Vegan Spiced Strawberry Oatmeal

Vegan Spiced Strawberry Oatmeal

I'm a huge morning person, which for me includes eating a gigantic, filling breakfast. As I've begun my transition to ovo-vegetarian (a vegetarian who doesn't have milk), oatmeal has become my crutch. Not only is it healthy, convenient, easy and packed with protein (11 grams in each cup) - but it's also sweet, luxurious, and makes the transition that much more comfortable.

I discovered this awesome combination while scrounging for food in our under-stocked pantry. I was impressed enough to share it with you. When I find my camera I'll take some pictures. This recipe provides two servings of about 1 1/2 cups very thick cooked oatmeal.

You Will Need:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup water
1 cup rice/almond milk (or more if you like thin oatmeal)
1 pinch of salt
2-4 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (to taste)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp honey
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen strawberries (the riper the better; feel free to experiment with other berries)
1 tsp vanilla extract

The Oatmeal:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan except rolled oats. Cook until boiling, stirring occasionally. When boiling add rolled oats, and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and serve warm or refrigerate for later.

Let me know what you think!

Strawberry Creamcheese Crepes

I absolutely adore crepes. They're delicious, sweet, savory - they're whatever you want them to be. I hope you like these as much as my family did.

You Will Need:

5 Crepes (Pre-made or fresh)

3 Cups strawberries

11/2 Cups Cream Cheese

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar plus more for garnish

To Cook:

1. Dice up your strawberries - set aside 1/2 cup in a small bowl with granulated sugar, stir and let sit. This will turn into a strawberry syrup.
2. In a separate bowl,  combine vanilla extract, powdered sugar and cream cheese. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
3. In each crepe, put 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries, some cream cheese filling, roll up and plate. Garnish with powdered sugar, cream cheese filling and the strawberry syrup. Enjoy. :)

Strawberry Surprise Smoothie

Smoothies are a fantastic way to satisfy sugar cravings, get a good start to your day, a perfect breakfast-to-go, their kid friendly, and best of all, they're delicious. But a hidden secret about smoothies is how easy it is to pack them full of nutrients. This smoothie is designed for pre-workouts, but they're also good for kids going to a soccer game. 

Ingredients:

1 Cup of ice cubes (around 12 medium cubes)

1 Cup yogurt (for a vegan alternative, use 1/2 almond milk and a banana)

1/2 Avocado

3 Cups chopped strawberries

(Optional) Bananas for added sweetness

Combine all ingredients in your blender. Add the yogurt first to prevent burning out your motor. Blend on smoothie or an equivalent setting. If it isn't sweet enough, add some banana or honey. For added protein, put in some chopped almonds or a handful of rolled oats. This smoothie is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Enjoy. :)