Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

Merry Christmas!!

To be honest, it's kind of weird saying that because today doesn't feel much like Christmas to me. It's my first time not being with a bunch of family members on Christmas day and it's my first time being in Florida during Christmas too. The warmer weather and lack of family throws me off and it feels like just another day. There are some wonderful bonuses of being in Florida during December...trail runs!

Brett and I after a four mile trail run at Little Big Econ

Even though today doesn't feel like Christmas, I don't feel one bit deprived of the holiday festivities. Brett and I just got back last night from Destin, Florida where we celebrated Christmas early with Brett's family. Even though it wasn't as warm and sunny as we had hoped, it was still such a great weekend spending quality time with his parents, sister and brother-in-law and our niece and two nephews.

We exchanged gifts the day after we all got there and had a blast watching the kids excitedly open their new toys. The rest of our time was spent playing with the kids, swimming in the indoor pool, walking along the boardwalk, going on a boat ride, playing games, shopping and eating delicious food. There were some good laughs and conversation all throughout.

It was sad to say goodbye, but we are so thankful for the number of times we've been able to see our families amidst all the traveling we do.

Speaking of traveling, Brett and I leave again tomorrow for a work trip. I'm so glad Brett and I love to travel!



Now onto the oats. One of the gifts I got in my stocking was peanut flour! I've heard a lot about it and always wanted to try it, but never got around to buying it. While I usually like to stay as close to food in it's natural state as possible, this stuff is pretty amazing. I mixed some up with water everyday and used it as a topping for my morning oats.

Today I thought I'd try it in a baked oatmeal. Usually peanut butter flavored oat meals require a decent amount of peanut butter to get a rich, peanut taste. But by using the peanut flour, I was able to make a delicious breakfast rich in flavor without being rich in calories. You can still make this oatmeal with real peanut butter if you don't have peanut flour.

 

Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

(Makes 1 Serving)

 Ingredients:

· 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

· 1/4 cup peanut flour (or two tablespoons peanut butter)

· 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

· 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

· Pinch of salt

· 1 tablespoon flaxseed

· 1/3 cup almond milk

· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

· 2 teaspoons maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a single serving ramekin with cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, mix together the oats, peanut flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flax seed and part of the almond milk. Let this sit for a few minutes.

4. Add in the rest of the almond milk, the vanilla and sweetener to the flax egg and whisk until combined. (if you are using peanut butter instead of peanut flour mix the butter into the wet ingredients.)

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Pour into your prepared ramekin.

7. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.

I experimented with some new recipes this afternoon (cashew cheese and salt rubbed baked potatoes, which Brett and I ate for dinner), but didn't document any other eats since we were in and out all day enjoying the Florida weather. I did get some Arbonne protein shake mixes in the mail from a college friend of mine though and had the chocolate flavored one with lunch! I haven't used protein powder since I went vegan and this stuff was amazing. I'll post my reviews on it soon as well as the cheese and potato recipes.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Linking up with Jenn at Peasandcrayons.

Eat Consciously,

     Faith

Peach Cobbler Baked Oatmeal with Streusel Topping

Brett and I are preparing, AGAIN, to go out of town. I think we will be going on eight different trips this fall, most of which are a week long. It's going to be crazy. And because of all the traveling, I know there will be many days where we are trying to just finish off random food in the fridge or pantry so that we don't have to go to the grocery store right before we leave town.

Today is one of those days. And we don't have much. So, I figured I'd try out another oatmeal recipe: peach cobbler. I'm starting to become more confident in my cooking skills and I think it's time to try out my own recipes and experiment a little more. Once I learn the basics of a dish, it's easier for me to improvise. Since I've gotten oatmeal down pretty well, I decided to create my own recipe with what we had left in the house: a peach. Despite my limited resources, I'm happy with how this oatmeal turned out! It felt like I was having dessert...and that's always fine by me.

Peace Cobbler Baked Oatmeal

With Streusel Topping

(Makes 1 serving)

  

 Ingredients:

· 1/3 cup milk

· 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar

· Splash of vanilla extract

· 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

· 1 tablespoon flaxseed or hemp heart seeds (optional)

· 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

· 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

· 1/3 peach, chopped

For the streusel topping (optional):

· 1 tablespoon oat flour

· 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

· 1/2 teaspoon vegan butter (I used earth balance)

  Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a individual ramekin with cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, syrup and vanilla.

3. Add in the dry ingredients: oats, seeds, baking powder, cinnamon and chopped peach. Mix to combine.

4. Pour the oat mixture into the ramekin.

5. In a separate bowl, use your fingers to combine the streusel topping ingredients: oat flour, cinnamon and butter. It should be crumbly and sticky.

6. Sprinkle the streusel topping on the oats.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Eat Consciously,

     Faith