Oat Bran you stole my heart

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and Joe is going to have some stiff competition.

 

 

If you’re a regular reader you probably know that I don’t go crazy for oatmeal. It shows up sometimes in a random breakfast, but usually I wish I made something else.

 

Oatbran is different though- the pieces are smaller and when you cook it in almond milk, it melts down and gets really creamy.

 

I also find it to be more filling. The high fiber (6 grams) and protein content (7 grams) could be responsible for that.

 

I’ve been making mine as follows:

• 1/3 cup dry oatbran
• 1 cup almond breeze

Put both ingredients in a saucepan and heat on medium until it bubbles. Turn to low and cook another 5 min. (There were no instructions on the bag, so I just tried this)

 

And here’s the kicker. I’ve been serving mine in a pool of peanut flour spread with jam on top.

Yep, that’s right, I make the peanut flour spread first, in the bowl (and add a little extra almond milk or water to thin it out). Then when the oatbran is done, I put it on top.

 

FYI, I think I might need to refer to this technique as the PFM. (Peanut Flour Moat).

If this doesn’t make you a morning person, I don’t know what will.

 

Have you tried oatbran before?

What have you been making for breakfast lately?

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Early Morning Chef

This morning I was up bright and early in hopes of a snow day.

 

No such luck.

 

Instead of pancakes and hot coffee on the couch, I decided to go with a quick shower and getting my lunch together.

 

Since we ate out a lot this weekend, we really don’t have any leftovers or lunch stuff for me to bring. I had to get a little creative.

 

I saw spaghetti squash.

I saw leftover mashed potatoes.

Could it work?

 

Yeah!

I first squeezed out the cooked spaghetti squash for any extra water. (Click here to learn how to cook one in the microwave easily.)

 

I mixed the squeezed squash with about 1/4 of a cup of leftover mashed potatoes, 1 egg, salt, pepper and a dash of garlic powder.

 

Sautéed on medium for about 5 min per side and voila!

 

Along side I packed a greek yogurt, an apple, a few leftover zucchini fries, a string cheese, and a banana.

 

For breakfast I broke into the stash.

Peanut Flour Spread on a bagel thin with some honey

Love starting the day with a little suga! And how cute is that bear?

Off to school in a few. I’m sure my students are just as bummed about spending the day inside instead of at home in the snow.

 

Oh well. At least I have some form of pancake to eat today.

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Peanut Flour Fairy

Today I was blessed with some peanut flour fairy dust from the lovely Lindsay over at Fresh Eats N’ Tasty Treats. What an awesome way to end my day!

 

As soon as Lindsay saw my panic post about the discontinued PF at Trader Joe’s, she offered to pick me up a bunch to hoard.

 

      She even included some awesome granola!!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much Lindsay for taking the time to help a sista out!

 

In other non-obsessive news….

 

Today I taught my first whole class lesson and it went really well

 

 

What is one product you’d be really upset to live without?

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Catching Up and My Thoughts on Runner’s World

Happy Saturday!

 

I know I was MIA yesterday, the day was jam packed.  Full time teaching plus my responsibilities as a student myself can be hectic at times! But hey, it’s the weekend, so enough about that.

 

Meals Yesterday:

Breakfast was Peanut Flour Spread on a cinnamon raisin bagel thin and a banana (unpictured)

Lunch was ham & bean soup, (made using this) a slice of wheat beer bread made from the tastefully simple mix I got at the party, and an apple. I also snacked on some dry multigrain cheerios mixed with TJ’s fiber cereal, a fiberful fruit leather, and a string cheese.

Dinner was 3 slices of pizza along with a salad with oil and vinegar, and 2 beers. Oh yeah. Sometimes unwinding with food is just what I need.

This morning I started off the day with some chocolate peanut pancakes

a side of coffee and some Runner’s World for reading

So, as much as I consider myself a runner- I kind of find this magazine to be intimidating. Reading it is like talking to a really fast, really awesome runner who has all of the best gear, runs a race every weekend, and does all sorts of special workouts to maximize their running potential.

 

I actually read an article about some guys that went running in an ice storm. Really?

 

While I enjoy some of the articles in the magazine, I just don’t know if I’m ready for this.

 

Runners I’m interested in your thoughts on RW magazine- what do you think?

What are you guys up to today? I’m heading out for a run, doing some work, and that’s about it.

