Happy Humpday! On the downhill we go………wheeeeeeeeee!
I whipped up some cottage cheese banana oats today – awesome!!
Today’s blend included two new highlights:
Some medjool dates I picked up from the store. SOO big and juicy and roach-like.
And a surprise from the nut butter tinkerbell!!
I’ve seen Justin’s in stores when I travel for AGES and haven’t ever tried this maple almond butter. The company sent me two flavors to try (the second one, which I’m saving for a bit) is really cool!! The flavor is reallly almond buttery – very pure and not too sweet. But very rich and creamy and the mapleness is subtle but makes the flavor linger. Love it!
So today’s oat blend was…
In the pot:
- 1/4 cup Scottish oats (1 serving)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- PINCH SALT!!
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds (I measured today and realized that I usually eyeball about HALF a tbsp – just FYI)
- 1 big chopped date
Stirred in at end:
- ~1/3 cup cottage cheese
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
Toppings:
- Coconut butter
- Toasted almonds
- Justin’s Maple Almond Butter
You won’t believe who I found in my coffee today!!
Mr. Incredible!!!
Have an
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Haahaha I said awesome in Kevin’s voice and laughed out loud! Got a good morning chuckle. 🙂 I love me some dates!
Rose-Anne says
On this sleepless morning, your post cracked me up! Thank you 🙂 Mmm, sweet juicy roaches…
By the way, your bowl this morning is lovely.
Kiersten says
I wish they sold jars of Justin’s here in Charlotte! The maple almond butter is SO good.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I love dates!! What a great bowl of oats! And Mr. Incredible coffee 😉
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans says
Justin is a nut butter god! That one is my favorite!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
I just have to say – great minds think alike! For the first time in FOREVER (before reading this post), I dug out my square bowl AND my flaked almonds – then 3hours later you do the same! Amazebugs 🙂 Havea good day!
Tamicka says
Hey Kath,
I saw that you liked the built lunch tote, but have you tried there extra relish tote? This thing is huge and comes with straps so you can be hands free when you carry other items.
And I was wondering how does the cottage cheese effect the texture and taste of your oatmeal. I was thinking of trying it but wasn’t %100 sure yet. Thanks!
-Tamicka
Kath says
I haven’t seen those totes, but I love mine!!
Cottage cheese makes it a bit runnier, which I love. And cheesy tasting.
Karla says
Haha i love the shapes in your coffee. Crack me up every time!
I loove dates! They add such great sweetness to oats! Have a great day!
Tiffany says
I love the Kevin reference. 😀 And those dates do look like roaches!! Your Mr. Incredible coffee was really spot on, too. Have a wonderful day!
christie @ honoring health says
I am so glad that lunch box is in your open sky store, I have been looking everywhere for one of those!
Kim says
Ok, I seriously need to find some maple almond butter around here, it sounds AMAZING!
Annie @ stronghealthyfit says
That almond butter looks amazing. I just bought the same lunchbox- just decided on it by looking at different ones on amazon. I absolutely love it- the size is perfect!
katherine says
I’ve really got to find some of this herbal water!! Even though it’s a bit pricey to have all the time, I bet it’d be a great treat once in a while!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Haha…I love that you found Mr. Incredible. Your imagination always makes me smile. 😀
Thanks for the review on the almond butter! I’ve seen it around in the stores, and now I’m going to have to actually buy a bottle. Sounds delicious! 😀
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind says
I wonder how many people check their coffee for shapes after discovering your blog…
(I totally do it. :))
Teri [a foodie stays fit] says
hahaha. I love the Kevin reference.
And thanks for the idea to add cottage cheese – I need more protein and that’s a sneaky way. I love your blog and all your tasty idea! 🙂
Jaime says
They sell Justin’s at multiple stores where I live, but it’s waaaaay out of my price range. It’s always tempting, though.
Speaking of tempting… those oats. Mmmmmm.
amanda says
I love Justin’s brand!! They sell little sample packets at Whole Foods in my area. Last time when I went on a road trip I had one packet a piece (for my hubby and I). He put his on a Kashi go Lean bar and I used mine with an apple. Perfect!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
I can hear Kevin’s voice in my head and I love it! 😀 What a great way to start the morning!
Lauren @ eater not a runner says
You pretty much pointed out why I can’t handle dates, they look like giant bugs! TOTALLY freaks me out!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) says
Too funny with the Mr. Incredible coffee =D
xo
K
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
I’m surprised you’re even able to EAT dates with how roach-like they are!! 🙂
I LOVE Justin’s maple butter! So good, but not overly sweet!
Katy ( The Balanced Foodie) says
I honestly don’t know how you come up with your coffee characters every morning, seriously impressed! I’ve always loved your Built NY lunch bag, exciting that it’s now in the store! Also, i really want to try Justin’s now!
Simply Life says
i love using my own lunch bag!
Maya says
Love Justin’s! The to go squeezable packs are really convenient.
Jenn @ Livewellfit says
I love the Incredibles!!! Could watch it over and over with my niece if she let me. 🙂
I think it might be time for my oats as welll…waiting for tons of snow in Boston!
Nutritious Foodie says
I have never tried Justin’s Nut butter(s).
Hmmm oats!
[email protected] Two Lives, One Lifestyle says
Creative find in the coffee! The Maple Nut Butter sounds awesome- I’ve been enjoying PB&Co Bees Knees with a little hint of honey. I like the subtle hint of flavor!
Marisa (Loser for Life) says
Dates do look like roaches! Ick. But, at least they taste yummy 🙂
That looks like an epic bowl, Kath!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
I LOVE those built lunch boxes!!!
Sarah says
Built makes such cute products – I love their laptop sleeves.
Sami Rivard says
Hello Kath,
I haven’t commented on your blog in awhile, so I want to say, “hello!” Central Kentucky is on its second snow day today, and that has given me lots of blog-reading time! On another note, I’ve been looking for Barney Butter and I can’t find it anywhere. Do you know of any stores that carry it besides Amazon? Thanks so much and have a great day!
Kath says
Fresh Market has BB here.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
The almond butter sounds delicious!! Kinda like PB & Co’s Mighty Maple but with almond butter.. yumm!!!
And I have two questions..
1. Do the chia seeds change the texture of your oats? And the taste?
2. How do you freeze bananas for use in oats?
Thanks!!!
Kath says
1) Chia def. affect the texture – it’s thicker and a little gelled. No taste!
2) I just peel them, break in half and put in baggie.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Thank you so much!!
Sophie @ yumventures says
I’ve seen those lunch boxes around, I might have to get one! =)
rustique says
I love Scottish oats best of all! And Justin’s Maple Almond Butter is magical stuff.
megan says
that almond butter looks so good. I seriously need to branch out in my nut butters. I eat Jif every day!
brandi says
i love that maple almond butter, but I’ve only ever found it in the little sample packs.
Happy Wednesday!
I love the picture of Kevin 🙂 He’s one of my favorites.
Jocelyn says
Yum I love Justin’s nut butters…I use the to go packages 🙂
Lisa says
i soooo want to try cinnamon vanilla naturally nutty!
i was sent a few samples of hers to try- but wasn’t crazy for them. the white chocolate coconut was actually a big letdown- i thought it was going to be much better!
justins maple looks yummy tho!
Meg says
I love medjool dates! (And Mr. Incredible :P)
Have you ever tried them stuffed with peanut butter? YUM!
Enjoy your day!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Your coffee skills are like staring at the clouds on a warm spring day 🙂
Lindsay says
Ahh I’ve been searching for a great lunchbox for weeks. I have an idea of what I want in my head and cannot find it. Does yours keep even yogurt cold?
Kath says
With an ice pack it does 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I’ve only had Justin’s Maple in individual packets and I’m pretty sure that’s the ONLY way I can have it! I eat that straight up. Squeezing the ab straight into my mouth. SOOOOOOOO good.
Cole says
Haha. Love The Office. And mmmm….dates
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
Justin’s Maple is the best – they sell little individual serving packets at whole foods – SO convienent for traveling!
Paige(Running Around Normal) says
Mm I love that But butter! Justin’s is SO good.
What a slew of ingredients in your oats today!!!
Paige(Running Around Normal) says
Nut butter I mean! gah! haha
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
It’s amazing how many different nut butters are available! And it’s amazing how many you’ve tried. Weird how your coffee really does look like Mr. Incredible!
[email protected] says
hahaha those dates do look like roaches
Lauren says
Can you believe I’ve never tried a date before? I’m going to be on the lookout for some next time I’m in Whole Foods. I feel like I’m missing out on something great!
Heather says
wow I am amazed you have so much time to make all of that stuff in the mornings! I usually grab a granola bar and some nuts and go lol!
although, this morning I did try Greek Yogurt for the first time!
Ally (Exercise and Pies) says
finally hum day!
