Monday Munchies: Maple-Cinnamon Apple and Pear Baked Oatmeal by Oh She Glows

 Hello Friends and Welcome to Monday Munchies. First off, Happy Martin Luther King Day. Yes, it is a holiday. You don’t get the day off for nothing. And second, If you have ever read my About Me page (or have scrolled down long enough on my home page) you will know I like to cook and bake and eat. Boy do I love to eat. The smell of food just makes me happy. Except if it’s mushrooms. I hate the smell of mushrooms. Anywho, because of this (my love of cooking and baking, not my hatred of mushrooms), every Monday I will post a little something new I have tried to cook, and this week it is maple-cinnamon apple and pear baked oatmeal that I got from the Oh She Glows cookbook. I recently checked it out from the library and found so many that I wanted to try, which for the coming Monday Munchies I will be trying a few recipes out of it. This is my first attempt with this particular recipe and the outcome was less than disastrous, which I am happy about.

I have never had baked oatmeal before but I found I quite liked it. It was a little mushy (but that is probably because of the type of oatmeal I used, which was not the one recommended in the recipe, but I’ll get to that later) and thick. It kind of tasted like cake, and my family loved it. It was gone in nearly an instant and I doubled the recipe.

I must say, though, the weather was less than ideal. It was freezing in a very Southern California way and a lot darker than I like it. Which made for taking pictures of my little experiment less than ideal, so forgive me.

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Today’s Monday Munchies Song:

The Little Daylight remix version of Sweater Weather by the Neighbourhood, spelt ever so British-ly.

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Like I mentioned earlier, I did use different ingredients than what was said in the book, but before you scold me, just let me say it was not my fault. I could not find what I was looking for.
Actually, looking at it now, there actually wasn’t that much of a difference. Instead of gluten-free rolled oats I used gluten-ful old-fashioned Quaker oats and instead of walnuts (sister has a nut allergy), I used almonds.  Also, instead of green Anjou pears (which my Costco did not have at the time) I used Bosc pears  which I thought would make it mushy, but it actually had the opposite affect, they were one of the only firm things after the oatmeal was baked.

Also, I used half coconut sugar half brown sugar because she gave me the option of using either one and I had both and I couldn’t choose. Man, I’m so good at this.

And in my rush to finish before what little light I had disappeared, I had a few fudge-ups in the process. Like, I completely forgot to peel the apples and pears. It wasn’t until I had finished baking did I realize this, so total fail. Also, I think I let the oatmeal and milk mixture sit to long, because the oats actually started soak it up.

One thing that was hilariously annoying, is the fact that my little sister was “helping me” during this entire debacle. She had me mixing things I wasn’t supposed to mix, or mixing things too much. And then I had the worst time trying to open the applesauce from Trader Joes AKA the Applesauce of Death. All of us tried opening the darn thing up, but it never worked. I think It laughed at me while I was trying because it would squeak, but then never really be moving. That had to be one of the most tedious things ever because I had to dial back the urge to slam it on the counter, though it probably wouldn’t have worked anyways because I’m pretty sure the thing was indestructible. I felt like SpongeBob trying to open a bottle of ketchup but not even running it under warm water helped. *sigh* Then, my brilliant younger sister realized that it had a plastic seal on it. OH. MY. GAHD. It had a seal on it. I can’t even. The darn thing didn’t even bend! I had no way of knowing! Gahh! I don’t even… Never mind. Despite that everything ended up turning out pretty well.

Like a thick, not-too-sweet oatmeal cake. I’ll be trying something new for next Monday. If you try this recipe, tell me in the comment section below! 🙂 Until next time. Sage Out.

Vegan, Vegetarian & (Mostly) Gluten-Free Snack Guide to Fall TV, Part 1

Because of the fall season, a lot of television shows are making their way into your homes, in a completely creepy way, just the way that sounded. There aren’t half as many as I was watching last Fall TV season coming back on (*cough* *cough* Almost Human *cough* *cough* Trophy Wife *cough* *cough*– excuse me, it’s all this fall fever I have) but there are a lot of new shows coming out. Such as Selfie, Gotham, and Forever all of which don’t look half as good as they were intended to but I wont get into the specifics for the sake of not sounding redundant (that, and I don’t really feel like it).

I personally only watch TV via online streaming devices such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon. But I know how boring some television shows can be if you don’t watch them while stuffing your face with something (probably food). So you don’t end up like an angry Taiga in the middle of the rain this fall television season, I give you a list of salty snacks that will make even the most pressing television show worth while. Good enough to make you go all popcorn Gus:

What does it taste like?

