What makes a great oatmeal breakfast?

If it's not a little spicy, it's nothing but plain.

     This is one of the delicious ways that I found to turn boring plain oatmeal into a can't get enough dish. 

Make your plain oatmeal as you normally would. You can add a Tbsp of Coconut oil to make it a little smoother. (Note: coconut oil is good for brain function and helping with other health issues,)  Add slices of avocado for some healthy fat and to spice  things up add a couple tablespoons of corn salsa.  You can also add a few black olives if you like. Don't add milk  there is usually enough liquid with the coconut oil and salsa. This dish makes a great meal anytime of the day and only takes a couple minutes to make. So the next time someone complains about plain old oatmeal.

Spice it up!

Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Syrup

Dark Chocolate Syrup Oatmeal

Like I said many a time before keep it simple, and make it taste great.

In this oatmeal I simply added dark chocolate syrup over the top of my oatmeal. I chose dark chocolate for it's low sugar and health benefits. For those of you who have a sweat tooth use regular chocolate syrup. Cook your oatmeal as usual and simply top with syrup.

Now this is not one of my favorites, as I am not a chocolate fanatic, but as a kid I do remember looking for anything to make my oatmeal taste better. I also remember trying to come up with a good excuse as to why the chocolate syrup mysteriously disappeared and why I had chocolate all over my face. As an adult I don't have to make excuses, I just have to decide is it healthy, and does it taste great.

    I hope my readers understand that my main goal is to make healthy food like oatmeal taste great.

I look forword to hearing your constructive comments and ideas.

Make it simple, make it taste great.

Oatmeal and Spicy Salsa

Spicy Salsa and Oatmeal

One of my favorite Oatmeal's is just two ingredients, salsa and oatmeal. The great thing about it is that it is simple and there are a large variety of salsas to choose from. You can make it as hot or as mild as you want and it makes a great addition to your morning breakfast. It is also a great way to kick start your Agni fire if your into Aravada. So make it simple, and make it great tasting.

To a 1/2 a cup of quick oats, cooked as directed I added 2 to 4 tablespoons of my favorite salsa and that's it.

Sometimes you just have to try something different!

Basic Beef and 16 Bean Soup in a crock pot.

              Basic Beef and 16 Bean Soup in crock pot.

This is a basic soup recipe that can be applied to just about any bean soup cooked in a cockpot. The secret is in how you layer your ingredients in the crockpot. Making sure to put your meats on the bottom and your fast cooking items on the top.

Oatmeal raisins and dates breakfast

Oatmeal raisins and dates breakfast

To a bowl of quick oats add boiling water to make your oatmeal then add the following.

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 rounded teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of chopped dates (note: they are high in sugar so a small amount goes a long way)

1 teaspoon of raisins (optional)

And mix well

Add a teaspoon shredded carrot on top for color
Add almond milk ( milk substitute)

Serve with a small glass of Kefir (better than yogurt) and a cranberry orange muffin with sunflower seeds or toast.

(Warning: dates may have processed in a facility that processes nuts and dairy products. If you have allergies be sure and check product labeling before consuming)

Bacon and Eggs Oatmeal Breakfast

Egg Oatmeal Breakfast

This is a no sugar oatmeal breakfast and I have been told that it is a good breakfast for diabetics. The added proteins from the egg gives it a little extra pick me up and is good for brain function.

(1) Start with a half a cup or more of quick oats. Add boiling water and let set for a few seconds. Add a tablespoon of butter for a more flavorful and creamy texture (coconut oil may be substituted). Stir until melted. Then add one egg and stir in thoroughly.

(2) Add an 1/8 cup of chopped nuts or sunflower seeds, raw or roasted .

(3) Add some alfalfa sprouts or finely chopped carrots and onions, about 1/4 cup.

 (4) Add garlic powder, pepper or season to taste. I sometimes add bacon bits to give it a eggs and bacon flavor. The nuts and vegetables can be left out if they are not to your liking.

As we say in Nevada, dig in and enjoy

Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Delight

Oatmeal Breakfast Delight

"There is nothing like oatmeal to get you through the day.", my father would say. Growing up we had oatmeal for breakfast every day and that can get pretty old pretty fast when your a kid. My sister would say that the reason he cooked it every day was because that was the only thing he knew how to cook. But my guess is my father growing up in the Depression considered this to be a very good meal as opposed to nothing. 

Eating plain oatmeal everyday seemed like torture, but now that I'm older I see the importance of having a nutritional meal to start the day, and oatmeal is a good way to help lower your cholesterol. But that doesn't mean you have to eat the same old oatmeal day in and day out as I did. So here's one of the ways that I jazz up my oatmeal. I start with a half cup to a cup of quick oats and add boiling water. I add just enough hot water to thicken the oatmeal and let stand for a minute.

I then stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional). Stir until coconut oil is completely melted. This makes the oatmeal more creamy. Some research indicates that coconut oil can help fight off Alzheimer's disease and improves brain function. I then add 1 tablespoon or less of brown sugar. With the addition of raisins not a lot of brown sugar is needed. I add 1/4 cup or less of raisins for additional flavor and sweetening. I then add 1/8 cup of dry roasted sunflower seeds or chopped dry roasted peanuts. This gives the oatmeal a bit of a crunch and added protein. Put in milk or almond milk to help cool it down and add flavor. Add a hot cup of black tea and maybe some toast or juice and breakfast is ready in less than 5 min. It is also healthier and cheaper than any prepackaged oatmeal breakfast.

peanut barbecue chicken breast

Peanut Barbecue Chicken Breast 

Chopped peanut barbecue chicken breast with french fries or Rice with organic raspberry salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Start with a 12 x 12 baking pan or larger, line with aluminum foil and spray with cooking oil. Four large boneless skinless chicken breasts liberally drizzled with with your favorite barbecue sauce and sprinkle liberally with 1/2 cup chopped peanuts. Bake at 425°F for 30 min., 45 min if using frozen chicken breasts, check periodically by cutting into the breast to make sure chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked.(cooking times may vary based on altitude and how frozen meat is.) Be sure to use safe cooking practices when handling meat products, meat should be white all the way through. barbecue sauce that is spilled over onto the pan may be burnt and can be discarded. Serve with buttered broccoli or your favorite vegetable and your favorite rice dish.

    Chicken breast may also be cut up and added to a garden salad with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Remember to keep it simple and never be afraid to try new flavor combinations.