Building The Breakfast Cookie

Six Steps To Building Yourself…

The Breakfast Cookie

1. Mash and smash one super sweet, medium-large banana.

2. Add 1/2 cup of uncooked old fashioned oats and your favorite spices.

(I usually add 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cloves and 1/2 tsp cinnamon)

3. Add 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa.

This is important if you’re like me and live for all things chocolate.

4. Add 1 Tbsp. chunky peanut butter and a tsp of your favorite jam.

(Raspberry, you know, goes very well with the whole chocolate thing you’ve got going on.  Just sayin’.)

5. Smash, smash, smash everything together.

6. Roll out 4 portions in the palm of your hand, just as you would a meatball.

Top each cookie with an almond.

Sprinkle a pinch of coconut.

Serve with milk and enjoy each delightful bite.

If the mixture is too soft: Add wheat germ or wheat bran or crushed flax.

If the mixture is too firm: Add a Tbsp. or so of milk.

QUESTION: What are you eating for breakfast?

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return of the breakfast cookie

Lately I’ve been preparing breakfast the night before, thereby eliminating any early morning rushing around. 

Currently, my heart belongs to the breakfast cookie.

I love the chewy, moist texture that the oats take on, after spending some quality time with pumpkin, bananas, and chocolate. 

Usually I’ll top the chocolate infused cookie with sliced bananas, a bit of granola, and some extra cocoa powder for good measure.  This morning I decided to slather it in homemade greek yogurt mixed with agave for a creamy change of pace.  It was lovely. 😀

Chocolate Pumpkin Breakfast Cookie

For a mocha version, add about a tsp of instant coffee to the mix before chilling in the fridge.  For a spicy, gingerbread flavor, nix the cocoa and add in about a tsp of molasses (and extra cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger!)

For topping ideas, you can either make your own homemade greek yogurt (sweetened with honey or agave,) add sliced bananas and granola, chop a few almonds, sprinkle on some dried cranberries, or smear on some vanilla flavored chobani.  Have fun mixing up the flavors! 😀

Oh, and don’t forget, if you’re using unsalted peanut butter for this, add just a pinch of salt to the mix to bring it all together

• 1/2 c. uncooked rolled oats
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1 T. crushed flax (optional)
• 1/2 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 T. salted peanut butter
• cinnamon and nutmeg, just a dash of each
• 2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Combine all of ingredients together in a bowl.  Mash with fork until well combined.
2. Spread the combined mixture onto a plate.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. ENJOY the following morning! 😀

Question: What is your current favorite breakfast? 

when fear meets confidence

Some people are afraid of heights. 

Some people are afraid of dogs.

Some people are afraid of tofu. 😉

My fear?  Public speaking.

Today I had to give a 2-hr lecture on both customer service (which I hardly know much about, other than my what my common sense has told me,) and food allergies.  Despite the fact that I knew everyone in the group by name, I was literally shaking.  My voice.  My hands.  My feet.  Shaking.  Shaking with fear.

But at the same time, I’m confident.  Confident with the fact that I can deliver the presentations.  Confident because I’ve done so before.  Confident that the shaking will subside after the first few slides.  Confident. 

This confidence has come with a few tricks that I’ve developed along the way.

First, I don’t admit my fear to anyone.  I convince myself that I’m the most confident of all public speakers.  For an hour or two, I become the most knowledgeable person on the topic at hand.  Ready for any and all questions.  (Just FYI, this is one situation in which it is a-okay to lie to yourself. 😉 )

Second, I eat well.  This is hard for me, as public speaking is the one thing in life that makes me lose my appetite.  But there’s nothing worse than feeling lightheaded from fear and from hunger. 😉 

Lastly, I practice.  Over and over and over again.  Convincing myself that people are there to listen.  To learn.  I’m not being judged or criticized for my performance.  I try to think of it as a discussion between friends (only with me doing all the talking…ha.) 

I’m not saying that I’ve completely overcome my fear.  It’s still there.  And really, it’s okay to have fears.  We all have some form of a fear in our life (new job?  a long road race?  flying?)  What’s important is that we learn how to take control of these fears instead of letting them control us.  It’s a journey, but it’s a journey worth taking.

Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Cookie

I don’t actually like pumpkin pie, but I love this breakfast cookie version!  I’m sharing it, because I believe that you’ll love it too.  Spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is a delicious taste of fall.  Perhaps my favorite part is the texture, which is a mix between the regular breakfast cookies (firm) and overnight oats (doughy soft.) 

I love sprinkling the top with granola for an extra bit of crunch.  You could also add 1-2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder to the cookie mix before refrigerating overnight.  The sweetness from the bananas will sweeten it right up, giving you the well loved combination of pumpkin and chocolate.  It’s wonderful. 😀

• 1/2 c. regular rolled oats
• 1/2 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed well
• 1 T. peanut butter
• 1 tsp chia seeds (definitely optional)
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• granola for topping (optional)

1. Mash together all of the ingredients except for granola (which is optional.)  Spread evenly on a plate, cover with saran wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
2. The following morning, enjoy with a fork and a glass of milk for the extra protein boost.  😀

Question:  Do you have any fears?  How have you learned to deal with them?

Sunny Sunday

I always plan for Sunday mornings to be hectic, crazy, and “oh my goodness, where did I put my other shoe?” kind of busy.  Which is why I usually plan my breakfast ahead of time.  At least one thing has to remain calm.  Cool.  Collected.  It may as well be breakfast. 😉

The Chocolate Lover’s Breakfast Cookie

• 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal
• 2 T. wheat bran
• 1 T. Teddy Peanut Butter
• 2 T. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 banana, mashed (saving 1/4 for the top)

Mash, mash, mash everything together.  Don’t hold back.  The more you mash, the better it will taste.  Add in a splash of milk (or soymilk) if it’s too dry and needs the extra liquid.  Then mash some more.  Spread out on a plate and chill in the fridge overnight. 

This is best served with a cold glass of milk.  😀

So yes.  Going back to my busy Sunday morning.  I found my shoe and made it to church in one piece.  Success. 😉

Lunch

Last week, I experienced tofu in a whole new light.  I’ve always enjoyed tempeh (a fermented, cake form of tofu which has a firm, nutty texture.)  But tofu?  After one horrible, tasteless, spongy experience, I quickly turned up my nose and called it quits.  It wasn’t meant to be.  But then I tasted it after my Dad had cooked it on the grill.  *Gasp*  It was head over heels kind of love, my friends. 

I do believe that part of the secret to its firm, chewy bite and crusty exterior is in the freezing method.  I first drain the tofu, press it until most of the liquid is excreted and then pop the block (which is now cut into 4 pieces) into the freezer.  Once it dethaws for use, I press it again which leaves it much drier then before the freezing.  The dryness is what allows it to seep up all that delicious flavor from a marinade (in this case, a peanut sauce.)  Trust me on this one.  It really works.

Needless to say, lunch was Ah-mazing.  Kudos to Dad.  There was sauteed green beans and a slice of wholegrain boule with butter on the side.  Eaten at Peperes, out on the deck, while listening to stories of his childhood in Canada.  Perfect.  Everything was perfect.

Afternoon Snack!

I live the perfect distance from an icecream barn.  Close enough that I can walk there when the mood strikes, but not too close that I take advantage of it too often. 😉

We were all in the mood for an afternoon sweet today and went out for a 4-mile, round-trip stroll.  I was determined to try something new.  Break the mold!  And so I did.  Instead of ordering the usual (i.e., Oatmeal Cookie, which is is as good as it sounds) I opted for the Peanut Butter Caramel Swirl Delight.  Which was also as good as it sounds.  There were chunks of peanut butter and swirls of deep, rich caramel.  I’m still more a fan of the Oatmeal Cookie flavor, but this one ranks high on the list too. 😉

Dinner

Sunday nights are “fend for yourself” nights when we all basically scurry through the kitchen and find whatever we’re in the mood for.  But tonight was a bit different.  Our brains were all in sync and we came up with a quick and delicious taco salad creation.  Basic salad mix topped with 1/3 a can of Vegetarian Refried Beans (slightly heated), feta cheese, onions, scoop of spicy salsa, and a dollop of Voskos Organic Greek Yogurt (which, by the way, tastes very similair to sour cream.)