Angie’s makes good popcorn. Period. Some of my favorites include the Lightly Sweet Popcorn and Sweet & Salty Caramel. Her popcorns are gluten-free, vegan, non-gmo, and with no high-fructose corn syrup. Talk about the gold mine of popcorn. Kerry Washington would be proud. Unfortunately this particular popcorn is not vegan because of the cheese but it is lacto ovo vegetarian, so that’s exciting.

My first time eating this, we had gotten a big bag of it from Costco, which they don’t sell anymore (boo you, Costco!) and I was like… this is intense. Very cheesy because they separate is so that the cheese is on top while the caramel is on bottom so you have to shake it. Each flavor is very true to itself– it’s caramel and cheddar and you can tell. It’s crunchy but not too crunchy and definitely not stale or rubbery. You don’t need a lot and they are best when you eat one of each together. Best show to eat this with: Are You Afraid of the Dark and the Haunting Hour this Halloween season. Because most of them are terrible actors, you need something this intense in order to not laugh at them.

What does it taste like?

This is the only snack on this list that is not gluten-free as far as I know, but that does not keeping it from being any less delicious. I ate these a lot. My favorite time to eat this is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They’re good when you’re hungry, not hungry, and starving. They’re are the epitome of great snack. My favorite way to eat them is with almond butter.

Whaaaaat? Yes. Make it right. And that they did. The little crisps are salty goodness and the right amount of crack and when you dip them in almond butter it takes you back to those snacks you used to eat in school– but healthy. You know, those ones that you had the option of eating in cheese or peanut butter? I don’t know about you, but those were my life, and since I don’t eat them anymore these are my life.

What does it taste like?

I know it seems weird to eat something called “Skinny Pop” because then it immediately makes you feel like you’re dieting. And at first these may even taste like you’re dieting, but once you rinse your palette of Orville Redenbacher this gluten-free alternative is like eating pizza my heart in comparison to cheese and crackers (which cheese and crackers are good, just not as good). This popcorn is very light and not very salty. You eat a lot just so you can get to those exceptions that are insanely buttery and salty. For popcorn like this, I’d say the best television show (or type of television show) to watch this with, would be reality TV. Whether it be something foreign and light like Roommate (because you know you get violent watching them eat every five seconds), or something more intense like Basketball Wives, Mob Wives and Real Housewives. Just so you don’t have to really pay attention to what you’re eating and you can straight up Ellen DeGeneres it.

What does it taste like?

Booty. Pirate’s Booty. I don’t know if you know this, but pirate’s booty is different (waaay different) than regular booty. It’s fluffier and is cheesier and saltier than most booties, which in this case is a good thing. Everybody has tried Pirate’s Booty. Everybody. If you haven’t, Oh my goddess, where have you been?

I used to eat Pirate’s Booty a lot when I was younger but it was mostly those little bags with only like three or four fluffs of cheese and it was always a huge disappointment. Somehow, recently, my sisters and I convinced my mom to get a huge bag of it from Costco. And even though it had been a long time since I’d last eaten it, I remembered it being absolutely delicious. And I was right. If it can shiver the timbers of the cosplayer with the butt chin on the bag, it’s got to be good.

These are also not vegan, but they are vegetarian (for some) and gluten-free. If you were to eat these with any type of show it would have to be something like Arrow or Flash, where there is enough going on that you completely forget how salty they are.

What does it taste like?

My mom’s birthday is in late July, so she’s super obsessed with these. Not too salty but then not too not salty enough, if that makes any sense. We got them from Costco, like where we get most of our chips and they were super inexpensive like most things from Costco are. You’d be surprised the snacks you can get that are great healthy alternatives to things like Lays (c) potato chips and Cheetos(c).  These are best with dip. Preferably this yogurt dip:

which is also gluten-free. As you can see Late July are organic and gluten free as well. I would suggest eating these babies with something like the Mindy Project or New Girl. Because even if you take your eyes off of them for a moment to dip your chip, you don’t miss anything.

What does it taste like?

Vegetables. No I’m just kidding. It actually tastes nothing like what you probably think they taste like because they are literally made out of vegetables. They are actually way good, just the right amount of saltiness and slight sweetness, where you completely forget you are eating vegetable chips. I know it sounds odd and I am not much of a food critic so bear with me, but they are buttery and extremely fragile. They literally melt when you place them on your tongue. These would be good with a squash bisque, or a grilled cheese sandwich both of which I’ve tried and had them with. Trés magnifique.

I would suggest eating these with something warm and funny like How to Get Away With Murder or Scandal or Witches Of EastEnd.

What does it taste like?

These were my kettle corn first loves. They are what we call “sweet popcorn”, because saying kettle corn is just too hard and doesn’t roll of the tongue. They are salty. They are sweet. They are crispy. They… are actually super sweet. They put you in the mind of an upturned version of the kettle corn by Boom Chicka Pop, which I mentioned earlier. But nevertheless, the are absolutely scrumlicious-finger-lickin’ good.

