I’m not one for food rules, but one rule that I do have for myself is to eat a tin of sardines each week. I should eat them twice a week! I keep forgetting though. You know how the experts say you’ll eat what you can see (i.e. the fruit bowl?) Maybe I need a fruit bowl of sardine tins on my countertop.
So in an effort to get more omega-3s, calcium and vitamin D in my life, I decided to try a new kind of oatmeal. Hear me out on this one – at first glance it seems like a terrible idea but it’s actually a delicious twist on savory oats!
These sardines are slightly sweet from the maple syrup and the smokiness gives them a great sweet/savory flavor. If I can do egg and avocado on oatmeal or goat cheese and balsamic, then what’s the difference in this and fish served over risotto for dinner?
I ended up mashing the sardines in along with a little almond butter. This kept me full for SIX hours. How is that for a powerhouse breakfast.
Served with a cup of joe. I also ended up pouring a little of the leftover juice into my frothed coffee – mmmm fishy!
Kayley @ there's love in it all says
I’ll be honest. I cringed at first.
The more that I think about the flavor combinations now, i’m really starting to think I’d like to try it! And 6 hours!! That’s definitely worth a try!
april fools????????? says
This has got to be an April Fools, right???????? EWWW
mary @ minutes per mile says
ditto!
CaitlinHTP says
You should rinse with bacon mouthwash afterwards!
Caitlin says
And wash with the Dial garlic scented body wash! :p
Laura Z says
Are you fooling? I like sardines but not in my coffee. 🙂
Emmy says
Great April Fool’s joke! Love it!
Nina says
April Fools! Right? 🙂
Kerry McDougall says
Ha, you had me till the coffee. Happy April Fools Day!
Melissa says
Me too! I can’t believe I didn’t realize before that part! Nice one, Kath!
Sarah says
Yup I was with it until the coffee comment.
Minerva says
You got me for a milisecond! I was like hmmm, maybe there are some omegas in the juice…
🙂
Lily says
Sardine juice in coffee? Yeah right! April Fools totally! 😉
Rebecca King says
I like sardines but I’m pretty sure I couldn’t gag them down on oatmeal.
Elizabeth says
Hahaha I was also convinced until the coffee!!! Great one!
Joanne says
Nothing wong with sardines for breakfast. Natural really.
I eat at least 3-4 tins of sardines per week. They’re just SO convenient. (and cheap)
Hannah says
I believed you!! And I think I just lost my appetite for oats this morning. 🙂
Alex says
I think I’m gonna stick to my fish oil supplement! I hope this was an April fools joke.
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
April Fools or not – just the fact that you HAVE sardines in the house…
Definitely braver than I am! I don’t think I could get past the look, let alone the smell, the taste, etc… I’m not much of a fish fan. Gimme some fish oil supplements and I’ll be good to go! 🙂
RunEatRepeat says
Ha!
Amy in Canada says
Ha ha ha–you got me until the coffee!
Cait says
same!
Kristen says
Totally fooled me until the frothed coffee part! This is the best April Fools blog post I’ve seen so far today 🙂
Farah says
Love the April Fool’s joke 🙂 Though you’ve got me thinking about trying sardines again…bought a tin a while ago but just couldn’t get past the fishy smell 🙁 Crazy right – especially when I love salmon, trout & tuna – all “fishy” fish!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Fishy coffee… Mmmmmm ;-).
Emily @ The Swallow Flies says
OMG. I am so glad today is April Fool’s because that is icky. 🙂
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Oh I’m all about savory oatmeal, I actually made tuna oats one day when I got back from vacation and had nothing in my fridge! I do have a question about sardines though – I bought them once from Trader Joe’s and they had tons of little bones in them. Is that normal? Do you just have to pick them out?
KathEats says
The bones should be totally soft – not like a fish bone at all. They are completely edible. Just mash them in.
Laura L says
You totally had me until the peanut butter 😉 Good one!
chris says
I am reminded that in Scandinavian countries, herring is like bacon to us 🙂 The new breakfast “meat!”
Mom says
I bet if you let him add sardines, Dad will start eating oatmeal!
Kristen @ the concrete runner says
My favorite comment! Haha! Love your mom Kath! Read this 4 days later, but too funny!
Sam says
Haha. Yeah, that last part about the coffee has to be an April Fool’s joke!
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body says
I was trying to be open minded until you got to the fishy coffee… I’m such a sucker.
Tina says
I loved starting the day with smoked fish & the japanese version of oatmeal during my time in Japan, so I can see you liking it…but since its the first april I doubt it.
PS: I still have the tin of smoked trout sitting on my kitchen counter I manager to get into the country from the US trip, waiting for the first strawberries to enjoy it.
Jane @ Not Plain So Jane says
Do you have a favorite brand of sardines or a go-to kind you buy? I think your rule about 1 can/tin a week is a good one!
