Good mornin’
I’m a bit sad that I haven’t had much pumpkin lately! A huge pounder has been frozen in my freezer and I tried to use it in yesterday’s breakfast. Unfortunately I didn’t have the hack saw required to break off a half cup portion. But today, I did!
I whipped up some Coach’s oats made with milk, water, and chia, and added a 2/3 frozen hunk of pumpkin. Once it melted and stirred in, it was perfect. The next time I freeze pumpkin I will most definitely be doing the ice cube tray method! If I have enough ice cube trays…!
I topped this bowl with some crumbled Whole Wheat Cinnamon Chip scuffin from the bakery and a slug of sunflower buttah
Served with sweet potato pie tea
I used this new tea maker that OpenSky sent me to test out – it comes with its own snuggie!! It’s like a fresh press for tea (with a mesh basket instead of a mesh plunger) and it worked great for making a pot verses a cup.
Dear me, get a load of that giant spider I had to deal with this morning. He was in the very interior of the house and found just after I carried Matt’s laundry downstairs, so I’m guessing he fell out. The horror. At least he did not crawl on my hand!
I G-chatted Matt about it and he said the spider was his pet. Sorry Kanz, but no pet spiders in the house.
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
ha! love that response about the spider. we had one crawling around our laundry room and i freaked out… to which my husband responded “what’s the problem? he’s not hurting anyone!”. ummm…
that tea press is awesome! hope it makes it to your open sky store.
KathEats says
I really think [most] women’s somewhat irrational fear of spiders stems to our ancestors when we had to protect children from getting bitten by poisonous spiders. Men were out hunting and gathering and were de-sensitized to them seeing them all the time as they moved.
Dimple Snatcher says
Or simply they’re just scary creatures to look at?!
Sarah says
I am the designated spider-killer in my house because of the cleaning-up-the-guts part. We also spray the exterior of our house (at the foundation) every summer and that helps a LOT.
Olena (The Fit Gourmet) says
I also let little brown spiders live as my “pets”. My bf hates it 🙂
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
I love that the tea maker has a snuggie! So cute 🙂 Your oats look yummy too. I haven’t had any pumpkin lately. I missing it.
I hate spiders!! Have a great Thursday!
takeya says
Happy to hear that you love our Tea Maker’s insulating jacket. It really helps tea your tea hot or cold and protects your table from condensation.
Savannah @ Sweet and Savvy says
Sweet potato pie tea? That sounds wonderful! 🙂
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
I love that tea maker! I’d use it to death 🙂
Have a great day Kath!
Ann Dunaway Teh says
You could also scoop the pumpkin out onto a sheet pan with a 1/2 cup measure or ice cream scoop, freeze on the pan and then remove the scoops to a container or ziploc bag to freeze rather than using the ice cube tray method!
KathEats says
Wonderful idea!!
Kelly says
Silicone muffin pans also work really, really well since they pop out easily and are pretty good as a single serving. I use them a lot to freeze stock, leftover wine and whatnot.
KathEats says
Another great idea!
Erin says
Leftover wine?
Kelly says
Yup. I’m a single girl, but like a glass after work on weeknights. I have a contraption that sucks the air out of my bottles so they last longer, but inevitably I still have a little bit left so I freeze it. My muffin tin has a little less than a 1/2 cup in each compartment so I’ll freeze it and then use the wine for cooking later. (Most of my recipes seem to call for 1/2 cup increments of wine.) It’s great because I HATE opening up a new bottle just to cook with.
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Oooh, that’s even better than the ziploc method I just shared below 🙂
Tracy says
That’s how I freeze pumpkin. Works great!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
holy HUGE spider!!! I’d totally die. Yikes.
Your b-fast looks awesome. I need to eat more sunflower butter…..it is just so good!
Jessica / Green Skies and Sugar Trips says
Another great alternative for freezing portions is the small “gladware” containers. They make a very small size that we used to Taylor’s baby food. It’s bigger than an ice cube tray, but small enough to be a perfect sized individual portion. Stack them or once they are frozen pop them out and store in zip lock bags!
