Of course oatmeal was my first breakfast love. I’ve had other affairs with smoothies, dough boys, yogurt bowls, pancakes, overnight oats and lately, French toast. But when I do have a big bowl of stick-to-your-ribs hot whipped oatmeal, it reminds me why it’s the best breakfast around!
Today’s bowl was whipped banana oatmeal made with the usual suspects: oats, milk, water, chia seeds, banana, vanilla, pinch of salt. Plus 1/2 cup pumpkin stirred in at the end of cooking (I like mine pumpkin-y!) and topped with coconut chips, cinnamon and a dollop of crunchy cookie butter.
It took me about seconds to froth the milk in my coffee mug today, and I enjoyed it so much. Remind me to do this more often! I have a $2.99 frother from IKEA, and I heat the milk for – you guessed it – 26 seconds, then froth it and pour the coffee on top.
Maze and I spent the morning in and the afternoon out, reading, running errands and the like. I’m as sad as you are that I didn’t get any cute photos of him today. Sometimes my camera just doesn’t leave my tripod
I try to have a salad for lunch on most days – it’s the best way to get a bunch of veggies in. But today I was feeling a sandwich and think I should eat them more this was so chewy good. Delicious layers of hummus, seaside cheddar, pickles and spinach with some TJ’s spicy mustard. It was gone way too fast.
On the side: some tortilla chip crumbs from our New Year’s party that needed to be eaten.
And a pear. I don’t like eating whole fruit if I can slice it up – so much easier to eat this way.
Matt came home before dark, and I was able to sneak away on a run! 3-something miles at dusk. One of my best yet.
Fueled by clementines.
Tonight’s dinner was IN-credible:
We cooked a piece of the Wild Black Cod Alaska Seafood sent us, and used one of their recipes for the sauce inspiration: Chimichurri Sauce.
Into the blender went:
- 3/4 cup cilantro
- 3/4 cup parsley
- 1/2 of a poblano pepper
- Juice of half a lemon (lime probably would have been better)
- Garlic gold crunchy nuggets (to avoid raw garlic breath)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
I LOVE fresh herbs but don’t cook with them much because they are hard to manage in the kitchen. One of our goals for 2013 is to establish a great raised bed herb garden in our backyard (last year we chose a too-shady spot and they all died : ( )
This sauce was bright and bursting with flavor and tasted amazing on the fish.
We also made a dish of Mama Pea’s Cracklin’ Cauliflower, which is always a hit.
And last but not least: a Rosemary Garlic roll from Great Harvest –
A dinner worth repeating!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I agree, I try and eat my fruits sliced up. Otherwise I end up with juice all over my face!
Jeri says
I still have a can of pumpkin to use. The cauliflower will be made this weekend.! Looks so good
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
I want a milk frother! I had briefly looked at the keurig one thinking it would go well with my keurig machine but the thing was $70 – to froth milk! A little ridiculous. I should go searching online because if Ikea has a cheap one, I’m betting others have them too. I had thought they were all ridiculously expensive and now I’m excited that it might not be the case. 🙂
Hope says
I have to make that chimichurri sauce. Thanks for posting!
sara @ fitcupcaker says
Looks like a pesto sauce…but I love cilatro too! Theres nothing bad about a great bowl of oats in the am!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Wow, that sauce is indeed quite bright and green! I love it! I looooove cilantro, so I’m sure I’d be a fan too.
Ashlee says
That sauce sounds awesome! I dont eat fish, so I’ll have to try that on maybe some sort of Mexican dish!
Mark says
Every try sweet potatoes in oatmeal? If adds a nice flavor to it. I used the frozen precut version, I microwave them for about a minute before adding to oatmeal.
KathEats says
Mmmm! I think I did once, but they werent fresh. Thanks for the suggestion!
Nina @ toohottieforthatbody says
I seriously wish I had found you when I was pregnant. I had such bad food diversions that I just ended up eating crap (if anything at all). I’m pretty sure you would have inspired some healthy eating at the time. By the way, was is cookie butter?
KathEats says
Gah I was so sick too! I definitely didn’t get enough veggies in the first trimester, but I got them when I could.
KathEats says
Cookie butter is a knock off of Biscoff/Speculoos that is a delicious blend of gingersnap-ish cookies and oils. Not a health food… Use sparingly!
Logan says
I have a question about herbs, when you aren’t growing your own. What do you buy? The prepackaged “fresh” herbs at the grocery store just don’t usually look good. I guess Cilantro and Parsley are probably the exception since you can usually buy them in large bunches, but I was just curious about how you do buy and store fresh herbs. The last two times I bought parsley, I bought the potted plant because it was the same price as the pre-cut parsley. Also found out that my cats think it is catnip, so I won’t be keeping it around. Ha Ha!
KathEats says
I bought the bunches yesterday but if I need something like fresh Rosemary (and there are no trees around : ) ) I do get the kind in the package. I store them in a glass of water in my fridge.
