Great workout this morning – just under an hour of stairmaster, squirrelliptical and some much-needed stretching.
The husband stayed home in bed, but the “penalty” for sleeping in is that the person has to make the oatmeal while the other one gets dressed. So I came down this morning to have a spoonful of oats shoved in my mouth. We had decided to add raisins this morning because we both enjoyed them so much in last night’s dinner (oops! Ingredient revealed!).
Upon swallowing the delicious bite and I said “Mmmmmm!!! That’s SO good!”
“That’s because there’s a secret ingredient,” he said.
Turns out he added some almond liquor in place of the vanilla extract!! I doubt the teaspoon will have any effect and that the alcohol cooked out, but I don’t think this will become a regular oatmeal addition
But it was really good!
The raisins actually changed the oatmeal cooking a lot – he said he had to add more liquid because they stole it from the oats. They are thicker and sweet as ever.
The combo (for 2 servings)
- 2/3 cup oats
- 2/3 cup milk plus a splash
- 2/3 cup water plus a splash
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 medium banana
- 1/4 cup wheatberries
- 1 tsp almond liquor
Plus a few walnuts, sprinkle of cinnamon and small spoonful of almond butter for my bowl.
I also had a small teacup of coffee, which the husband made french press and had some leftover –
Garden Musings
Our garden is overflowing!!
Jalapenos growing!
Tomatoes (the plants fell over because they were too big for the metal supports but hopefully they will still ripen)
Overflowing jasmine (which needs to be re-fixed to the column)
The basil row! I need to start the harvest and freeze some.
With the exception of the zucchini plants, which have all died –
Winning Wednesday: Honest-Foods Giveaway
I have a fun surprise for you guys!! The folks at Honest-Foods are excited to give away a box of their famous Blueberry Vanilla Crackle Granola Planks and an Apple Ginger Spice Country Square to 10 lucky readers!! Here are the contest rules:
Email me a photo of your most creative bowl of oatmeal. This could be a photo of oatmeal hidden in beautiful flowers, a new delicious combination of flavors, a photo of you eating oats upsidedown – whatever you think makes your oatmeal shine! The husband is going to choose the 10 winners (and if only 10 of you submit a photo then you’re all winners!) (Note: HF can only ship in the domestic U.S. so I apologize to the international readers.)
Send your photos to KathEats at Gmail dot com by Friday and I will announce winners on Saturday – along with a photo recap of the entries!
caitlinbo (see bride run) says
i love the oatmeal give away idea! too cute.
your garden looks amazing. i tried to grow herbs on my balcony but i killed them all. within a week. now there’s just a pot of dirt taking up space. 😛
cindy says
Wow! Great idea-that hubby is gonna give you some competition!!
Hey Kath-Have you heard of the book “The World’s Healthiest Foods” by George Mateljan? It is a huge book that is exactly as the title says. Lists the food, the nutritional profile, what it is good for, how to prepare it and offers recipes. You may find it interesting. Have a good day,
Heather says
HA! I’m trying to start a rule like that- last one up in the morning has to make the bed. So far I have yet to see any follow through, though…
Cool contest!
Erin says
“Disaronno on the rocks?” “No thanks, I take my disaronno in my oatmeal.”
Erin says
My zucchini plants look just like yours! They all flowered and then died for some reason!
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
Hey Kath – just saw your post last from last night and just wanted to chime in about taking evening walks… I do them with my guy as much as possible, and I also take sooo many pics during that time because it is beautiful! It’s my favorite thing about the summer.
Sami says
I am so excited about this! I’ve looked for these flavors a few times at my Whole Foods and Co. Op. . . .Nada. I am a big fan of the other flavors though.
Fun photography, oatmeal, chance at free [good] food. Could this deal be any sweeter!?
Betsy says
ooo…contest!? free food!? i’m on it! gotta get my creative juices flowing…
Justy2003 says
Oooo I LOVE the Honest Foods stuff…time to start brainstorming! And by Friday do you mean TOMORROW?? Gotta get crackin’! 🙂
Hmmm…liquor in the oats, now THAT’S a new one!
Christina says
LOL, now if you give this to kids, I picture Rachael Ray talking about how her grandfather would put red wine in her bottle as a baby! But really, that does sound pretty good. I love amaretto!
Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Christie says
Fun contest. I will have to think on that!
living2thetruth says
I have a question and am hoping you can help me. I know you are not a RD (YET!) but, since you have been so successful with weight loss, I look at you as an expert. Now on with the question….
I am 5’4″ and around 130 pounds. I would like to lose about 15 pounds. I workout on a gazelle 4 times a week for 60 minutes, do 3 sets of 15 squats, 3 sets of 15 calf raises and 100 ab exercises every other day. I eat 1400-1500 total calories a day and once in a while will have 1600-1700. However, the scale will not budge. Any thoughts on what I am doing wrong? Again, any advice is appreciated. LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Rose says
Love the title of your post total! That cracked me up – that husband of yours! Tasty addition to your bowl of oatmeal 🙂
Sloan says
I’ve got a basil overload in my garden as well. I wasn’t aware that you could freeze basil (if it wasn’t turned into pesto)…it would be great if you could go through the process on your blog!