+ kashis for crushing on top (or you could use tortilla chips if you prefer!)

It was a delicious way to end a warm, sunny Sunday. 😀

Question: What was the highlight of your Sunday?  For me, it was simply sitting out on my Pepere’s deck and talking about Canada, moose and gardening. 😀

Building the Breakfast Cookie

Ode to the Breakfast Cookie… 

Step #1: Mix-Ins

Each breakfast cookie starts with good mix-ins.  You can really be creative and add a li’ bit of this and that, but just keep in mind that a very ripe banana is your key ingredient.  If the banana is sweet, you can’t go wrong. 😉

Last night I combined:

• 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 1 [very] ripe banana, mashed well (save 1/4 of it for the top!)
• 1 T. peanut butter
• 1-2 T. milk
• 2 T. wheat bran
• 2 T. crushed flax
• spices: roughly 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp clove 

Note: If you usually add sweetener to your oats, don’t be afraid to add a tsp or two of brown sugar, molasses, honey, etc. 

Step #2: Mix, mix, mash!

Don’t hold back!   I smash it really well and add a little bit of milk as I go, until it is moist (but not soppy!)  Really smoosh it all together.

Step #3: Spread

Once you like the consistency of the mix-ins, spread it evenly on your plate. 

Step #4: Refrigerate!

Top your cookie with some saran wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight (or at least 3-4 hrs.)

Note: Don’t forget to hide the other 1/4 of your banana that you are saving for the top of your cookie.  This avoids having any unmentioned members of the family (or friends) unknowingly consume your cookie garnish.  The top of the fridge is a good place. 😉

Step #5: Enjoy!

Top your cookie with the saved banana portion and savor slowly. 😀  I always eat it with a glass of milk on the side and a large glass of water.  YUM!

Last night I had layed out my gym clothes and bag so that I would have no excuse to take a rest day due to rainy weather (yes, rain…the snow is practically gone already!)  When my alarm clock went off at 6:30, I really felt like sleeping in.  Then I remembered all the brave souls out there who get up at 5 to make it for their workout and suddenly I felt super wimpy.  It was enough to get me to drag myself out of my cozy–oh so cozy!!–bed and head out.

The local gym membership, by the way, is a gift from my parents.  They offered to buy me a one month membership at the local gym since I’ve been having the foot and knee problems.  I couldn’t be happier or more thankful.  Thank you both so much! 😀

I kept my workout simple this morning by cranking out 3 miles in 30 minutes on the elliptical at a resistance of 12.  I have no idea how to work most of the machines, or how to get the most out of a gym workout, but I don’t think it will take too long to figure things out.  And with plenty of group classes being offered, I’ll have chances to really spice up my workout routine.  Excited!!!

When I came home, I sipped on a cup of coffee while blogging for a bit.  Somehow my morning seemed much more relaxed then normal.  I think I owe that to getting up early for a workout this morning. 😀

Quick snack before heading out the door to classes!  I’m really loving these Doctor Kracker Seeded Spelt crisps, by the way.  They’re so buttery and crunchy with a nice rustic touch.  This is one flavor I’ll definitely be buying again.  And I’m not just saying that because they sent me these in the mail either. 😉  I’m always honest with reviews, whether I love ’em or dislike them.

I munched on the crisps with some cottage cheese on the side for dunking.

Lunch was awesome!

I haven’t had a wrap in forever, and sometimes they just hit all the right spots.  I spread about 1/4 c. vegetable hummus over a whole wheat wrap, then preceded to add 1/2 c. black beans.  On top of that, I added a grated carrot and some diced celery.  I love eating carrots with my lunch, and grating it this way adds so much sweetness and avoids having to crunch really loudly during a lecture.

Then I tucked in the sides and rolled it right up into a peice of foil for easy transport.  I just peel back the foil as I’m eating it…no mess required!

