Steel Cut Oatmeal

I know, this isn't really a recipe, but I thought I'd share a quick breakfast idea.  I cook up a big pot of Steel Cut Oats.  I like the texture of the steel cut. 

My mom used to make us cracked wheat when I was growing up and it's similar to that.  It has an almost nutty flavor and a little bite to it. 

They take about 30 minutes to cook so it's easy to babysit it while I'm cleaning the kitchen etc. on a weekend.  I sweeten it up with a little Splenda.  

 Then I divide it up into 1 1/2 cup servings and put them in the fridge (Penny had to eat some right away - she loved it!).  In the morning I'll grab out a bowl, add some frozen berries or fruit, and microwave for 60 -90 seconds until it's hot.  Add milk and a little honey if needed and breakfast is served.  It's as fast as a packet of instant oatmeal but with more fiber and way less sugar.  

German Pancakes

I love breakfast for dinner (or "brinner" if you prefer).  And, as you already know, I pretty much love every kind of pancake out there.  German pancakes is something I'm sure you've done before.  They're super easy and so much fun!  I remember being absolutely amazed when I was little and my mom would make these for us. Tonight it was Penny's turn to be impressed!  We had a good time making them together :)

OJ commented on how they look like lemon squares.  Next time we're thinking we might do a lemon blueberry something to put on top...to be continued...

German Pancakes

6 eggs
1c milk
1c flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbs butter

Preheat oven to 400*.  Put butter in a 9x13 baking dish and place in oven until butter is melted.  Combine the rest of the ingredients in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Pour batter into buttered baking dish.  Bake for 20 min until puffy and golden on the edges.  Top w/ powdered sugar. You can also top with fruit or jam.

Moore Smoothies

I love smoothies!  They are so easy to whip up in the morning and drink on the go.  Recently a co-worker gave me a tip that will make it even easier.  She puts all the ingredients for her smoothie into a zip-lock bag and stores it in the freezer.  In the morning she just pours it all in her blender w/ a cup of milk.  Why have I never thought of this before??  This is the recipe she uses:

In the freezer bag:
1/4 c oats  (I added a little more to keep me full longer)
pinch flax seed (optional)
1/2 c frozen fruit
1/2 banana
1 scoop protein powder
1/2 c yogurt
Blend with 1 cup milk

Another tip for the frozen fruit is one I learned from my mom.   She purees peaches when they're in season and freezes them in muffin cups.  She has freezer bags of these little discs for smoothies all year long.

This next smoothie is something that I was reluctant to try but once I did I was hooked!  It's a spinach smoothie that is full of goodness and tastes amazing.  Trust me, and just try it once ;)

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie

1 frozen, sliced banana
1 Tsp peanut butter
1/2 c Vanilla yogurt
1 c milk
4 c baby spinach

Banana Bread Muffins

This morning Penny and I woke up in the mood for baking.  My little monkey always likes banana muffins and we happened to have some ripe bananas on hand.  Perfect!  It seems like whenever I want to make this I've lost the recipe and have to call my mom.  By putting it on the website, at least I'll know where it is next time :)

Banana Bread

Cream together:

1c  butter

2c  sugar (I used Splenda)

6 ripe bananas, mashed

1 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

Then add:

3 1/2 c  flour

1 tsp  salt

2 tsp  baking soda

Bake at 350.  40 - 50 min for bread, 15 - 20 min for muffins

Smoothies and Cinnamon Roll Waffles

I saw these waffles on Pinterest and had to try them out.  They turned out great!  You just take a can of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls and cook them in your waffle maker.  Easy and delicious!

The smoothie was "Penny approved" but she didn't want any part of the waffles for some reason.  She's a cute little weirdo.  OJ loved them though!

Smoothie

2 c frozen fruit blend

8 oz yogurt (I used vanilla)

2c Orange juice (you may need to add a little water too if it's too thick)

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

I usually add a banana too but this fruit blend already had them in it.

yields a 32oz smoothie.  Plenty to share.