Bowl Full of Joy

Aftanoon Everyone! It's o perfect Saturday to watch movies all day and bake the entire contents of the Betty Crocker cookbook. Gloomy and overcast weather must result in either a good afternoon nap, movie/show marathon, or a baked good. No questions or exemptions. Take your pick!

Sorry I have been absent from the blogger world this week, but I had pulled a muscle in my back on Monday, and have not since fully recovered. Not being able to get my run or circuit training in has been a bit of a drag, but I don't want to risk injuring myself any further, so have just stuck to walking every day. Cannot wait to get back in to making some circuit workouts to share with you!

I know New England is in the dead of Fall right now, but it still feels like the middle of Summer here with high 80 degree weather everyday. This hot weather doesn't exactly inspire warm cider and banana bread like the chilly New England days do, so i have yet to make any quintessential Autumn goodies. I did however buy some unsweetened coconut from the South's version of Whole Foods, called The Fresh Market, which inspired yet another oatmeal recipe. Please tell me you like oatmeal as much as I do, because I feel like such a broken record. They're so versatile and easy which is what makes recipe ideas so easy and delicious!

Now I've made peanut butter cup oatmeal already, since it is on to the next candy bar creation. Now I mentioned coconut a little while ago so can anyone take a guess as to what candy inspired this recipe???



...If you guess Mounds I'm afraid you walk home empty handed. BUT if you guess Almond Joy, congratulations, you're today's winner! Now go reward yourself with a bowl of Almond Joy Oatmeal!

Almond Joy Oatmeal
serves 1
1/2 cup oats
1 cup water
1/4-1/2 cup milk
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 packet stevia, or 1 tsp sweetener of choice
1-2 tablespoon chopped almonds ( I chopped about 4 whole almonds)
2 T unsweetened flake coconut (sweetened would work just as good)
1 T almond butter (optional)

Start by cooking the oats with the 1 cup of water with your preferred method. I opted for 2 minutes in the microwave.
Next, stir in the cocoa powder and stevia until combined. Add the milk depending on the consistency you like. I added a little over 1/4 cup since I like mine a bit thick.
Top with the chopped almonds and coconut, and optional almond butter. I just added peanut butter since that's what I had on hand, but almond butter would add to the "Almond Joy" experience.

If you happen to have almond extract on hand, I would suggest adding about 1/4 tsp to the oats for a more pronounced almond flavor. Beware that this stuff is pretty strong, so taste before you add any more!

Enjoy your heart-healthy candy bar breakfast! Yes you heard that right. Candy bar, and heart healthy in the same sentence. Life is good!