Packed away with a pre-sliced apple for munching.

Also along for the ride, I brought a juicy pear and some almonds.  These were both eaten in the library while I was working on some Nutrition Problems Homework Assignments.  Right now we’re learning all about Type 2 Diabetes, which is fascinating.  It runs in my family, and I’ve always had an interest in learning all that I can about it. 

The good news about many cases of Type 2 Diabetes is that diet and exercise can work against the development of it (even if you’re predisposed through genetic factors/heredity.)  And even in the case where medicine *is* required, we can gain more control by implementing good nutrition and staying active. 😀 

Driving home from classes was a bit nerve-racking.  I absolutely hate driving in storms, and it was pouring cats and dogs out there.  The puddles on the road were really deep, and cars were driving incredibly slow to avoid hydroplaning.  Ugh!  Thankfully I made it home in one peice after telling myself to relax and just stay calm.  Sometimes I just need to remind myself that breathing is not an option, it’s a necessity…haha. 😉

The whole wheat pizza dough (click for recipe) that I made a while back makes two doughs which is perfect for freezing!  Talk about a quick and easy meal to put together.  I had two delicious slices plus a whole, sauteed zucchini on the side.   

Sauteed Zucchini

• 1 zucchini, sliced thin
• [tons of] garlic powder (I think I have an obsession with garlic powder!)
• dried basil
• splash of balsamic vinegar

Zucchini and balsamic were meant to be together.  😀

+ a night snack of yogurt with 2 T. crushed flax, topped with granola (and a couple of grapes, which my dad claims is the best yogurt mix-in…it *was* pretty good!  I wonder how it would be in oatmeal?)

It’s still pouring outside…I hope you all are staying nice and warm and dry, wherever you might be!

Question(s):

1. Do you think I should try adding grapes to my oatmeal tomorrow morning, or is that just *weird*?  

 

2. Rain storms…love or hate?  I love them as long as I’m home and safe. 😉  And, as long as it’s not thundering and lightening!

Winter Biking

This morning I tried adding some bran to my breakfast cookie!

• 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 1 T. peanut butter
• 1 smashed banana
• splash of milk
• cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
• 2 T. wheat bran
• 2 T. crushed flax

If you’ve ever tried bran muffin batter, you know exactly what this breakfast cookie tasted like.  It had that lovely hint of bran which I loved.  I also love how 2 T. wheat bran contains 3 g. fiber, lots of nutrients, and only 15 calories!

Served with a glass of milk and lots of water. 😀

We’re expecting snow and rain until next Thursday, so I was all prepared to bunker down today with a strength training routine.  I made a change of plans when I realized the precipitation hadn’t yet started though.  May as well take advantage of the clear weather and go for an 11-mile bike ride! 😀 

There are definitely some challenges to winter biking:

• Slip ‘n’ Slide: I ride my mountain bike to avoid slipping or skidding on snow and sand.  The thicker tires provide some grip, but it’s still important to be extra cautious on the snow and ice!
• The Big Chill:  I thought my face would be chilling the most, but it turns out that my feet are the problem!  I heard somewhere that an easy solution is to duct tape the front toe of your sneaker, which covers up the vents.  However, I just threw on some thick wool socks, and it took care of that! 😀
• Vision: Both for me and the cars.  Wearing bright colors (ie, yellows, greens, etc.) makes you more visible.  And although I don’t personally have a pair of glasses, I’d recommend investing in a pair for when flurries start.  It’s important to keep your eyes on the road, which can be a bit challenging with snow hitting your face. 😉

There are lots of perks to biking in the winter too.  Like that feeling of satisfaction and refreshment after a long morning ride.  Plus I was able to plan out a lot of  my coconut presentation for tomorrow.  Running makes me zone out…biking makes me think.

After a quick shower and adding a bit of makeup, I grabbed this snack to-go: an orange and a Fruit and Nuts Yogurt KIND bar.  Another lovely flavor! 😀  I still like the Almond and Cashew the best so far, but this was one was chewy, sweet and fun to eat.  I loved the yogurt! 