These are good to have for a show like Grimm (when it comes out) and the shows I mentioned for Boom Chicka Pop: the Haunting Hour, Goosebumps, and Are You Afraid of the Dark?.

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And that is it… for now. You’ll take notice that this is a part 1, which means I have more goodies coming soon so look out!

For more on what’s going on here visit “The Idea” and if you have suggestions as to things I can try visit “The Suggestion Box” or comment below I would love to hear what you have to say!

💋

Have Breakfast with Me, Yeah?: How to Make Almond Butter Toast on Gluten-Free Bread

So, I had breakfast this morning and… I decided to take pictures of it.  It was vegan and vegetarian, but as somebody who’s used to healthy eating, it didn’t taste like it. It was delish and very filling despite the fact that it was only two pieces of gluten-free bread. This is not much of a how-to, because in my personal opinion, it’s pretty self-explanatory. But, I’ll explain what I did, anyway.

 First things First (I’m the realest):

So, you start with bread. I know, I know, shocking– but it’s necessary in this recipe. I chose the multi-grain, gluten-free bread from Costco. You would think that it would be either hard or dry, but surprisingly it was neither. When I first tasted this, as a part of a diet we were trying out, to me, it tasted like sweet sponge, and it was the consistency of a sponge as well. But after you toast it (which I did in a pan, with no oil on high heat), it is actually quite delectable.

I took this particular picture outside and it was so hot I am pretty sure the bag melted, like literally melted — either that or I nearly ripped it…. It’s hot guys! OKAY?! (No judging.) But it doesn’t matter, it’s bread and it’s gluten-free and it isn’t disgusting. I think that’s all that truly matters. Also, doesn’t that font just put you in such a Halloween mood? Try and say “Ah! I’m melting!” in your best wicked witch voice. Go ‘head try it. You know you want to. Nobody’s watching you but me. *sigh* I love Halloween……

Next, spread on your almond butter (creamy not chunky), also from Costco. The other brand (I won’t drop names, it’s rude… MaraNatha. Who said that?) had salmonella or something, and I’m pretty sure I had bacteria stuck in my intestine that made me look like I was having an alien child because only one portion of my stomach was bloated. It literally looked like a portion of my intestine had swollen up, like half of my entire torso had expanded outward. I sort of expected to give birth to E.T. the next time I sat down to use the bathroom.

 But that’s neither here nor there, and It’s kind of weird to talk about amidst talking about food so I am just going to drop it… Just remember, stick with Costco brand almond butter.

Next, sprinkle on about a teaspoon or two of chia seed. It’ll be crunchy, but because it helps with digestion (which you’ll need help with if you’ve been eating a certain almond butter from a certain brand.. MaraNatha), it’s worth it and if you sprinkle a little honey and cinnamon of your choice you can hardly taste it.

Have with a glass of cold water, and maybe a banana and that is what we call the breakfast of champions. That is all for now. If (when) you try it, come back here and tell me what you think. If you love it, great; if you hate it, I hate you. I’m just kidding. Maybe. No, I’m really kidding.

P.S. How many of you did your wicked with voice out loud? Tell me in the comment section below. Everybody who does it gets kudos in my next post for being awesome.

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For more on what’s going on here visit “The Idea” and if you have suggestions as to things I can try visit “The Suggestion Box” or comment below I would love to hear what you have to say!

Have Breakfast With Me, Yeah?: Greek Yogurt with Fresh Fruit

I swear… The things we do out of boredom. In all honesty, my favorite one is the one in the top right corner. What about you? Awe, you agree with me? What are the odds?!? I’m just kidding. Maybe… Anyways, yogurt. That’s what this is. Greek Strawberry and Goji Berry yogurt. And the rat poop on top? Those are chia seeds and they’re quite delicious. Then there’s almonds, candied almonds, Dang coconut chips, fresh strawberries, bananas, blackberries, and raspberries, and then some pecotas and raw honey. Uhm, yum. Oh and pears. You cant forget the pears. Drizzle a little more honey on top and you’ve got yourself the bombdest breakfast like ever. Totally off topic… Why is wordpress making me insert text before my picture? It’s so annoying… Is it just me, or what? I’m going to see if I can fix this with the next post…아이씨, 진짜! Also, finals coming up. I won’t be able to post quite as often as I’d like to but I am still going to try! So hang with me! Thank you guys! 고마워요!