KathEats says
I love the brand in the top photo, although they’re a little more expensive. I love the TJ’s smoked herring and trout too!
Christina says
I am OBSESSED with TJ’s smoked herring and trout; probably eat it about 3-4 times a week for lunch! I <3 sardines 🙂
Sarah says
Hmmm; I’m definitely intrigued by this idea…but…I don’t know if I’m brave enough to try it 😉
Bruna @ morgbu.com says
that’s just gross, I hope it’s a joke lol
Deb @ Dietitian Debbie Dishes says
Who needs milk when you can start your day off with a little sardine juice in your coffee?! Lol. Gotta love a little April Fool’s fun! 🙂
Danielle says
I am laughing at the commenters who think this is for serious – LOL! (How could you read the part about the fish juice and the coffee and actually believe that?!) April Fool’s 😀
Tonya says
I was going to type: “Kath–I think you may have lost your mind!” then the lightbulb went off and I realized it HAD to be an April Fool’s joke. Too funny!!
Erika says
I need to eat more sardines. I kind of forget about them. This looks good 🙂
Andrea says
Ha! You got me! It actually took me about twenty minutes AFTER reading this to realize it’s April Fool’s Day. I can’t stomach the thought of savory oats to begin with, so the sardine oats had me horrified!
Katryn says
HAHAHA, I am embarrassed to admit that I COMPLETELY fell for this until I read other comments. Too funny…’powerhouse breakfast’…hehe. 🙂
Katherine says
wow- that’s awesome! where do you buy them?
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Katie says
Hi Kath,
Where do you buy the Bar Harbor sardines in maple syrup? I’ve searched everywhere but can’t seem to find them.
Thanks!
KathEats says
They’re from our whole foods
Kat @ Kat's Health Corner says
Okay, I LOVE sardines, probably have them 4 times a week, but I am really hoping this is an April Fools joke. Oatmeal AND almond butter? There’s absolutely no way!
Meghan says
hahah. until the last line, i totally thought you were being serious. meaning i totally thought you were pregnant again 😉
jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com says
Mmm, frothy sardine juices… I love a good old fashioned fooling!
Mary says
If you hadn’t put the fish juice in coffee part at the end I would’ve fallen for this! All types of savory oats make my stomach turn, no savory oats for this girl, April Fools or not.
Kris says
I ate fish for breakfast when we lived in Europe, and I still do on cruises, but the idea of it on oatmeal turns my stomach from oatmeal. I guess it would be basically like fish porridge. But what’s with bloggers and April Fool’s?
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
LOL I fell for it too. I was all, I’m on the sardine train, but in OATMEAL?! haha
Mommypage says
Wow, that would be quite a combination. I definitely believed you at first, but it’s a relief it was just an April Fools joke. You always have the best oatmeal recipes so I was shocked!
Jelena@ FabLifePhd says
Actually, I am crazy about sardines. I smash them on my bread or dip the bread into sauce.
Somehow, I was not aware that they are healthy 🙂 Now seriously, are sardines good or not?
KathEats says
One of the healthiest foods there is!
Lindsey says
I actually thought about buying some sardines to try while I was at the store today, but I’ll level with ya – I’m kind of scared. I live with a roommate, so what’s the smell factor with canned fish?
KathEats says
Medium. Does your roomie despise fish? If so, I might say pick a day when she/he’s not at home. If they like fish, see if they’ll partake!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Hahaha I do hope this is an April Fools!
Tracy says
Ok so I’m assuming this is a 4/1 joke (you totally got me until I read the comments!), but I do have a question about trying to eat fish twice a week. I like (not love) sardines, but I loooove canned salmon & trout and eat them much more often. Does that count??
KathEats says
Yes, salmon and trout are excellent!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Completely fell for it!!! (Though as a random aside you get the ones with bones for more Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium!) Happy April!
Rachel @ Eat, Learn, Discover! says
Um. What. Part of me has a huge feeling that this is a joke, but part of me also thinks that this could possibly be kind of tasty. But then again I like really weird foods.
Except fish juice in coffee? Hell no.
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
sardine juice in your coffee….now that is brave!
Kieran says
I love smoked herring but am afraid to try sardines. Is the taste similar?
KathEats says
Yes, very similar
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
I would definitely love to try sardines on oatmeal–great savory oat dish! I’m not on board with the fishy coffee, though; I’ve already tried pu-erh tea and some of it tastes like smoked fish + tea…weird combo. And the pu-erh tea isn’t a joke!
Sarah says
Ha- that was a good one! I was totally grossed out.
Louise says
Ha, good one! I know this has to be an AFD joke because there isn’t any nut butter in the oats. 😉
Kori says
Hahaha you’re hilarious! I might be wrong, but those grains don’t look like oats, at least not old fashioned oats. I believe this was a savory lunch of some kind. 🙂
KathEats says
Coaches oats!
Kate, RD says
I wasn’t entirely shocked by sardines in oatmeal. I would never try it, but I thought “I wouldn’t put that past Kath.” Then I read about the almond butter and was like, “eew, but whatever floats your boat”. Then I read the part about the coffee and thought “duh, April fools”. Good one, Kath:-)
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
I just got sardine from Trader Joes- thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
Haha! So it was an April Fool’s joke? I thought it might be but you know the creations us food bloggers come up with! 😉
Lisa says
HA!!! You had me up until the very last line! I have to say , that was good!
!
Elisabeth says
I totally bought this…until the coffee 😉
Paula says
I do love fish and grits together. But I’m talking fried fish and grits with lots of butter and maybe some cheese so that would be nothing like some healthy smoked fish and oatmeal. So no, I wouldn’t try that recipe even if it wasn’t April Fools day. My oldest son was born on this day many years ago. Nobody ever believes it’s his birthday.
Cait's Plate says
I almost don’t know if I should believe this to be an April Fools given how much you love sardines! 😉
cath@1970kikiproject says
you TOTALLY got me, kath!! haha!! i read your post this morning and honest, a couple times today my mind went back to sardines and oatmeal (??!).
thanks for the joke!!
Michele says
Yeah….no. I love sardines but can’t imagine them in oatmeal with nut butter. And the fishy coffee? I think you got us Kath! 🙂
Silviu says
Sardines … ? smokiness… ?? The whole thing looks disgusting. However, I will eat them all because I’m crazy about sardines and I don’t care too much of the visual appearance. April fool or not I like fish and sardines are one of my favorites. I prefer them with vinegar, though.
Silviu
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
I was thinking that it was an April Fool’s joke too! lol! I consider myself a foodie and have tried many “weird” foods and food combinations in my life but this one still has me shocked! I still can’t wrap my head around it, lol!!
Alyssa says
I had NO idea this was a April Fool’s joke until it was mentioned on Meals & Miles. Seriously, I thought this was a totally normal thing for you since you 1) Love sardines 2) Love oatmeal 3) Savory Oatmeal’s “In”
Bravo! I was fooled, you’re the only one who got me!
robin says
Oh thank goodness i read the comments today. I thought my goodness there is something wrong with this girl! Good one:)
Dawn says
LOL I was all ready to pin this and give it a try on Saturday…until I also saw on Meals & Miles that this was an April Fool’s post. Great post, Kath!
Anne Weber-Falk says
GAH!! HORRIFIED!! Tell me this is a joke. You definitely got me this time. You get the prize. This was the best one of the day. Well done.
ashley says
I’m dealing with 1st trimester nausea, and this was so not the blog I needed to see this morning!
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
I was totally following along until the coffee comment…haha!! 😀
Jola says
You really got me 😀
Kelly says
Maybe the fish juice in the coffee was April fools, but I totally would believe in this! Europeans eat fish for breakfast all the time!
Erin Motz says
You TOTALLY had me! The sardine lemon juice in coffee… *shivers*
Chris says
LOL @ sardines in coffee! I can’t bring myself to do sardines but being originally east-coast raised, I do love me some grilled cod, yum.
I miss being able to trust tuna. (Take that how you want to but I meant it in a very innocent, nutritionally-minded way.)
Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says
Kath I will stand by you on most of your food choices because they are VERY similar to mine…BUT I draw the line at fish on oatmeal 😉
Jelli says
I was completely buying this until the juice in the coffee part. Ew, ew! You’re such a jokester!
Katie says
I thought the sardines in oatmeal sounds really good! I could totally eat that! (Maybe not the juice in the coffee part, but I would totally rock the sardine breakfast!). I just put a can of oysters in quinoa with veggies for lunch. So delicious!
Jordan O. says
My grandmother eats oatmeal with sardines and salad greens stirred in quite often. The maple syrup ones seem like a great way to ease into. Overall, I love the idea, but I’ll probably need to be pretty awake by the time I open the tin: I’m not sure it would be pleasant first thing in the morning.
Anna says
Haha, I just read this today, and you had me til the coffee. I stared at it in disbelief for a while, then was like, OH I wonder what the date is on that?
Good one… 😉
Neil Butterfield says
I love sardine sandwiches with onion, vinegar, salt and pepper on fresh bread or on open toast. I don’t get enough of them these days. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Cheryl says
I totally agree with you that we should eat sardines at least once a week. Just curious but where did you find the sardines in maple syrup? They sound delicious. Drop me a note where I can locate them.
KathEats says
At Whole Foods!
Lyn says
I’ve actually never had sardines myself but I think this looks like a pretty good recipe to try them out with. I like the way that this looks and I’m interested in trying it out for myself. Maple syrup is a great flavor and one I really like. With this added flavor it’s sure to taste good.
Della says
I have been eating sardines and oatmeal for breakfast over 10 years now. I combined them when I had a high cholesterol reading. Haven’t had one since. I like the ones in oil best.