whatever additions you want. Here is what I include:

1/2 cup dried rolled oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp homemade sugar free jelly
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup coconut water
1/4 cup water
Lots of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
*If you are looking for more protein, you could add Greek or coconut yogurt
**To cut down on sugar, replace banana with no sugar added applesauce

Add all ingredients and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning the oats are soft and ready to eat. I add slivered almonds to give it some crunch and more protein. You could also add berries, granola, agave, etc. It's perfect after my morning runs or to keep you fueled up for a long day. If you try this treat, let me know what you include in your oats.



Homemade Hummus

Leading up to my move, I spent all of my time packing, sorting and organizing my life so it didn't leave much time for the little things I love. This past weekend was the first in a while where I was able to relax and enjoy some downtime! I hiked, checked out a new church and played around in my new kitchen! Hummus is my current snack of choice; it's easy to make, vegan and really good for you. Here is how I whipped it together:

 hand mash chick peas

tahini

(mix a small amount of tahini paste with water first to create a dressing consistency)

lemon juice

olive oil

water

sea salt & pepper

a hand mixer to make it creamier

  

I enjoyed it as an afternoon snack. It is great plain but I added garlic and soy Parmesan to spruce it up. You can also try: pesto, cayenne pepper, ground jalapenos or bell peppers, tomatoes and more. If you experiment with flavors, let me know what you throw in it!

I also made a red velvet cake.....definitely not vegan!

Note all the milk glass...OBSESSED.

Food, Family & Fire King

I've found a new love for cookware....especially Fire King brown glass. My grandmother gave me two cooking dishes a couple years ago and it started my obsession! At the time, I reluctantly took them home and had no plans to use either; I didn't want to take them out of the cupboard because I hated the color. They sat unused until I found another piece at one of my favorite thrift stores last year. By having three pieces, it meant I had a collection....I love adding to collections. This spurred my quest to search for more.

Fire King glassware has been around since the 1940's and is made by Anchor Hocking Co. which was established in 1905. I never see advertisements for their products but it's a huge company and their glassware is everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if you had some Anchor Hocking dishes in your kitchen. Fire King used to me made in several different colors with cute names like 'Forget Me Not' and 'Anniversary Pink' but now it only comes in clear glass.

I have been using my pieces a lot lately to cook vegetables for dinner. Carrots and Brussels sprouts are my favorites but you can make a number of vegetables with the recipe below. I like to throw heaps of several veggies in at the same time so I can eat them over several days. Below is the recipe and a play by play..

Preheat oven at 400*

Cut up vegetables in small pieces

(Brussels sprouts in half, broccoli or cauliflowers in quarters, baby carrots don't have to be cut)

Place vegetables in the dish and pour olive oil on them until completely coated

(oil can vary based on the amount of veggies, I like a little extra to make them crispy)

Add salt, pepper and Italian seasoning to taste, lemon zest is good too

Cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15

My grandma passed away on January 11th and I miss her so much. Dinda was so generous and amazing, the center of my family and a mentor for many on how to love and care for others. The Fire King glass was just one of the millions of things she gave me that was hers and I am so grateful I have them. She will be in my heart and I will remember her daily in the many things I do to be like her. Here are some pictures of her from the last two years.

Taken March 21, 2010

She loved In n Out and would treat herself after every chemo treatment.

Taken April 8, 2011

My last photo with Dinda - September 20, 1925 to January 11, 2012. <3

Taken December 22, 2011

Taken c 1987 - Forest Home