Have Lunch With Me, Yeah?| Piece-za Pizza

Pizza has the five food groups: good, delicious, scrumptious, delectable, and complex carbohydrates. There is nothing you don’t get in a Piece-za Pizza. Pi-za pizza? Peet-za Pizza? I can’t be the only one who’s lazy and pronounces “Piece of Pizza” ” Piece-za Pizza”. Pizza Pizza? I don’t know… I’m just… lazy.  *shrugs*

Cheese and green bell peppers. Can I get an Amen?! No? Well forget you then.  I’m just kidding. Maybe.

Warm, cheesy, oily pizza that just melts in your mouth. That’s what this is. Man, I’m jealous.

This stuff is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S. I said this stuff is bananas B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

The Best (Store-bought) Drinks You’ll Ever Have and a Starbucks Lunch

They are these little things called Kombucha and Mamma Chia. They were put on this earth to make you happy and happy they shall make you. I would just like to point out that these drinks are 100% Organic, Gluten-Free and 100% Vegan. Therefore they are some of the healthiest drinks you can drink. I would also like to point out that they are not for the faint of heart. The Kombuchas are slightly spicy due to the ginger, and not the sweetest but they make you feel so mellow and healthy when you drink them. So they’re worth it.

The Mamma Chias have little chia seeds in them and they feel like little Jell-O bubbles in your mouth. Its sweet and takes me all of five minutes to drink because they are so fun to drink. They not only wake up your taste buds but your body as well. I am no advertiser but you should definitely consider getting these babies. Same goes for the Kombucha.

You see that people? “Living Food for the Living Body.”  That’s the way its supposed to be.

Also I’d like to point out the ingredients. Where it says it contains a trace amount of alcohol, they are not kidding. Maybe it was psycho-sematic but I was feeling tipsy and my words were slurring minutes after drinking it. BUT that does not mean you should be afraid of drinking it. It is NOT Pure alcohol. Its Vegan and Raw so it cannot be pure alcohol.  Also, they only said trace. Its not beer, guys, so if you don’t drink like I don’t drink you are okay while drinking these.

LUNCH TIME

Forgive the quality this was taken in a very dimly lit office.

I got a turkey Panini, cranberry scone, and chai tea. Can someone say DELICIOUS.

It was a turkey Panini and had these tiny mustard seeds and provolone cheese inside.

Well, I’m hungry now. Next post will be on Monday and either about brie cheese and healthy absolutely delicious homemade sandwiches or something else… sweeter I’m not really sure how to name it yet.

Happy Mother’s Day Blueberry (Very Berry) Smoothies!

First off I’d like to say that this is my recipe. I didn’t find this on YouTube or some blog or watch it on the Food Network/Cooking Channel. This all me, 100% Sage… unless it turns out terrible for you then it was 100% you. That’s just the way it is :p. This smoothie was so good I made it every day for nearly a week and my mom made sure that I used the exact same recipe that I used the first time so that it taste the same each time. Only thing is, I find that when making smoothies (among other things) it all depends on taste. But I am going to use a ratio so that your version of my smoothie tastes absolutely delicious.

Before we go any further I want to make sure that the night before you make this, which hopefully is tonight (even though, sense it is late I understand if you don’t. Just do it in the morning, a few hours before you make the smoothie), you chop up a banana, wrap it up in some Saran wrap (without the peel) and put it in the freezer or else the smoothie will have too many different textures and won’t turn out as thick and creamy as it should. Also, take into account that this is 100% vegetarian so you will feel good after drinking it and your body will love you for it! Now, for the rest of the ingredients:

When making your smoothie, because this is a Blueberry Smoothie you want to put more frozen blueberries than any of the other fruits. So, in ratio, try 3:1 for strawberries and blueberries, but if it comes down to it and your smoothie is too liquid-y add more strawberries not blueberries because they can be a little over powering.

After you have added your blueberries and strawberries (in that order, because strawberries take up more room in the blender and you won’t get enough blueberries) you want to add a tablespoon of hemp protein powder, then the frozen bananas and honey to taste.

If I had to guess i’d say this is about 2 table spoons of honey, and sometimes (most of the time) I have to add more after i’ve blended everything up and tasted it.

 After you’ve added all that yummy goodness, you add the spinach. Now this is completely optional and the smoothie would be just as good without it. The blender should be pretty full by this time you you’re going to want to just stuff the spinach in empty pockets in the blender. Then, add the rice milk.

Gorgeous color, isn’t it? Your mom will love it and know you spent a lot of time on it, though it is incredibly easy to make!

This smoothie makes approximately 4 very large glasses (*great tip: instead of tossing your spaghetti and jelly jars, cleaning them out really well, remove the wrapper and use them as cups*) and you can garnish it with blueberries or mixed berries.

 

I really hope you enjoy this! It will give you and your mom a great pick-me-up! If you make it, don’t hesitate to tell me how it went! Email or comment! 🙂 – Sage