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Meltdown

So I pretty much just had a meltdown at Trader Joe’s.

Normal, right?

 

Well here’s the deal. The past few times I was at TJ’s I didn’t see peanut flour on the shelf. I had enough so I didn’t worry about it too much or bother asking anyone about it.

 

Today, when it wasn’t there AGAIN, I asked.

 

It was almost like a scene from ER as the TJ’s employee told me she’d be right back and disappeared behind the swinging double doors in search of an answer.

source

Deep in my stomach I knew it wouldn’t be good. And I was right.

 

My beloved peanut flour has been discontinued. Apparently due to low sales. WHAT?!?! Do people understand how wonderful this stuff is? How will I go on?!?! I really did ask those questions to the employee. I kid you not.

If you see it at your stores, maybe shoot me an email at FoodIRL@gmail.com and perhaps we can arrange a shipment. (Yes I’m serious).

 

In other news. I am proud to say that I ventured outdoors for a run today. I did a little over 5 miles in about 55 minutes. I walked some, and just took it easy since the terrain was slushy,snowy and a little icy.

 

The day after a blizzard might not be the best for running, but at the same time, it was awesome to be outside when everything is so beautiful and quiet.

 

Here are some tips for running in snowy conditions from someone who is experiencing their first winter running season:

• Dress appropriately. Just because it’s snowy out, doesn’t mean it’s 3 degrees. Don’t dress for skiing, dress for running. You don’t want to overheat. You will warm up.
• Be flexible. Your route and/or distance just might not workout. Be open to running less mileage or even more if you need to go farther to escape bad terrain.
• Run in the road instead of on trails if possible. Seemed to me that the roads were clearer, less patchy, and easier to navigate. Take all of the normal precautions for running in the street. Run facing on coming cars, if you’re wearing headphones make sure you can still hear the traffic, and you know most of this stuff, right?
• Be careful, always tell someone where you are running and walk or stop if conditions are bad. It’s only cool running in crazy weather when you come back alive and uninjured.

I’m off to go cry into my remaining peanut flour and start planning a tribute post.

 

What are your tips for exercising/running outdoors in the winter?

Do you prefer running in the cold or heat?

How are we going to live without peanut flour?

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All I want is pancakes

 

and perhaps another day to sleep in…

 

This is it folks! My last morning as a full time student blogger. After tomorrow I’ll be student teaching, waking up early, and working all day!

 

I’m excited for the change but it also might mean some changes on the blog.

 

Here are two I’m sure of:

• I’m not sure exactly what my blogging schedule will look like
• Food will be more of the "packable" variety

 

Anyhow, let’s focus on the present.

This morning, like many mornings lately, I was craving pancakes. I swear this was the best batch of Peanut Flour Pancakes I’ve made in a long time.

 

(Yes this plate is one serving of this recipe and yes this serving is still only 300 calories or so)

Have you made these yet?

I kept it simple with just some syrup.

Now I’m just sipping on some coffee and watching the quiet, cold, snowy outdoors.

Today’s agenda includes:

-A workout at the gym

-A few errands

-Orientation for student teaching

-Grocery Shopping

 

I need to start brainstorming some easy grab and go meals and snacks for school.  What kind of lunches and snacks do you bring to work/school?

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PB&J Oats and a Giveaway!

It’s never easy to get out of bed in the winter, but today felt especially hard.

 

That is until I brainstormed the idea of making peanut butter and jelly oats for breakfast.

 

Although I’m not a huge oatmeal fanatic, I do think they make a nice base for some delicious toppings, and they are pretty filling too.

 

This morning I heated up 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, and 1/2 cup of water in the microwave.

 

When it was done I topped it with peanut flour spread and sf raspberry jelly.

I also wanted to let you guys know how I make my peanut flour spread since I realized it’s not on the recipe tab of the blog.

 

Peanut Flour Spread

30 g/ or 1/4 cup peanut flour

1/4-1/3 cup of milk (regular, soy, almond, or you can use water)

1-2 splendas

dash or two of salt

splash of vanilla extract (optional)

 

Now, on to an exciting giveaway!

 

Through My Blog Spark I was invited to participate in a giveaway from  Multigrain Cheerios. I’m a big fan of cheerios and love to eat them dry as a snack or on top of yogurt.