Every Gym's Nightmare says
good giveaway! if i get super drunk off almond liquor and eat my oatmeal with a lamp shade on my head, will i win? cause ill totally do it…
www.groundedfitness.com
Fitzalan says
Your garden is gorgeous! I am really jealous of all of the basil. MMMM, pesto sauce!!
sweets&sweats
caitlinbo (see bride run) says
does anyone grow herbs on a balcony or patio (ie not in the ground directly)? i keep killing mine and i want some advice!
candygirl says
living2thetruth, I don’t think you’re eating enough calories…I’d slowly bump it up a little, and try to vary it day to day, too.
DaisyMay says
Or living2thetruth could be eating too many calories. remember that video that Kath posted before? We all assume we are eating a certain amount but in actuality might be consuming too many.
DaisyMay says
Also. You might want to vary your work out routine. If you have been doing that for a while your body adjusts to it so you wont see any changes physically.
Justy2003 says
living2thetruth: At 5’4 and 130 pounds you’re at a healthy BMI and I would think that it would be pretty difficult for you to lose 15 pounds. Is your diet fairly clean (few processed foods, sugars, etc.)? I know, “a calorie is a calorie” but I think it can make a difference…
claire says
fresh basil smells so nice.
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Haha, love the secret ingredient.
Everything in your garden looks amazing!
runjess says
Cindy,
Just wanted to point out that The World’s Healthiest Foods has a REALLY amazing website: http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php
Brittany says
Yay for Honest Foods. The blueberry plank is my fav.
Kath says
WHOOPS,
Clearly I think today is Wednesday!! “Winning Wednesday”
I’m extending the photo deadline until Monday – and I’ll repost it at lunch 🙂
Kath
Allison K. says
Beautiful Garden!
Chelsea says
Don’t worry, I could tell you had raisins in your meal last nigh 🙂 I see some oatmeal taking pictures in my future 😉
jayne says
i was just halfway through a bowl of oatmeal when i read about the contest! it looked really good (pb&j style) but now it’s half-eaten and pretty unappealing 🙂 will have to wait until a new bowl to take a pic.
I’m so jealous of those jalepeno plants!! they look great!
my basil just took a dive as well… to chime in with the “dead basil on the porch crew”
Becky in MD says
I’m also jealous of the jalapenos! I’ve been having a craving lately, and a lot of the fresh ones were recalled…..maybe I should grow my own!
Ruby Red Vegan says
I just emailed you my contest entry. Fun!
Fluffy raisin oatmeal sounds wonderful! Raisins are so yummy, I haven’t had them in forever!
tfh says
caitlinbo (see bride run) — re: growing herbs on balcony, I do it. Are you using big enough planters? Do you add some fertilizer to the soil? I also do “instant compost” by emptying my tea bags and coffee grounds into the soil once in awhile. I found the easiest herbs to grow are basil and mint.
Deb says
living2thetruth- I think it’s possible that Daisy May is right- perhaps you are eating more cals than you think- perhaps you can take a close look and make sure that you are measuring correctly and counting every calorie & every nibble just to make sure you are being accurate so you know for problem solving purposes (not to obsess over every calorie). However, if you ARE only taking in 1400-1500, then it IS too low!! How about upping with weight training- with a trainer’s advice?
Kath- hey it’s 5 o’clock SOMEWHERE right?!?! Such a naughty Mint Julip-loving Hubby of yours feeding you liquor for breakfast..ha ha! 😀 Go Husband! *BTW, My fav cocktail of the moment is a skinny mint julip with less alcohol and stevia (a somewhat rare treat but I do enjoy it- very refreshing).
On the Almond note, I add almond extract to my shakes everyday but that’s a GREAT idea to add it to oatmeal- thanks Husband!!
Deb says
Living2thetruth- Let me rephrase “measuring”…perhaps you should weigh the food as in that previous video link that Kath posted. Just so you know about accuracy to start…just a thought!
living2thetruth says
Thanks for all of the advice so far…please keep it coming if you have any. I am certain that I have been taking in 1400-1500. I have spent a few weeks couting/measuring to get an accurate view of what i’m eating.
Donna. says
Wait a minute. Am I allowed to send in only one photo? Cause I have multiple ideas.
I’m so excited :]
Kath says
cindy ,
I have seen that book, but I’ve just browsed it at a bookstore. I think there is a matching website? WHfoods.com? I go there a lot for info.
living2thetruth ,
I really don’t feel comfortable giving specific diet advice over the internet, esp. since I’m not an R.D. (maybe experienced, but I don’t want to get into any trouble!). You would probably love sitting down with an R.D. in person though, if that’s an option.
Deb ,
LOL on the mint juleps!
Donna,
Oh man, I guess I need a submission policy or something!! I suppose you can submit as many photos as you want – the more the more fun it is for me!
Kath
goalie30 says
love the garden; when i have my own house someday i hope to have a similar array of plants…the grocery store tomatoes taste sour/bitter compared to cherry tomatoes off the vine