Split Personality

Prepare to have your breakfast mind blown. So you thought peanut butter cup oats, and almond joy oatmeal was pushing it between dessert and breakfast. You ain't seen nothin' yet. I guess I should just start calling these bresserts. The perfect combo of breakfast and dessert. IS there a better way to start your day?!

Ok so this magical concoction came to me with a craving for what else but ice cream. I know, ice for breakfast?? Only in every 6 year old's dream and in Home Alone. Stay with me though...

Of course the cold weather gives us all something to complain about and wish for something better. Don't lie to me. I've heard you say "I wish it were Summer soo bad right now". Oh you never said that? That's not what your facebook status said. Boom.

Where was I? Oh yes, wishing for Summer made me think of what better ice cream invention then the banana split. At least once every Summer as a kid, I would skip dinner and get a big ol' banana split for myself instead. And ate every last bit of it. Finding a healthier way to get my split fix, especially first thing when I wake up led to my latest creation of Banana Split Oats!

I really can't say it enough how much this really tastes like the real thing. I could eat this every morning. No lie. Cool, creamy, with a bit of crunchy sweet chocolatey goodness...If you are not bringing your computer to the kitchen to make this now, I believe you are not an actual person..Just sayin' they're THAT good.

Overnight Banana Split Oats
serves 1
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 banana, sliced and divided
3 frozen strawberries, thawed in fridge overnight
1 T chopped walnuts
1 tsp sweetener
chocolate syrup
whipped cream (i mean, it's only appropriate)

Start by combining the oats, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and half of your banana (so that is a quarter of a banana) in a bowl. Set in the fridge overnight.

When you put your oats in the fridge, place 3-4 frozen strawberries in a small bowl and stick next to your oats. If you have fresh, of course you can skip this part.

The next morning, "loosen up" your oats by adding a couple splashes of water or milk, and stir in your sweetener.

Microwave your strawberries for about 15 seconds and mash with your spoon. This becomes your strawberry sauce and is a must for me. Frozen strawberries work really well since they release a lot more juice when they are defrosted, but let me know if you use fresh.

Next, add your strawberry sauce to your oats, the remaining banana, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, (and optional whipped cream).

Get ready for a delightfully confused mouth. "Ice cream for breakfast?! But it's oatmeal?! What!?"

Exactly. Happy Weekend!

Better Late Then Never.

So I guess my New Years Resolution should be to keep up with the blog. With the holidays, and finishing up the fall semester, I guess the updates took a backseat. But as the title implies, it's the thought that counts. So this recipe is for the caffeine junkies out there. I am not the biggest coffee drinker, but it never hurts once in a while. This recipe will help keep your pants and your pockets loose! I couldn't think of quite a clever name for it, so I came up with the cheesy title of a "Cheap- accino." It's a recipe to replace or replicate those over-priced over-sweetened coffee drinks that is so easy to make, you may never think to buy a "grande" "supremo" or whatever overly complexed names they have for flavored coffee now.

All you need is a cup of your favorite brew, a jar with a lid, milk, and an optional flavoring such as vanilla. Feel free to explore new flavors like almond extract or even rum extract. Also, I used skim milk since that is what I had on hand, but if you want a little bit of a richer flavor you can use a 1% or 2%, since you won't be adding that much milk anyway. I'm not sure if soy or almond milks will froth up like cow's milk does, but feel free to try, and let me know!

Next you want to add as much milk as you would add to your coffee to into the jar. Then add about a teaspoon of the extract or flavoring. It may sound like a lot for a small amount of milk, but you really need a lot in order to get the flavor throughout your coffee. Add more or less to your tastes though. Tightly secure the lid.

Now comes the workout. Shake the jar for about 30 seconds until the milk becomes foamy. And take the lid off.

Now put the jar (Make sure the lid is off!) in the microwave for 30 seconds. After that you will have a nice frothy milk just like that! No espresso machine required. Use a spoon to hold back the foam, and pour the milk into your coffee. Then spoon the frothy milk right on top, and voila! A customized frugal cappuccino!

I added a shake of cinnamon for some more flavor and pizazz! Cocoa powder or nutmeg would be good too. Now the calorie count would depend on what kind of milk was used but, in any case it would be very low in calories and in sugar. As compared to a leading chain cappuccino at about 140 calories and 15 grams of sugar. Not to mention about $4.00, when this can be made for pennies. Hope you enjoy this money saving, calorie saving cappuccino and as always explore new flavors!