What a peppy post, kath. I just woke up (college life) and this was a fun first blog to read!! I’m feeling optimistic that today will be a grrrrrrrreat day! haha
Run Sarah says
I need to try that Naturally Nutty – all the flavours look amazing!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
as soon as i saw kevin on the top of your post this morning i was happy 🙂 that nut butter sounds really good!
Allison K says
ooooh. I might have to get one of those nut butters!
Brittany says
Your oats look fabulous- per the usual. And, date roaches are so sweet and yummy – love them!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) says
Haha I love The Office! I need to get in the kitchen and make some oats of my own this morn!
Heather says
Enjoy your day!
I will have to get some of the Justins Almond Butter for my husband to try – I am always trying to get him to try other nut butters since I can’t!
Love the Mr. Incredible – what a great movie.
Leslie @ Chomp! says
ahahaha mr.incredible. i love it!
i’m jealous of your new almond butter. i just ate the last of my marantha… and might go without it for more than a WEEK!!….. ahhh….
Kristilyn (My 29th Year) says
I always use my dates for homemade larabars, but maybe I should chop one up for oats one of these days!
That’s too funny about Mr. Incredible in your coffee!
K
Erin @ Big Girl Eats says
I’m so jealous, I loveeeee Justin’s Nut Butter!! And the dates, yum!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
I LOVE Justin’s maple AB! I like to use the squeeze packs on toast with mashed bananas and cinnamon. Seriously delish!!
Crystal says
I love Justin’s nut butters! I’m really fond of their honey almond butter…it’s really good on bananas and apples.
Catherine says
Haha I love Kevin from the Office! This totally made me smile. Maple almond butter sounds awesome – I’ve never tried it before!
Ashley says
Kath! Your energy at what…5am??…is incredible! The oats sound so so so goooood. I can’t believe how long your morning posts are with pictures from cartoons + the office + even a nut butter review. You are FABulous!
Kath says
🙂 xoxo
Ellen says
LOL Finally someone states the obvious! I’ve always thought dates (love them!) look like roaches….
[email protected] says
I am obsessed with dates! I wish they were a little cheaper around here, because I go through a container a week. I found Justin’s at Whole Foods. I tried a sample packet of the maple and it was great! My husband has a thing for anything maple flavored 🙂
Rachael says
WHY would you compare them to roaches?!?! AHH I HATE ROACHES!
Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me says
LOL I love the office!
Katie says
You’re so creative with the things you find in your coffee!
I have the same Built NY lunch box and agree that it’s fab.
Christy says
Roach-like dates… how appetizing! 😛
Katharine says
Oooh I might have to go check out that lunchbox. I’ve been wanting one just like that forever – does it hold a lot? I pack a lunch and LOTS of snacks each day 🙂
Kath says
Yes, it holds a ton because it stretches!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I am obsessed with Medjool Dates! And OMG that is hilarious about Mr. Incredible… I totally see it!
Jil says
hahaha I love that you called the dates roach-like. I wouldn’t have noticed that before…but now that I see it, I’ll see it every time I look at ’em (dates, that is)! haha
Hannah says
The only Justin nut butter I’ve tried is the Honey Peanut kind, and I was really underwhelmed – couldn’t taste honey at all, nor even much peanut butter deliciousness. Did I just get a bad batch??
KathyR says
Pretty excited about that pinch of salt! 😉
Lauren says
I totally think of roaches too when I use dates to make larabars, chocomole… 😀 hahah It always grosses me out to pit ’em.
AnnQ says
Seriously? Chocolate Butter Toffee Peanut Butter?!? OMG…sounds amazing!
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries says
beeeen dying to try that justin flavaaah!
Tara says
I posted this earlier but I guess it didn’t go through. I was just wondering if there was a great functionality with the lunchbox that I am missing. It isn’t exactly the most stylish thing (by my taste!) so I am wondering why it is so popular!!!
Kath says
I think it is very very stylish!! Looks like a purse. Not a big cooler. It just holds a lot and flattens when empty, which is a big plus for me. So is the washing capability.
Tara says
Good point. I’ll never forget when I bought a new lunchbox and ran into an old elementary school friend. She stared at my lunchbox the whole time. So embarrassing!!! But I gotta say, I LOVE the envirobag lunch bag from “old school KERF” days. Not insulated, but so cute!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
love justin’s nut butters! my husband calls it crack.
Fallon says
Awesome!! Just ordered myself the Artisana cacao bliss and some vanilla almond butter. I must say you have the best selections in your open sky store. Keep it up!
Kath says
Awesome! thanks!