They are also also what I freeze my berry compote for overnight oats in! It’s just the right amount! for a great stir in!
And spiders are no joke! I’ve been bitten twice by Brown Recluse, and both times landed in the hospital! No fun!
KathEats says
I have some of those little containers from IKEA too… bites! Yikes!
Johanna B says
I have a clan of brown recluse spiders living in my basement (which is where my washer and dryer are). You are so right. Their bites are no fun.
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) says
Holy moly that spider is huge! I might have cried.
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
That tea maker is fantastic!! The tea flavor also sounds really tasty.
Susan H. @ the food allergy chronicles says
My youngest son is petrified of spiders! Big…small…even the teeny weeny ones! His eyes bulge…he screams with horror…and is rendered paralysed to the spot until someone ‘deals with the spider’ in question. I had hoped he would grow out of it by acting non-chalant about the whole spider thing…alas…no!
Linda says
My teenage son is still afraid of spiders!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
That spider is totally unacceptable. Pretty much an intruder. I think I’d call the police.
Jen says
sweet potato pie… tea? That sounds delicious.
Cait's Plate says
Hahaha – I don’t blame you for not allowing the spider-pet. I would have a hard time with that too even if it WERE in a cage.
I haven’t had hardly any pumpkin lately either. I need to fix it!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Very cute tea pot!! I agree with you on the spider… dog – fine. But anything with more than 4 legs is a no in my house!
Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says
Now I have two things I have to try…sweet potato tea and biscoff.
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Your teas always sound sooo good! I’ve never heard of a sweetpotato pie one before!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I don’t do well with spiders. They seem to be everywhere in San Diego.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
In our house my husband is the one deathly afraid of spiders. I don’t like them of course, but his fears are so out of control I end up being the one who has to catch them all. Not a fun job!
Amy says
Hi Kath, I have a question about the Golden Moon Dessert Tea Trio you have on OpenSky- are those loose leaf or tea bags? Also, do you like Golden Moon or Adagio better? I have some Adagio now but I was thinking of ordering the Golden Moon set. Thanks!
KathEats says
They are loose leaf. For the longest time I avoided LL teas but then I got that great Adagio brew pot and life has changed. I really liked the 3 flavors in the OpenSky bundle. They are a bit milder than the Adagio because they’re not black teas (green, oolong) (I’m into all the pumpkin/dessert ones there too) but they are great on aroma
Sandi says
What brand is the tea maker?..didn’t see on Open Sky.
Saw on Twitter that some are displaying some “snarky-ness”…my little mother used to tell me, “Let your good manners ignore their bad ones”. Keep smiling girl! 😉
KathEats says
🙂
Tea maker is coming soon – not up yet!
takeya says
can’t wait to hear your thoughts about our tea maker!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Spiders don’t scare me as much a roaches. I have nightmares if I see one before bed!! Thankfully I’ve only had 1 in 2 years living in my condo.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Sweet potato pie tea?! You keep surprising us with more amazing tea flavors! 🙂
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
One thing I have done with extra pumpkin is to freeze it in a ziploc, but so that the layer of pumpkin is pretty flat and distributed throughout the baggie. That way you can easily break off a portion. I usually can get 1 1/2 cups of pumpkin into a quart sized ziploc nice and flat, which I know is 3 portions for oatmeal/smoothie/chia pudding purposes. That way you don’t need to find more ice cube trays 🙂
Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy says
Oh I hate spiders! I usually run away when I see them!
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
Do you keep all the samples/test products? You seem to have clutter under control, I can’t imagine you hanging onto to every.single.piece!
KathEats says
I give some of it (the ones I’m not crazy about ) to Goodwill
Angel7 says
I cringe at the thought of pet spiders! Or my biggest fear is pet snakes!