Multigrain Cheerios is partnering with The Biggest Loser and doing a Biggest Loser at Home program on their website. Once you buy a box of the cereal, you get an access code that you can use to access some tools such as a 7 day plan, motivation, and BMI calculator.

 

One lucky winner will receive a box of Multigrain Cheerios, a water bottle, cereal holder, and gym bag.

To enter just leave a response in the comments section telling me:

 

What tools would you be interested in using on the Multigran Cheerios Biggest Loser website?

A winner will be picked tomorrow night. Good luck!

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A Berry Important Day

The countdown is on for Praxis test #1 for this week. I start the exam at 12 but I need to leave here by 11:15.

 

I know I’m prepared, but it’s still nerve-wracking because who knows what questions will show up on the test.

 

This test for those of you who care, I’m taking the Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Praxis. It basically covers some theory, evaluation of what is appropriate to teach in certain grades, and how to  assess the material and your students to know if you are teaching effectively.

 

I just saw this morning that PA has the highest score required to pass (168) while Iowa only requires a 151. That’s really fair.

 

Before I get to reviewing, I’ll show you my brain power breakfast.

 

Peanut Flour Pancakes with Berry Cherry Syrup – serves 1

 

For the pancakes, follow the recipe here

 

For the syrup, I started with a few frozen blackberries and frozen cherries (disregard the bananas in the background)

Heat them in the microwave for 40 seconds at a time to get them soft, and mash with a fork

Heat for another 40 seconds right before the pancakes are ready

Stir in a little maple syrup or honey

And top your pancakes with the delicious antioxidant packed syrup!

 

 

In other news, I’m really hoping to get some exercise in today. I think my tailbone is finally feeling good enough to do SOMETHING.

 

Okay, off to study and drink coffee. Wish me luck!!

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7 hours

First and foremost, we are home safe.

But I still need to mention that our typical 4.5 hour drive across the state took a whopping 7 hours.

 

Take a moment. Think about all the things you did today between 12:30 and 7:30pm. I was in the car the whole time!

All in all it wasn’t so bad, there was just some major traffic from an accident that shut down the turnpike, so we were stuck in one place for 2 hours.

 

Times like this I just say a prayer for the people involved in the accident and try and remain calm and complain as little as possible. At least I’m with my husband and we have satellite radio and lots of snacks.

 

Speaking of snacks..

 

Our first hour kicked off with some pistachio nuts. Great car food.

Subsequent snacks included an apple

Some whole grain pretzels dipped in natural honey nut PB

 

 

And a few clementines. And of course lots of coffee.

 

We just got home a little while ago and we don’t have much in the fridge. So of course, I went with an old favorite on a new placemat.

Oh peanut flour- I missed you!

 

Off to watch some TV and unwind with my legs stretched out!

Have a great night!

 

Take any long car trips lately?

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Greetings from the Steel City

Happy X-mas Eve Eve!

We arrived safely in Pittsburgh yesterday and are all set for X-mas number 2 with Joe’ family.

 

Before we got on the road yesterday, I made sure to pack lots of snacks. Including a new idea that I loved.

 

Introducing- celery sticks with peanut flour paste!

I can’t believe I just figured this out now! It was a great on-the go snack.

 

I also grabbed some string cheese, cereal, a yogurt, an apple and some crackers and a bar for Joe. And a diet Dr. Pepper for a treat. I’m a big believer in long car ride snacking.

 

So, because I like to actually follow my own tips, I made sure to get in some activity yesterday and today.

 

Yesterday Joe’s mom and I hit the streets for a 3.5 mile walk. And today, even in the snow, I headed out for a 4.25 mile run.

 

Not going to lie, I felt pretty cool running in the snow. And honestly, it gets pretty warm once you’re out there long enough.

I was pretty happy with my pace considering the hills and dodging ice and snow patches. Pretty much the opposite of negative splits though. Oh well.

Mile 1 – 9:26/mi

Mile 2- 9:38/mi

Mile 3- 9:45/mi

Mile 4-9:59/mi

Mile 4.25- 9:44/mi

 

Now I’m just hanging out, but tonight I’m going to my first ever Steelers game at Heinz field!!

 

I couldn’t be more excited! But it’s going to be coooold!

 

In the next few days I’m not sure how much I’ll be blogging, so I just want to wish you all safe travels and happy holidays!

What are your plans for the next few days? Are you working or on vacation?

What family traditions do you have?

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