A Perfectly Peachy Breakfast

I struggle with changing up my breakfasts big time!  Mostly because I usually have to eat fairly quickly, so I just make my usual yogurt, fruit and kashi...give or take.  But when I have a few extra minutes I am trying to make a little more variety in my breakfasts...trying to get that protein punch first thing in the morning to help me start my day off nice and satisfied and energized!  Here is one of those breakfasts that I make when I have a little extra time.  And, if I would think about it more often I could actually prepare some of it ahead of time and then it wouldn't take any more time than my yogurt!

Cottage Cheese, Peach and Oatmeal Crisp

1/2 cup 1-2% cottage cheese (I prefer Daisy because it's super natural)
1 peach or nectarine diced
cinnamon to taste
1/4 cup old fashioned oats
2 T sliced (or chopped) almonds

-In a dry skillet combine oats and almonds and toast over medium heat (about 5-7 min)  Watch carefully so they don't burn!  (this is the step that could be done ahead of time and then stored in a container.  Could also be toasted in the oven like granola)  Add a little cinnamon when the oats are nearly toasted and stir for one last minute.  Set aside to cool a bit.
-Combine chopped peach and cottage cheese in a bowl.  Add cinnamon to your liking.  Mix up.  Add oat mixture and combine. 
-EAT UP and know you started your day with a healthy, protein packed punch!!

No Bake Energy Bites

Yummy snack time!!!  Look at these babies...good enough to eat, right?

(photo courtesy of smashed peas and carrots)

Oh yes they are...and healthy too!  I saw this recipe here and quickly adapted it to suit ingredients I had on hand!

My version of No Bake Energy Bites:
-1 cup Old Fashioned Oatmeal
-1/2 cup Chunky natural peanut butter
-2-3T Honey (I was running out so I literally squirted all that was left plus a squirt of Agave)
-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
-1/2 cup ground flaxseed
-1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients together until very well blended in a bowl.  Put in refrigerator for about 1/2 hour or more and then take out, form balls and store (or eat now!) in fridge in a tupperware type container. 

If you look at the original recipe...I clearly didn't use nearly the amount of honey...like I said, I was out but for sweetness, they totally didn't need it.  I even taste tested them with one of my fave client taste testers and she agreed :)  They were a little crumbly...I mean they held together but once you bite into them, they crumbled so the honey might be a good glue!  Clearly didn't add chocolate chips either.  I wanted to do some dark ones but didn't have any so figured they'd be much healthier without them.  And finally, only used 1/2 cup coconut, mostly because I like coconut but I don't LOVE it, so I just took half and I think that was perfect, but you choose.  I'm pretty sure these babies are somewhat forgiveable!

I think I might have to try them using almond butter and maybe adding some cinnamon and raisins too!!  Happy Snacking (without turning on your oven!)

Raw Corn?

So I am just dying to know...

1.  Did you know you can eat corn right off the cob without cooking it?  Like straight from the farm to your mouth?

2.  Have you ever tried it?

More details to come as to why but I tried it today and I was shocked.  This corn was so incredibly sweet and delicious (so I ended up buying some...) but it tasted really good and crunchy straight off the cob from the sweet old farmer himself!  I was definitely skeptical...

or am I just really uneducated on my corn and did you all know that?!

My kids and I tried raw corn for the first time together!  Them at ages 4&7 and me at 35...hmmm....

Here I am....

I'm not going to give excuses or tell you why I haven't blogged...I've just been busy and haven't taken the time because I didn't feel inspired.  done.  Now, what I want to show you today is something that was made for me I'm pretty sure.  Maybe I should give this to my hubby for our anniversary... (but I don't want to lie to him... :)

Almost a little too early for me to think about candy corn but I've seen them and I know they are out there...I just need the crisp fall air and the month of October and then I am in!!  ( I have to limit myself to one month or I gain 25 lbs in candy corn!)  You can find this print here and some other REALLY cute ones too!