I think we are going to Great Harvest this weekend, which is only about my second or third time to one — it is not close in proximity to where we live, unfornately 🙁 You have instilled in me a love for GH bread 🙂 What GH breads are on the top of your favorite list — I am sure you like them all? 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
KathEats says
Dakota, Cville Crunch (aka Flax Oat Bran), High Five
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I would definitely draw the line at having a spider as a pet! I could probably handle a snake but a spider, um no.
Lena @Fit on the Rocks says
That is a HUGE spider! I’m terrified of them and really wish I wasn’t.
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
The teapot looks like a handy tool!
Meredith says
For freezing pumpkin, you can also put a couple of cups in a gallon size freezer bag, seal it, then smoosh the pumpkin into a flat sheet inside the bag. That way, you can stack multiple bags flat in the freezer, then easy break off frozen pieces to use without thawing the whole thing. So glad it’s pumpkin season!
SkinnyRunner says
i would have crapped my pants over that spider. or cried. i seriously get so worked up i start crying and panicking, its really cute.
i love coaches oats except when i try to be fast and microwave them. dont do this. it just makes crunchy oatmeal. and not in a good way.
laine says
A spider you can see from the top of the stairs is just not right. If he wants it as a pet, it needs to be caged and leashed and muzzled at all times.
Lauren B. says
What’s your all-time favorite tea? Where can I order all of your fun teas that you feature on the blog?
KathEats says
Favorite thus far: http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=17696&SID=e65fbac42d8b680468d58b13665900fb
Danielle @ Dani Blossoms says
Is that a Teavana tea maker? We have one that looks just like that and it rocks!
My mom and I drink tons of herbal tea in the evenings and we use it to make a big batch in one go!
I ordered the Coach’s oats off of your Open Sky last night! I really can’t wait for it to get here!! 🙂
Susan (Oliepants) says
Eek – no pet spiders for sure!! I have been using the tea maker a lot these days too – can’t help but end a colder night with a warm smooth cup of tea!
Patty @ Foodie and the Beatz says
Kath, I have been crumbling muffins in my yogurt after reading your breakfast posts. But I have to ask – do you just use the muffin tops? I just can’t justify eating a whole muffin along with yogurt + crunchy topping, which for me is a must.
KathEats says
Yes, I only use about 1/4 to 1/3 at a time
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
Haha…unexpected “pets” are so fun, aren’t they? We had a “pet” mouse in our last house…eek!
Khushboo says
No one likes unwelcomed guests!
Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine says
Sweet potato pie tea?! I’m intrigued. Does it really taste like sweet potatoes, or more like cinnamon and stuff? I love trying new teas!
KathEats says
It’s more like a black tea with hints of vanilla and spice
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
Just got the e-mail about the new breathe magazine with you on the cover!!! Such a great article about getting a handle on the clutter! I loved the pics of your house too 🙂
Jennifer says
I think it’s worse to know that it may have been in the laundry you were carrying vs just on the floor. Eek!!!!!
I have to tell you, though, that someone mentioned spraying lemon scented Pledge around the doors/windows. I did that two weeks ago and have not seen one spider in the house! That is highly unusual, too. I spray it once a week and so far it has worked. 🙂 I keep wondering if it’s just the cooler weather driving them away but I so want to believe it’s the Pledge. 🙂 You might want to try it. Although, if they already live inside that might keep them inside. (haha)
KathEats says
I bought lemon essential oils but just never sprayed them – better get to it!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Uhhh that’s one heck-of-a spider!! EEEEK!
But at least breakfast was delicious! 😉
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Ack! Spiders creep me out!!!!!
Holy yum, I need my pumpkin dose, like now 😀
Johanna B says
I started my day with a batch of GF pumpkin pancakes. On a workday, too. I feel so self-indulgent 😉
Amanda says
Why is it that the bugs always seem to make an appearance when no one else is home? I’ve found a couple of those house centipedes (just typing that makes me shudder!) in my bathroom recently when my husband was at work, and I debated going upstairs to get my landlord to get rid of them! I know this is crazy, but they’re so disgusting and so fast! I ended up trying to spray one with shaving cream (it was the closest thing I thought to grab), but instead I just made a giant mess. #fail
Health Bee says
The tea maker looks great! I’d love to get one. Do you know what brand it is?