Lunch was scrumptious! 😀 I had no idea what to expect from this meal, because I threw it together last night when I was tired from studying and homework. 😉  But the flavors all worked out really well together.  I especially loved the splash of lemon.  It added a touch of freshness and zing!

• 1 c. leftover brown rice
• 1/2 c. garbanzo beans & black beans
• 2 celery stalks, diced small
• 1 carrot, shredded finely
• about 1/4 tsp. cumin
• about 1/8 tsp. cayenne (a little less)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• splash of lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Yum!

I brought along some almonds (about an ounce or 20 almonds) and a pear for an afternoon snack too.

Dinner was as much a hodgepodge as my lunch, but in a different kind of way.  Still just as delicious. 😀

Lots of veggies!  Turnips (boiled and mashed,) steamed green & wax beans, and peas.

There was also a recipe for Soba Noodles and Broccoli from a Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook (not to be confused with Molly’s Moosewood cookbooks, ) which I went back for seconds on.  Soba noodles are one of my favorite types of noodles.  They take approximately 2 minutes to cook, and they have a unique flavor all their own.  This dish was so simple (think soysauce and hot red pepper with a bit of oil) and paired perfectly with the leftover orange marmalade chicken. 

I love sampler plates full of variety and flavahs! 😀

Finale!  I broke into the Valentines chocolate box and picked out a pretty caramel chocolate.

Tomorrow night I will be done all of the presentations and papers and exams that have been keeping me so busy over this past week!  I plan on relaxing and taking a break by reading blogs, drinking tea, and journaling.  So excited!

Busy day tomorrow, so I’m heading to bed ASAP!

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind after a busy work/school week?  I love reading a fun magazine, journaling, drinking tea, taking a bubble bath, and just taking the night off from plans and work.  I think we all need a catch up day once in a while! 😀

Livened up Leftovers

My morning included a chocolate mocha breakfast cookie, 20 minutes of strength training combined with yoga, and reading blogs.  I’m still getting through this cold/flu, but usually after the 4th day, I start feeling better *knock on wood*(!!)

Chocolate Mocha Breakfast Cookie:

• 1/2 c. oats
• 1 banana, mashed (saving 1/4 for the top)
• 1 T. Teddy peanut butter
• 2 T. unsweetened cocoa
• splash of soymilk
• 1-1/2 tsp. instant coffee

Mmmm…totally loved this combo! 😀  It was so intensely dark.

Now that I know my teacher is completely okay with my eating lunch in class, I’ve been straying away from sandwiches as much as possible and including more variety through leftovers.  I like saving the sandwich combos as my “back up plan.”  As far as making these concoctions, I’m sure there will be a few flops along the way, but this lunch was not one of them.  So incredibly yummy! 😀

• 1/2 large sweet potato—cooked and diced
• 1/2 c. garbanzo beans
• large handful of spinach
• 2 T. dried cranberries
• 2 T. walnuts
• splash of balsamic

Awesome!  I loved the sweetness of the potatoes mixed with the tart cranberries.  And the balsamic added just the right note of flavor. 

Packed and ready to go!

I also brought a pear for dessert and an apple for the morning ride.  The packed almonds went uneaten, but they’ll be there for tomorrow. 😀

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my Nutrition Counseling class?  I feel as if I’m absorbing all the information from the class and wishing I could absorb more.  I love watching counselors in action and watching how they feel out different situations and different clients.  Still not sure if counseling is where I want to end up, as far as my future career is concerned, but it’s a fun idea to think about! 

When I came home from classes, I was worn out.  I hate to admit that I had two sets of leftovers in one day, but…ur…it happens. 😉

I put together a quick salad with the last of the lettuce greens, a carrot and some leftover roasted turnip cubes…

And reheated the frozen lentil taco ‘s (click for recipe), which I ate with a whole wheat burrito and some 2% sharp cheddar cheese.  This stuff really reheats well!

I was dreaming of oranges and ginger ale all day, so I was super excited when mom presented me with a couple of  oranges and some diet ginger ale from the store.  Refreshing!