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
I agree that herbs are so good, but hard to handle! My sister gave me an herb garden starter kit for Christmas, so I will hopefully be growing a few things on my balcony this year 🙂
Frothy milk is the best! I had a Breville brother, but it broke… I think I will seek out your cheap Ikea one!
[email protected] says
Oh my god I have to make that sauce…! So simple and looks amazing! I’m a HUGE fan of Mama Peas Cauliflower, haven’t made it in a while so thanks for the reminder! Poblano’s are impossible to get here, would a jalopeno be too spicy you think?
KathEats says
Use a jalopeno but leave out the seeds
[email protected] says
Cool! I’ll let you know how it goes! Going to try it over tempeh or tofu at the weekend…might even go the cauliflower as a side, looks so yummy together!
Christine says
The sauce looks like a green frog is hugging your fish! Will definitely try. I worked at a farm over the summer and was spoiled with the fresh herbs. What a difference they make.
Paula says
I did a double-take as I thought I saw a frog too 🙂
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
A hearty bowl of oatmeal is one of my favourite breakfasts to start my day…my youngest son enjoys a bowl every morning with pure maple syrup. Love Chimichurri sauce on fish! 🙂
Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin says
I am the same way and go through phases where I am obsessed with a certain thing for breakfast and I pretty much eat that every morning for a while. I don’t do that with other meals though so it’s funny its only breakfast!
Lauren Paradis says
I agree!!! I am with you on that!!!! Right now it is an English muffin, yogurt, fruit and a bit of but butter!!!! What do you rotate with!?
zoe @ loseweightandgainhealth says
Coincidence! I had cod ast night with Pesto. Do you have Pesto in USA? It is as common as Ketchup in England. It is essentially olive oil, basil, parmesan cheese and pine nuts, blitzed in to a chunky sauce. Deeeelicious!
KathEats says
Yep, pretty common. Funny though because when I spent a summer in England I cooked with pesto all the time!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
OMG! I scrolled down to dinner and at first glance from the way the sauce was laying, it looked like a toad!! I gasped outloud and then busted out laughing. I’m apparently easily amused on a Thursday! It sounds wonderful though. 🙂
KathEats says
Haha!
Mom says
I see the toad too!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I love that Cracklin’ Cauliflower! It’s embarrassing how often I make it!
[email protected] Garmin Fenix says
Kath your food is too inspirational..!! I love it.. and i literally try all your health combinations!!! Keep up the great work!!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Sandwiches are my fave meal EVER. Seriously. They’re my #1 favorite food. But salads are a great way to cram tons of veggies in… So conflicting!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
pretty pretty sauce!
Cait's Plate says
Pickles on a hummus sandwich are AMAZING. I need to bring this back! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
That dinner sounds fantastic!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
TJ’s spicy mustard is ridiculously good! I went through that little jar dangerously fast, haha!
Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite says
Yum that sauce looks great! And I like to eat my fruit cut up, too. It lasts longer and it’s easier to eat!
Elise @ Expeditions of Elise says
Love the bright green sauce from dinner! Really spices up the meal for the eyes.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I always slice my fruit, too, as opposed to eating whole. And I actually prefer tortilla chip crumbs to whole chips, too 🙂
Liv @ Life as Liv says
I, too, slice up every fruit possible. The thinner, the better. I trick my mind into thinking I’m eating more if there are more actual bites I’m eating. 😉
Lisa says
Roasted cauliflower is one of my top favorite veggies. Yum!
jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com says
That’s the only trouble with sandwiches – always gone in a flash!
Amy R says
Hey Kath,
I always come here to find new ways to eat Oatmeal! Your pumpkin banana oatmeal today looks like it’s right up my alley.
Keep up the good work and get more pictures of that cute baby for us!
Kristen Waby/Kristensfitnessnook says
What an amazing supper. That sauce looks so yummy. I’m going through a sandwich phase I well so I know the feeling!
Nikky says
Have you ever tried “Better N’ Peanut Butter” from Trader Joes? Oh my god, it’s AMAZING. If you like nut butters, you HAVE to try it.
It’s 85% less fat and 40% less calories than peanut butter, even though it’s made from peanuts, and it’s also gluten free, trans fat free, saturated fat free, and is low sodium/low sugar. Normally if I heard all that I’d say “BLECH! SOUNDS DISGUSTING! Prob tastes like crap!” But it really, really surprised me. It’s delicious!
Even if it was the same amount of fat/calories as peanut butter, I’d still choose it over regular peanut butter because it tastes THAT good. The texture and appearance kinda looks like that “cookie butter” I’ve seen you use in your pictures of your overnight oatmeal, which by the way, you have turned me onto. It’s my new favorite thing, I’m obsessed with Overnight Oatmeal. So quick, so easy, and so delicious! A scoop of the BTPB makes it even better.
Give it a try! Lemme know what you think! 🙂
KathEats says
I don’t believe i have tried it, and I’m not sure I’d buy it because the fats are part of the reason I put nut butters in my breakfasts 🙂 But if someone I know has some in the pantry, I’ll give it a taste!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Glad to hear you are running again! Everything looks delicious 🙂
Annette @FitnessPerks says
That roll looks mighty deeeeelicious!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Definitely making oatmeal tomorrow. It was requested by my dad earlier in the week but due to working super early mornings all week it hasn’t happened. I think it needs to tomorrow because that looks SO good!
Jennifer (The Gourmetour) says
Made chimichurri sauce for my client today! Love the stuff. Try it wit shrimp or tempeh, it’s delish 😉
Sarah says
Love the Cracklin’ Cauliflower + the foam!!!! (I add a few drops of vanilla before frothing, if I feel like jazzing things up…)
KathEats says
Oooo I need to do that!
Madison says
Yum…rosemary garlic roll! That looks delish! We used to live near Cary and they had a Great Harvest but now we live faaaaar away from a Great Harvest. I miss it! Especially the Dakota bread and the CInnamon Crunch and Cinnamon Swirl. Wow-ee!
eliza says
I am a new reader…what’s the significance of the number 26?
Just curious 🙂
KathEats says
My favorite number because my birthday is October 26 🙂
Yuri says
OMG the green sauce on top of the cod looks JUST LIKE A FROG!! crazy
Katherine says
That sandwich looks so good! Is that from your bakery?
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
KathEats says
Nope! But the bread is..
Verenique B says
is the special signifigance to the 26secs?
also, just know thinking to ask this, why do you usualy call only for 1/3cup oats in alot of your oatmeal recipes over the 1/serving size?
KathEats says
My birthday is 10.26, so 26 is my lucky number : )
And I use 1/3 cup because I usually add mixins like banana, pumpkin, granola on top, etc.
Verenique B says
:):) october is a good month for bdays, i had my girls on 10.16 🙂
that makes sense 🙂 1/2 serving is prob best more for just a basic bowl of oatmeal
Sabrina @ Nutritiously Sweet says
Your dinner look awesome! I haven’t had roasted veggies in a while…I miss them!
Mary Catherine says
Hey Kath! Whole Foods Market has a program called Health Starts Here which promotes a plant based diet and is backed by a team of doctors. They frown upon all dairy and urge people to limit their meat intake to 7oz a WEEK. Their reasoning is that animal food sources raise cholesterol, heart disease and cancer and dairy like cheese contains highly concentrated levels of cholesterol and should be avoided. I’m curious about a dietitians option on this!
KathEats says
I think it is WAY more important to eat a huge variety of fresh produce, salads, fruits and plants than it is NOT to eat dairy, meat, etc. I imagine their program is targeted to those who eat animal products at every meal and very few veggies so they urge them to really focused on plant-based, which is no doubt much healthier.
Katie @ SkinnyMinnieMoves says
Of everything that looks delicious on this post, my eyes went straight to the pickles on the sandwich! Some things never change
Gina @HealthLoveandChocolate says
Oats are definitely my standby breakfast as well, although I also go through phases with things such as cereal, yogurt bowls, and pancakes.
Amelia says
That sauce looks so vibrant, I can almost taste it through the picture!
Kristin says
If you are thinking about building a new herb garden this year you should try a herb spiral. It is great for optimal plant growth and certain herbs are planted together and a different levels to increase nutrition and reduce the number of insects. I would love to do it myself, but I don’t have enough space at the moment. I think it would be right up Mat’s alley. Search for permaculture herb spiral.
Kristin says
And reduces maintenance, a huge plus!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Your breakfast looks yummy! I love the addition of the coconut chips. 🙂 That sauce in your dinner is bright and vibrant!
Susan says
I know you must get zillions of responses, but I wanted to let you know that I love your blog and have been reading it daily for a few years now. I’m a grandma and there is no easy solution for sleep issues with babies so, don’t worry… the time passes quickly. Every child will be different and all the books may have tips that help (the key word is “may”) – so don’t beat yourself up. It’s hard to be tired for sure. My daughter recently told me about some recent books on what the French feed their babies/kids and another book on how they raise them and in general, it makes good sense (you let the babies “stir” on their own for a short time right from the beginning and don’t rush in so soon to comfort them). Besides, you are over one stage and the next week it all changes! All the ages are fun and have pros and cons – believe me! Enjoy – they grow up way too fast!
Alex @ Delicious-Knowledge.com says
That cauliflower and sandwich look delicious! I too try to have salads almost every day for lunch (must be the RD in me 😉 ) but every now and then I crave something heartier. I love picked and cheese together!
Serina says
The ingredients that you used for your meals are so simple, but the dishes look incredibly delicious. Speaking of dishes – I really love the red and white dishware in your first three photos. I have been looking for a similar pattern. Where did you purchase your dishes from? Are they available online?
KathEats says
It’s actually a bowl from TJ Maxx!
Allison @ Life's a Bowl says
As usual, all of your eats look delic! I love my oats [and pancakes] super pumpkiny too- love cutting into pumpkin pancakes and it’s like pie, a little moist in the middle 🙂 I tried curried cauliflower from the WF’s hot bar for lunch yesterday and am obsessed! Mama Pea’s looks super similar, yum!