KathEats says
It’s Takeya brand
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Beautiful bowl! 😉 I’m very curious to hear your review on the Dandy blend whenever you crack one open.
And hey- the K & M letters are too cute!(and the two of you are just too cute)
KathEats says
I know! I need to try those. Maybe after lunch today!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
SWEET POTATO PIE TEA. I’m moving in, hope you don’t mind
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark! says
Where can I get this amazing tea in the UK?! I would love to try a cup, sounds delicious!
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
If you can see him from that afar in that size.. you know he is big up close. Eeek
Loving the tea maker & snuggie. Need to check that out.
Rebekah says
I am totally making pumpkin oatmeal tomorrow! I just baked up a little one yesterday and only used half on some pumpkin muffins. Thought about freezing the rest but decided I’d just use it first. I’ve never tried it in oatmeal!! Much healthier option than muffins or pie.
TeenyLittleSuperChef says
Mmm, sweet potato pie tea to go with your pumpkin oats. What a lovely pairing 🙂 I’ve never thought to freeze pumpkin, although the idea to freeze up a bunch of kabocha squash has crossed my mind lately as I’ve noticed there are fewer and fewer of them in the grocery stores lately. Gotta stock up. Have you ever had luck freezing kabocha? Would you cut it in slices or puree it and freeze it in ice cube trays like you mentioned? Just curious
KathEats says
I haven’t frozen squash before, no
Pat says
I have frozen squash – you need to cook it first, then it’s just like pumpkin. It separates when it’s thawed, butjust heat it up and stirwell. 🙂
Kelly says
I would second this. Generally I’ve found it freezes well as a puree, but I’ve also cut up chunks and frozen those (uncooked) which has worked fine.
Tracy says
I roast kabocha, chop in cubes, then freeze on a cookie sheet before transferring to a ziploc bag. It makes a great smoothie or puree for other uses. I’ve never tried to eat it without pureeing after freezing though.
TeenyLittleSuperChef says
Wow, thanks everyone for the great suggestions! Tracy, what all do you put in a kabocha squash smoothie? I’m intrigued
Tracy says
I make it just like a pumpkin pie smoothie: almond milk, kabocha, pumpkin pie spices, vanilla, pinch of salt and sometimes a little brown rice protein powder.
Katie says
Another question for you Kath… what kind of pumpkin do you prefer to use and what differences have you noticed? Right now I have a can of Libby’s and a can of TJs organic both open in the fridge. The TJs is thicker, duller orange, earthier smelling than the Libby’s which is creamier/moister, brighter orange, sweeter smelling. I definitely noticed a difference when using the TJs in oatmeal and have used half Libby’s and half TJs the past few mornings. I haven’t baked with the TJs yet. Just wondering your opinions, thanks!
Jen says
I think it’s more important for you to just eat what YOU prefer. You’ve tried both – so do you like a sweeter pumpkin or no? Just change it up and use both!
TeenyLittleSuperChef says
I read somewhere that the stuff they put in Libby’s is actually not pumpkin but some other orange winter squash like buttercup. That might be why the texture and flavor is different from TJ”s or Whole Foods. They probably use the real stuff which, in my opinion, is kinda flavorless and watery. I personally prefer Libby’s but that’s probably also because I’ve grown up on it.
KathEats says
I actually prefer Libby’s or the moister orange kind to the organic browner ones
Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel says
I’m going to a Great Harvest bakery for the first time later today! There are two near my college and my roommate & I have been meaning to go for a month…today’s the day! Can’t wait to try out all the bread that I read about on here 🙂
KathEats says
Have fun tasting!
Andrea says
Gadzooks! That’s a big ass spider! Tell that husband of your’s that spiders are NOT allowed because you’re allergic!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Ok…that IS huge! Too bad there are no spider traps like there are for mice, which we are currently dealing with. Whee! 🙂