The Cure for Anything

It’s been a relaxing yet productive weekend.  Today I baked a loaf of cinnamon bread, changed the air filter in my car, worked out for 2 hours, painted my nails, and roasted a chicken (Patricia Wells’ version).

Oh, and I fixed my kitchen sink.  Well, first I sort of broke my kitchen sink.  In case you ever wondered, the lid to a Ball jar fits perfectly in the drain of your kitchen sink.  It would be a great stopper, except there’s handle to remove it.  Ooops.  First I tried to pry it up with a butter knife.  No go.  Next, I used a plunger to create suction.  Still wedged.  Then I had a brilliant idea.  I called my son and asked him if I could borrow his camping hatchet.  His reply was, “Whhhhyyyy?”  I just started laughing.  I told him that I needed to fix something.  😉  I ended up just using a screwdriver instead of a hatchet.  I hacked a hole through the lid and then used the screwdriver to pry it out.  I’m not sure if I’m dangerous or ingenious. 🙂

I use Ball jars when I make overnight oats.  It’s the perfect portable breakfast.  I usually eat breakfast twice, once at home and once after I get to work.  I love oatmeal, and the nice part about it is that I can make it the night before and just pop it in my lunch (and breakfast, and snack) bag in the morning.  Two of my favorite recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons  peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup  Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk, or sub another milk
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 tsp. stevia, or sub another sweetener ( I like honey)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Mini dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs

1. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 10 seconds, stir for 10 seconds, and microwave for 10 more seconds.
2. Add in the yogurt, milk, oats, sweetener, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Stir well and make sure the peanut butter is mashed in thoroughly.
4. If desired, add in mini dark chocolate chips and stir into the oats.
5. Transfer the mixture into a small jar or sealed container.
6. Place in the fridge for at least an hour or until oats are completely softened.
7. Store overnight oats in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Sometimes I add a scoop of chocolate protein powder to it as well.

Overnight Oats With Strawberries and Chia Seeds

Prepare oats the night before.
Ingredients
1/2 cup old fashioned oats (not quick cooking oats)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon honey
4 large strawberries, cored and thinly sliced

Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours.