Grits!
I told you the polenta would be making another appearance 😉
I basically prepared them the same as I do the marshmallow banana oatmeal but added the grits when the liquid was near boiling (since the package instructed this method). Next time I think I will add them at the beginning of cooking so it will be a slower heat – the grits were too hot to eat for a while! I made them with 1.5 servings of grits each (about 1/3 cup each) plus 1/2 cup skim milk and 1.5 cups water. I added 1 oz of raisins and 2 small bananas at the beginning as well. When they were thick, I added 2 tsp of brown sugar and topped ’em with toasty walnuts!
While this was delicious, I’ll say it again and again: Kath Classic Oats are still #1!!
With coffee –
Today’s breakfast was roughly 441 kcal, 7 grams fiber and 12 grams protein. That’s quite a bit less fiber and protein than normal so we’ll see how well these hold me. More calories also came from sugar (raisins, banana and brown sugar) so I suspect I’ll be hungry sooner!
My car in the shop – blarg. But luckily we live only about a mile and a quarter from the Honda dealership so I’m going to walk/run there when it’s done. I’m planning on more walking/running in conjunction with the car pickup for some exercise. Until then, I’m “running errands” on my computer 🙂
New Favorite!
Found this Vanilla Nut Creme Tea at EarthFare. Didn’t even notice it was decaf until I got home, but that works well for tea for dessert! It’s VERY yummy. And the box said “best with milk and sugar” so that was my cue to add a little splenda today. I’m still on the fence about splenda…
BlogHer Here We Come!
It’s official!! My mom and I are going to the BlogHer Annual Blogging Conference in San Francisco this July 16-20!!!! Just booked the flights this morning. Can’t wait to hone my blogging skills and meet some of you West Coast readers 🙂
Petite Yogini says
So are grits basically cornmeal?
Stacy says
Hi Kath, Hope you got a chance to see the Early Show this morning. The weather guy, Dave Price spent all morning at Davidson. Also, you’ve inspired me with you’re trying to cut back on splenda to try to cut back on creamer in my coffee. This morning I did just nonfat milk, and while not as sweet and dessert like as it usual is with my International Delight, I think I could adjust 🙂
Katie R says
Hi Kath! Okay so I might be a little slow… but can you just explain what polenta is? Would it be considered a grain? I’ve never had polenta or grits so I’m a little out of the loop but your breakfast looks delicious so I would definitely love to try it!!
Katie says
I can honestly say I’ve never eaten grits. But you do make them look quite yummy.
NCCarter says
Hey Kath,
Just thought I’d pass this article about Davidson from the News and Observer (Raleigh) along to you.
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/higher_education/story/1014738.html
PS – Sorry about your Blue Devils big loss last weekend….heh heh heh. Go Heels! 🙂 (what can I say? I’m a UNC grad!)
Betsy says
my mom…a HUGE fan of grits, it’s those southern roots again. me…not so much. your photography makes them look extra creamy and delicious though!
Cara says
I want to go to the blogher event sooo bad. I can’t afford it this year though. I am excited to hear all about it though.
I love how you prepared your grits, it looks much better than the traditional butter that is added.
caitlin (in FL) says
hey kath! i have a breakfast suggestion for you… and readers! maybe it will be on par with the oatmeal!
1 cup kashi go lean crunch!
1/2 cup danon all natural yogurt
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp flax
6 medium strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, or some mango
mix all together…. SOOOO DELICIOUS!
only 350 calories, 18 g of protein, and 12 g of fiber!
🙂 it’s my favorite breakfast.
DaisyMAY says
I like the change up from oatmeal. I honestly have never had grits either. The consistency reminds me of oatmeal. Do you think you would switch this up for oatmeal like once a week?
KarenR says
I fed my 19 month old Kath classic for breakfast this morning. She really admired the banana marshmallows for their “whimsy” and thought my new Tahitian vanilla “rounded out the dish nicely.”
(Now if I could only upload the picture with it all over her face!)
BethT says
Glad to hear about Blogher! I have at least 40 restaurants you would love to attend in SF :p Hope we can meet for a meal and/or a jog in Golden Gate Park!
Romina says
I’ve never had polenta for breakfast!! This is a new idea for me, I’ll have to try it, we have so much.
Kelly T says
Wait, so polenta is just grits? Ive eaten grits since i was little. i didnt know they were the same thing.
My mom usually makes them with tons of butter and cheddar cheese. I just make them now with some honey and a little bit of cinnamon. so good.
Susan says
Kath,
Here’s the picture I was referring to.
https://www.katheats.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/dsc04011.JPG
Is that really parsnip?
Steph says
How exciting! Have you ever been to the San Francisco Bay Area before? It’s a great place to live =)
BethT says
Kelly T – my husband asked this same question. The grind of the corn makes them a little different, so don’t worry – you haven’t been eating polenta unknowingly :p
BethT says
Steph are you in the Bay Area too?
kim says
Here’s a question for folks. What song best describes your relationship with food? Mine is Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson. Heh heh, trying to seperate from cookies/chocolate.
Tara says
Kath,
Do you know how many people are near the BlogHer conference in SF? It sure would be nice to meet up for KERF dinner in SF. But I wouldn’t want to make you go through all the effort if it’s just me!
~Tara
Kelly L. says
Popcorn Eaters- Has anyone ever popped popcorn in the microwave using the paper bag method? I keep reading about it. YOu just put a couple tablespoons in a paper bag. fold it over, staple it twice (it doesn’t spark) and pop it in the microwave. Then you season with what ever you want. ANyone?
Laura says
Kath, husband, or if someone else knows (it’s a baking question)
Ok, so my dad told me not to use the arm n’ hammer baking soda we use in our fridge when baking. He said it’s not made for baking. Is this true? What type of bs am I supposed to use? I used bp instead, but the recipe already had acidic ingredients. It rose, but would I have gotten a different effect with bs?
Know, my dad has never baked in his life. Thanks!
KarenR says
Kelly L, I pop popcorn that way all the time. I don’t even staple the bag (just fold it over), so occasionally if I don’t pay attention it pops out of the bag. I do it for my kids because I hate the idea of all the chemicals in the microwavable bags! The people who work in the factories have lung troubles as a result of working with them. I just melt real butter and pour it over for the kids. Plus, it’s cheaper!
Stacy says
I’m not a master baker, but I always use the baking soda we have in the fridge for recipes and haven’t noticed any adverse effects.
Tara says
My husband made Alton Brown’s “Perfect Popcorn” which is A-mazing! For the”popcorn salt” we just put salt in our Magic Bullet (if you don’t have one of these, it’s worth getting, although a food processor/coffee grinder might work for this task). This was DELICIOUS! So good that my sister in law wrote about it on her blog!
3 tablespoons peanut oil
3 ounces popcorn kernels, approximately 1/2 cup
1/2 teaspoon popcorn salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Place the oil, popcorn and salt in a large, 6-quart, metal mixing bowl. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and poke 10 slits in the top with a knife.
Place the bowl over medium heat and shake constantly using a pair of tongs to hold the bowl. Continue shaking until the popcorn finishes popping, approximately 3 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the heat and carefully remove the foil. Stir in any salt that is on the side of the bowl.
Melt the butter in the microwave. Slowly drizzle over the popcorn, while spinning the bowl. Serve immediately.
Blondyy says
Laura and Stacy,
When you store baking soda in the fridge, it tends to absorb the oders, etc from the other foods in your fridge, so if you are using it for baking, you want to store it in your cupboard. I have been baking with it since I was a little kid, and it works just fine! I think maybe Laura, your dad was just refferring to the fridge aspect and not the baking soda itself??
LT says
kelly L – i just recently started using this method and LOOOOovee it!!
Lucy says
Yey!! Kath is coming to the bay area!! I’m in San Jose, which is about 50 minutes from SF! Kath, you will love it here. It’s such a beautiful city!
VeggieGirl says
I’ve never eaten grits, but I can DEFINITELY say that your signature oatmeal not only looks better, but tastes better too :0D
How exciting that you will be attending the BlogHer conference!!!
Kelly T says
Kelly L. I’ve never heard of that before, but i have a huge bag of loose kernels i can do thatwith. i usually put it in a bowl and covver it with plastci wrap but a lot of them dont pop. thatnks for the idea.
My food song is Peaches, but the Presidents of the United States of America, because i like peaches. No, wait, Eat It by weird al. Or maybe just the jingle for hot pockets. HOT POCKETS! Hey, this is fun.
Jill - GlossyVeneer says
I’ll be at BlogHer this year. Are you planning on renting out a kitchen to make mass batches of Kath’s Classic Oats for everyone? 😉
Kiala says
We’re going to Blogher! We plan on stalking Heather Armstrong and drinking the entire time. I apologize in advance for my behavior when we all meet.
Amy says
Wow, does that really work, the paper bag popcorn in the microwave method?? I always thought the microwave popcorn bags were made special, but if I can make my own in the microwave, I have to try!
Caroline says
Kath, if you haven’t already, you should also try the Stash Ginger Peach tea. It is soooo yummy!
Kelly L. says
Popcorn commentors- Thanks for the input. What do you like to add to it seasoning wise? I’m going to make it without the butter and oil and just season it up really good. What a great way to get in whole grains (although I don’t have a problem with that). I love sugar and cinnamon on my popcorn, also Old Bay, and garlic salt are great too.
I love love LOVE kettle korn and used to eat the live Orville kind but it has Splenda in it. I’m trying to cut out artificial sweetners so I wsa lookin for an alternative. I know I’ll still have Splenda in products rarely but my main concerns are Aspartame, Sugar alcholols, and acesulfame potassium. Splenda (in my opinion) does seem to be the safer of the sweetners.
Tina O. says
I just bought an air popper and I love it! Even my 14 yr. old can use it. I just melt butter in the microwave to pour on. And add cheese or nutritional yeast, it is really good!
ashley says
Hey everyone! I’d love everyone’s opinion on this and Kath’s : ) What’s the balance between protein, fats, and carbs that everyone on here typically gets (i.e 20% fat 20%protein 60%carbs or?) Do you find one works better for you on staying leaner and more full? Also, does anyone else have this problem, I’m very lean but I seem to have the tiniest bit extra on the sides of my stomach, grr! I just can’t seem to tighten it up completley, any recommendations? Thanks everyone!!! : )
arimcg says
I’ve done the paper bag in the microwave technique. It works. Don’t forget to seal the bag.
Kelly T says
Aw, I wanna come. Maybe next year. Are they annual?
KarenR says
KellyL, I have to say that the popcorn is pretty blah on its own. It’s just air-popped after all, even in the micro. I stubbornly continue to mix a little oil in the kernels at the bottom of the bag even though it doesn’t make any difference. Also, I don’t think any seasoning would stick to it without some “glue.” What I have been planning to try is some oil sprayed on (but I have to get a Misto first!) If the I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter spray doesn’t creep you out, that would be perfect. For now, I melt butter in the micro and pour it over the popcorn with some salt. Or cinnamon sugar. Don’t judge me. It’s for the KIDS, people!
A little summary of the method: Take a brown paper lunch bag, pour some regular kernels in the bottom, less than will cover the bottom. Fold the top down, staple if you want to. Put it in the micro for a couple minutes, until the pops slow down, just like the commercial package. Eat it as is or put some grease and spice on it. Yum.
Tina says
I feel like I am missing out on the BlogHer event!
Betsy says
Kelly L
I do it too. My freshman year roommate taught me and for a while I popped popcorn like that all the time. Haven’t done it in a while though..maybe it’s time to make some again!!
Kelly T
ooooo-LOVE that song. reminds me of middle school.
Ellen says
I’m in the SF Bay Area as well. There are so many great things to check out, so let me know if you need any suggestions!
Kiala says
BlogHer IS annual. They hold it in a different city every year. I’ve never been but the hotel they’re doing it at this year looks awesome and Dane wants to “network” with interactive agencies while we’re down there. Whatever. I want to get a massage and eat pho and drink booze. Wait. I can do that here.
I might have to rethink this.
BethT says
Kiala, one of the best bars in the city is less than half a mile from that hotel…
You can get drunk in style post massage. :p
GreenTea says
OH MY GOSH you all…
I just looked at the “Tips for Easy Dieting” article which comes up on the Yahoo page…
Out of curiosity I read some of the comments…no wonder the US has an obesity problem… 🙁
Kelly T says
The fact they wrote an article titled “Tips for Easy Dieting” shows why america is so obese. The fact they say that they have EASY TIPS makes people think that doing it on your own with normal, moderate eating and exercise is hard. thats not the message we should be sending. thats why people fall for tricks and gimmicks, they think its impossible to do without them.
ashley says
Hey for an Oatmeal suggestion, I made this yesterday morning and it was DIVINE!
1/2 cup oats
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or vanilla hemp would work nicely, i use blue diamond almond milk brand)
1 medium banana
3 large strawberries
make oats on stovetop with 1/2 of banana cut in and strawberries cut in slices stirred in
when done stir in
2/3 tbsp flax
the sliced up other half of banana
6 sliced almonds
1 tsp cinnamon
.5 tbsp peanut butter
.5 tbsp honey
it’s 445 calories,
15 grams protein
and it was really, really, yummy
Tina O. says
Regarding the “easy dieting”, my MIL is quite overweight. When I recently lost 13 lbs., she asked me how I did it, I said, portion control and working out. She said, really? like she didn’t believe it. She’s always going on about some ‘diet’ to try. I keep telling her, its simple, calories in, calories out. Sadly, she really won’t do anything about it. She doesn’t want to work for it. After she had her 5 kids, her doctor (in the 70’s) gave her anphetimines and she dropped the weight immediately (of course) and now she expects the same instant results. Its really sad. But good for me, I think I’m going to get her (unused) treadmill!
ppp says
hey kath – you may have already answered this but where did you get those coral bowls? i LOVE them.
thanks! 🙂
Kath says
Re. Grits/polenta,
Alton Brown did a Good Eats episode on them and he says they are basically the same thing (and my bag says “Corn Grits” a.k.a. Polenta. Here’s the Good Eats episode if you want to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofJ3v_a6UUE
NCCarter ,
Thanks for the article!
caitlin (in FL),
Sounds like a good alternative in the hot summer heat!
DaisyMAY,
I doubt I’ll eat this once a week, but I probably will again in the future.
KarenR ,
Cute!! Glad your daughter liked it 🙂
BethT ,
A jog would be a fun way to meet! But I’d have to shower first – I’m not about to meet you guys without one!
Susan ,
I’m pretty sure those are turnips. That was our Christmas feast and I think we had a lot of them for that.
Tara ,
We’re arriving on Wed. the 16th late in the day and will be conferencing Friday and Sat. so I’m thinking Thursday the 17th dinner would work for whoever wants to meet me!
Jill and Kiala ,
So cool y’all are going too!! I can’t wait to learn more about what they’ll be offering this year.
Caroline ,
Thanks for the rec! I love tea 🙂
ashley ,
I don’t pay attention to percentages at all since it’s all about calories in/calories out. But I do try to balance my meals between the food groups. I find I’m most satisfied with fat and fiber, with protein a close second. And I have to have grains at almost every meal.
ppp ,
Unfortunately, a small boutique shop here in Charlotte.
Kath
Kiala says
BethT…what is the name of this bar please?
Tara says
17th sounds great!
BethT says
Kiala – Bourbon and Branch, it’s a speakeasy. They have two “levels” to the bar – a drop in area and a reserved area. If you make reservations for the reserved area, the drink list is seriously 40 pages long. And the drinks are amazing!!
http://bourbonandbranch.com/
BethT says
OK Kath, we can jog and then go to a meal stinky and sweaty once we know each other better 😀 Fun stuff! Can’t wait to decide where to go…oh, the choices!
MLT says
Hey- I just had to weigh in on the popcorn conversation…I also do the stove-top method mentioned above, but without the salt and butter. As someone mentioned, it is dry, but I have learned to love it! you really taste the corn flavor.
also, this may sound weird at first but when my husband and I do want flavor on it we love soy sauce! sooo good! my brother likes it this way too…except he dips each kernel. (way to much work for me). My husband likes to mix oregeno and soy sauce- he calls it “east meets west”– a little too strange for me, but seriously, the soy sauce is awesome, give it a try when you’re in the mood for something new (and salty, of course!)
Chelsea says
You’ve already met one California reader 😉 and this time my house isn’t being renovated so you can come and visit! I may have the nursery started by then =D
Kath says
Chels!!,
When are you due?! I totally want to see you preggers! I hope we can get together – sounds like I won’t be leaving the city (since we dont’ have a car) – do you think you could make it in? I guess you have no way of knowing that 4 months in advance though 🙂
K
Steph says
BethT: Yep! I was born and raised in the Bay Area. Although I live in the east bay, not San Francisco. It’s about 35 min from the city.
Lisa Stone says
Kath, I’m so glad you’re coming! Look forward to meeting you and your mom there. (My mom came last year, and this year she’s coming back : )