This week is simply flying by!  I need to finish up some homework assignments before I can relax for the rest of the night.

Simple Question (since my brain does not function properly when I’m sick ): Favorite Fruit?  I always say bananas, but I actually can’t eat them unless they’re in something.  Weird, I know!  My favorite fruit that I can eat all by itself would have to be the orange and fresh, summer blueberries. 😀

Don’t Forget To Laugh…;)

Ever since seeing the breakfast cookie on Alison’s blog, I knew I needed to try it.  😀

I made this overnight cookie by combining:

• 3/4 c. oats
• 1 T. peanut butter
• 1/2 mashed banana
• 1 T. walnuts
• Chocolate Amazing Grass packet
• about 2 T. milk

Then I mixed it all together into a thick “batter”, and spread it all out on a plate and refrigerated it overnight with waxed paper pushed tightly on top.  In the morning I sprinkled the cookie with the other 1/2 banana and a sprinklin’ of coconut. 😀

I loved the taste of it…subtly sweet, but not too sweet either.  Just right for a hearty, satisfying breakfast.  And it was so much fun to eat too.  I’ll be making more of these in the future, for sure. 😀

On the side I had 2 egg whites that were leftover from a recipe that mom had made, where she needed only the yolks.  I combined the whites with some salsa and black beans to make a nice, protein-filled, spicy side dish.  Yum!!

I grabbed a cup of coffee with a splash of soymilk on my way out the door to the hospital for a day with the food service manager.  This was starbucks coffee, and I just couldn’t pass that up. 😉  In my house, it’s mostly reserved for the weekends, with maxwell house used during the week (which I could give or take depending on my mood.) 

Food Service is still covering the procurement function which is interesting but a little on the slow-paced side.  The manager is super nice, but I just don’t have the interest in business.  I know its all good to know, and I really appreciate how much time he’s putting in for me.  But I can’t wait till we get more into food safety and even getting some cafeteria and serving experience.  I like to be a hands-on girl whenever possible because I learn sooo much more that way. 😀

I was there for a measly 2 hours this morning due to a function that the manager was responsible for putting together.  I skipped on out of the hospital, happy to have the next couple of days off along with some really fun plans for the weekend. 😀  I also ate this pear and granola bar on my ride home.  The early morning breakfast demanded a snack to hold me over for lunch!!

The weather is so strange lately.  I can never tell if it’s rainy or sunny outside, because it seems to change every 10 minutes!  After having a battle of the mind, I decided to take my chances of running into a storm and went out for a 3-mile run.  I have to say…it was a tough run today!!  The humidity is really high, and my legs felt sore and tight.  And my breathing?  Way off!  I kept reminding myself: “Don’t panic, keep running.”  I tell myself that to make sure I don’t let my brain go off on the crazy idea that I can’t run the whole way back.  Just gotta keep on truckin’ through those types of runs! 😀

And I did make it…and of course felt great afterwards when I was all nice and showered and ready for lunch. 😉

Speaking of lunch…I went with a nice big salad because that’s what I was craving.  In the mix:

• mesculin greens
• carrot
• red peppers
• tomatoes
• 1/2 c. black beans
• sprinkling of balsamic vinegar and a tsp of olive oil

On the side I had 1/2 a grapefruit and lots of blueberries along with kashi crackers and a onion flavored laughing cow wedge.  This meal was so satisfying, crunchy, delicious! 😀

This is Part #1: Don’t Forget To Laugh…;)

That was my huge mess, made after I attempted to make a coffee shake/smoothie.  It sounded so tasty at the time, and I wanted to make sure I got some crunchy ice chunks in there.  So I kept throwing icecubes in.  Then I realized that a big frosted block was starting to form, so I decided I had probably added enough.  Shut the blender off, and with one quick turn of the wrist, dumped the shake into my cup…err…onto the countertop.  The massive ice chunk was too big to fit in the width of the glass, which made for a huge mess!!

I told myself to just laugh because sighing or groaning would do no good.  I then preceded to talk myself into believing that a second cup of coffee for the day wasn’t needed anyways…I had plenty of energy, with no need for more caffeine!!

So I cleaned out the blender and pulled out one of these for inspiration for a new smoothie attempt.

Here enters in the GREEN MONSTER.  In the mix:

• Amazing Grass packet
• 1 c. soymilk
• 1/2 banana
• 3 c. spinach
• about a cup’s worth of ice (minus any ice block formation! 😉 )

The verdict?  YUM!  This berry flavor is absolutely delicious, bringing it right up there with the chocolate flavor.  Yum!  I’ll be buying this flavore of Amazing Grass again…:D

The sun peaked out long enough this afternoon to inspire me to go for a 2-mile walk.  I even spotted some blue skies, which was such a beautiful sight after all this rainy weather!!

4 o’clock rolled around and I felt downright starving!!  I knew we’d be having a later supper to celebrate Father’s Day, with Nicole and Nathan coming over too, so I heated up a whole wheat sourdough slice with a blob of peanut butter.  Delish! 😀

Part #2: Don’t Forget To Laugh…;)

I finished dicing up the potatoes, added the oils and spices, and handed them off to my dad to get them placed on the grill.  One little slip is all it takes to get from a neat little foil packet to this…

Diced potatoes everywhere!!  I think they’ll be turning up in random spots for days…haha.  I didn’t realize there was a big pile right outside the front door, and as I stepped out in a hurry to bring dad a plate for the grilled corn, I nearly slipped as I dodged potato slices on each step.  I started laughing which caused mom to laugh, and dad..well…he no longer seemed to feel so bad about dropping the potatoes and managed a snicker or two himself.  Laughter is oftentimes the best medicine. 😉

Nicole and Nate finally arrived around 6:15.  Nicole brought me this Kashi Fiery Fiesta pilaf that she had spotted at the grocery store.  Does she know me super well or what? 😉  I can’t wait to try it out.  Thanks Nicole! 😀

My stomach was feeling a lil’ off for dinner tonight, so I decided to keep food simple.  My dad made a rib eye steak for himself and Nate, a veggie burger for Matthew, and Mom, Nicole, and I had turkey burgers.  I plopped mine right on top of my super-sized bed of greens.  I also carved off the corn from my corn on the cob, and topped it all with ketchup. 😀  It was mighty tasty! 

On to the Father’s Day Gifts!!

My gift is going to have to wait till Sunday to present itself…you’ll see why over the weekend. 😀

We all sat around in the living room to enjoy some good ol’ family-time conversation.  I love it when we all get the chance to get together…:D

And then we went outside to enjoy dad’s father’s day gift, by sitting out near the fire.  I sipped on some chamomile tea with a tea bag that read, “Enjoy the Experience.”  Loved the tea, loved the phrase. 😀

Everyone enjoyed the cream puffs we had made for dessert, but my stomach was still doing some somersaults, so I’m saving mine for tomorrow.   By 9 o’clock, I started feeling a little hungry though, and went for a strawberry chobani with barbara’s shredded oats on top for a little snack.  I’m lovin’ these chobani yogurts.  They’re so rich and creamy, and delightfully thick.  Mmm…

Can you believe we’ve already made it to the weekend???  😀  Hope you all have some fun plans and can enjoy some time off, along with some good ol’ relaxation too!! 😀

Exercise: 3-mile run before lunch which was tough but very worth it. 😀  I also went for a 2-mile walk to enjoy the short clearing of the weather to reveal a bit of sun and a spotting of blue skies. 😀

 

****Oh, and as a side note, for anyone interested, I was researching to see if I could find a good authentic recipe for Poutines.  But all that popped up was french fries and beef gravy and cheese curds (like what Holly had mentioned!)  So I asked my dad about it, and come to find out, this style of Poutines are an Acadian heritage food (my family stemming from New Brunswick.)  If you want to find out more about poutines, type in Acadian along with it, and you’ll find a totally different food then if you simply type in poutine.  Those fried, beef covered cheese curds are something totally different (but also French…;) )