Day 9: Cranberry Pumpkin Sunflower Oats

 Creamy, dreamy aromas of spices and pumpkin pie. That's worth getting out of bed for.

Cranberry Pumpkin Sunflower Oats
Makes 4 servings; reheats well for Monday through Thursday breakfasts. You're welcome. :)

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups milk of your choice
Dash of salt
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of Allspice
2 TB brown sugar
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

In a medium pot on medium heat, combine the oats, water, milk and salt. Let heat until it gets bubbly, and then start stirring constantly.

Stir in pumpkin puree, spices and sugar. Let cook for 2 more minutes, or until piping hot.

Serve in a bowl with 1 TB sunflower seeds and 2 TB dried cranberries sprinkled on top (for each serving). Breathe in the aromas of fall and eat until you are full!

***Pairs wonderfully with a hot mug of chai tea...***


 

Happy eating!
Laurel

Easy Yogurt Dip

Matt gave me cheery flowers. Aren't they cute? Thanks, Matt.

Yesterday was my lifelong friend, Melissa's, birthday. We're exactly 2 months apart, to the day. Weird, right? But I'm older. :) She is such a fun, fabulous lady. Those around her love her and are grateful for such a selfless, caring, hilarious person. And Melissa, among her charming quirks, loves dip. All kinds of dip. And she likes the action (verb) of DIPPING. Not tobacco, mostly cheese, salsa, bean, chocolate, or any tasty snack variety. So here's a dip for you, Meliss, and the rest of us that is fun and fancy free.

Now for a cheery snack...fruit and yogurt...the ultimate guilt-free, filling snack/dessert.

Easy Yogurt Dip
serves 2, but easily doubles/triples

• 6 ounces plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek or regular)
• Drizzle of raw agave nectar or another honey/sweetener (1/2 teaspoon of agave)
• 1 TB sunflower seeds
• 1 TB flax seeds
• 1 TB of __________ (Whatever you like...chopped chocolate, pecans, almond butter, etc.)-->optional
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ( a dash or two)

Mix all of the ingredients together and serve cold. Cut up some fruit (bananas are divine with this), and serve!   
 

Happy eating!
Laurel