Overnight Oats

My mornings are always rushed between getting ready and packing my meals for the day, so a quick breakfast I can prep the night before makes a world of difference! While searching around on Instagram I came across a page for @sammybfit, which lead me to her amazing blog with hundreds of recipes. Her recipe for overnight oats can be found here, which is what I used as a base and modified to fit my taste.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Oats
1/4 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tbs Flax Meal
1/2 Tsp Honey
3 Drops Liquid Stevia
1/2-1 Cup Fruit of Choice (I used 1/2 a Nectarine)

1 Mason Jar


Begin by mixing all ingredients  except fruit, together in a small bowl. Layer sliced fruit on bottom of mason jar.

Then add half the oatmeal mixture, a second layer of fruit, followed by the remaining oatmeal mixture, then finish with a few fruit pieces.

Cap the mason jar and put in the fridge over night. The next morning top with granola (check out my homemade granola recipe) or more honey and enjoy! This is a great summer alternative to the typical hot breakfast oatmeal.

Enjoy!

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" 

Psalm 90:14 

Homemade Granola

I originally came across this recipe on Pinterest which led me to an amazing blog, With Peanut Butter on Top, which is where this delicious recipe for homemade granola originated. (Check out her blog, it's amazing!)

I modified the recipe slightly to fit my taste preferences, and it turned out wonderful, so here is my version:

Recipe:

Bake at 275 F

4 Cups Oats (quick oats can also be used)
3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 Cup Sunflower Kernels
1 1/2 Tbs Cinnamon
1 Tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Tsp Ginger
1 Tbs Vanilla Extract
1 Cup No Sugar Added Applesauce
1/3 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl, mix all wet ingredients together separately. Slowly add wet to dry ingredients and mix very well. Spread mixture out in a large rimmed baking pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 275 degrees for 1hr - 1hr 15mins, mixing every 15 mins. After 45 mins granola made with quick oats will be done, it will take longer for regular oats. Allow granola to cool completely on baking pan then store in air tight container.

Leave a comment below with your go-to granola recipe, I'm always looking to try new variations!

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

1Thessaionians 5:16-18

Healthy Chicken Bake

In an effort to get a bit healthier with my eating I have begun cooking more, and so far so good! I made up this recipe with left over ingredients that I had to use up and it turned out great! Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your family's preferences or what you have on hand.

Start with chicken breasts, washed and fat removed, I use frozen ones which I thaw over night in the refrigerator. Place the chicken breasts in a baking pan and season to taste, this time I use Mrs. Dash, and preheat the oven to 350F.

Begin prepping the veggies, I prefer green and yellow squash, mushrooms and diced tomatoes. Chop the squash into bite size pieces. I use pre-sliced mushrooms that only have to be washed, super easy! You can use fresh tomatoes however canned has extra liquid that helps cook the chicken and veggies.

Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes, slightly drained, over all of the chicken.  Next mix the squash with the sliced mushrooms and layer over chicken and tomatoes.

Bake in the oven at 350F for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Once done, cut into the chicken to verify it is thoroughly cooked, or check it's internal temperature.

And voila! Easy and quick meal with dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes.

Check back for a future blog post on Shredded Chicken Burritos, I use all the left-overs from this meal to make dinner the next night!

Ingredients:
6-8 Chicken Breasts
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
2-3 Large Yellow Squash
2-3 Large Green Squash
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms