Saturday morning breakfast: I was up early to babysit. I didn’t feel like oats [shocking!] and was craving more of the bread that Mama Pea sent me! I was also craving a banana scramble.
Okay, I know this looks like a burger and not breakfast but I promise it was delicious.
That is not cheese oozing out, it’s peanut butter…fear not!
SuperFood Banana Scramble [original recipe genius from (never home)maker]
- 1/2 banana
- 1T chia seeds
- 1/2t cinnamon
- 1 scoop Chocolate Amazing Grass SuperFood
- 3T rolled oats
- ~1/4c hemp milk
- Mash banana until “eggy.”
- Mash all other ingredients together and let sit for a few minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
- Cook for 3-5min until browned, and flip with a large spatula or just mash around until browned to your liking.
- Top on bread/english muffin/bagel.
The SuperFood just gave it a little cocoa flavor. Very yummy! Topped with pnut butter + jelly!
I knew I was going to be babysitting for 8hrs and that I would need lunch + snacks. Here’s what I packed!
Crunch action.
1/2 a ‘loupe!
tea + ota.bar + cherry almond granola + plain Oikos
quinoa sesame bar + grapes + kiwi – It was all consumed! 
I also went on 2 walks with the baby I watched. The first was about 1.5m and the second was about 3-4miles. It was gorgeous out!
SuNdaaaaaaaaY! I was so excited for the blogger meetuP but didn’t decide what I was making until Saturday night. I made a quick trip to the store, Sunday morning, and got to cooking/baking. These 2 recipes were super simple and great to make for a group of people. Both recipes took me an hour total, at the most.
I’ve made this a few times and change it up a little bit every time. The original recipe comes from 101 Cookbooks for Peanut Butter Krispy Treats. Recently, I made a healthed up version [with chia seeds, hemp seeds + more!] of this recipe that was delicious.
I wanted to make this a little more dessert like. It was my favorite version yet!
If you liked rice krispy treats as a kid [or adult] you will love these! No marshmallow but still just as gooey
Peanut Butter Brown Rice Crunch Bars – gluten free + vegan!!
- 5c unsweetened brown rice cereal [I used a gluten free version]
- ~3/4c chopped unsalted roasted organic peanuts
- 3/4c homemade peanut butter
- 1t cinnamon
- 1/2c brown rice syrup
- 1/4c maple syrup
- 1t salt
- 2.5t agar agar flakes*
- 1/3c vegan dark chocolate + 2T non-dairy milk [I used hemp]
- In a large saucepan combine, peanut butter, cinnamon, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, salt and agar flakes [if using].
- Heat over medium/low, stirring frequently until small bubbles form.
- Carefully stir in 1/2 of the peanuts and the 5c of cereal, until evenly coated.
- Press into a 9×13, parchment lined pan. Use a silicone spatula to spread evenly and compress into the pan.
- Melt chocolate + milk in the microwave 20sec at a time, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate into a small plastic bag, and cut a tiny piece of the corner off.
- Squeeze the bag to drizzle chocolate all over the treats.
- Top with peanuts.
- Refrigerate for at least 1hr.
- Cut + serve.
These have an awesome crunchy/gooey/chewy texture. They are definitely not overly-sweet and using the brown rice syrup will keep you from going into a sugar coma I am really sensitive to sugar in desserts and using brown rice syrup definitely helps!
*I have made these 4 times before and this was the first time I used the agar agar flakes. I could tell a slight texture difference, but I don’t think they are crucial to the recipe. It is a gel-forming type of thickener, similar to gelatin. However, it is natural, deriving from red algae. You can find it in the Asian section of your grocery/health food store.
I also made a recipe inspired from Clean Food. The summer section of the book has so many amazing, fresh sounding recipes! This was for a tomato + chickpea salad with cilantro dressing. Well, I do not like cilantro, so I subbed basil and it worked perfectly. Since I made a few changes I feel that I can share the recipe with you. It was very tasty as a main dish or side!
Lemon Basil Chickpea Salad [vegan + gluten free]
- ~1lb of chopped tomatoes – I used a mix of plum, vine, and a local variety – you can also use grape or cherry, just cut them in half
- 3, 15oz cans chickpeas, drained + rinsed
- 1 small package of fresh basil
- 4 chopped scallions
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 1/2c olive oil
- 1/4c fresh squeezed lemon juice
- s+p to taste
- Combine chopped tomatoes + chickpeas in a large bowl.
- In a food processor, drop in garlic with processor going. Scrape down sides of bowl
- Add in olive oil, lemon juice + basil.
- Pulse about 10 or so times.
- Pour over chickpeas + tomatoes and toss together.
- Season with salt and pepper + top with scallions.
SO easy!!
I have more of these sitting in my fridge…mmm I love getting creative with this recipe!
Ann brought amazing asparagus wraps with white rice, avocado, and cilantro [and maybe a few other things]. They were SO good and she was very kind to leave out the cilantro in a few for me
My reason for hating cilantro: I used to love it. Until I cooked with it. The smell was SO overpowering I thought I was going to yak and I could smell it on my hands for daaaays. The only things I tolerate it in are Chipotle’s rice and salsa [sometimes].
Emily brought some fresh veg + crackers + dip.
Along with a yummy Israeli couscous dish.
These were SO good. Ann said she found it off a really random website. I must get the recipe!
Heather brought a deeeeeeeeelicious dish as well. A cold pesto pasta salad with asparagus, peas and tomatoes. Hopefully she’ll share the recipe on her blog 
I think Kathleen brought these vanilla meringues, which are SO good. I describe them as a crunchy puff of vanilla sugar!
A mess of deliciousness!!!
Lauren made an amaaazing Indian spiced potato salad. I can’t believe I juuust started eating Indian food about 1 year ago. SO good!
Lindsey + her pup Kaya were new to the meet up crew! It was so awesome that they could come. She was in town from Wyoming and it worked out to stop by. I forgot to photograph the yummy snacks she brought!
She has a ton of cute photos of Kaya on her blog
With a dog poop bag tied around her shorts
Emily + me + Lauren + Heather – Although it was 90+ degrees out today we found a spot in the shade that was perfect + breezy.
Ann + me!
minus Lauren, plus Kathleen
It was so nice to meet up with these girls. We had a ton of fun sitting in the grass eating + talking. Thanks to everyone that came!
Off to bed…I haven’t been feeling the best and need some sleep. The next two days are a bit chaotic before leaving for Cleveland. My trips home are usually really busy, but I’m determined to get in some good R+R while I’m home!!
Niiiiight!
<3 Ash
I have to say, I don’t usually comment, but I couldn’t resist today! It was just a parade of good eats! Banana scramble is something I would love to try, and it looks like it is especially delicious on homemade bread! Israeli couscous is so good, it has such an interesting chew. I, too, can’t believe you haven’t had Indian food until a year ago, and that potato salad looks awesome.
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i have a great recipe for asparagus wraps with brown, rice, yogurt, avo, red onion – i’ll have to get it to you.
your dress is too cute, btw : )
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I just want to say, your pictures are beautiful!!! I love looking at your blog, it is wonderful. Very talented
sounds like a fun time!!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Thank you so so so much!
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Lovely pictures and that meet-up looks so fun! Oh how I envy you
I must try banana scramble…maybe I’ll have it this morning for breakfast….
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What an amazing meet up! You ladies all look like you are beaming!
And those rice krispy treats…..WOW!!! They look so amazing Ashley! 
Glad you had a great weekend.
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What a fun meetup! I want to come to the next one.
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Looks like you lovely ladies had a fun meetup! I can’t wait to meet you guys for the next one.
All the food looks delicious, especially your PB bars! I’m a sucker for anything crunchy and PB-related.
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
I know!!! Next time for sure
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Aww, that looks so fun!! Have you ladies all met before?
I’m eyeing your chickpea salad. I’m going to bookmark this recipe to give it a try!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Most of us had but Ann + Lindsey were new additions!
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Ahhhhh, what’s an “Ota” bar?
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BEAUTIFUL pics and food!!! taht chickpea lemon basil salad loosk so good I am going to make that and throw in some diced chicken!! I love how fresh and easy it sounds! plus anything with basil has my heart
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looks fun and very delicious! love your dress!
and btw, I LOVE cilantro.
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
thanks chickie…and EW
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Ummm, Kaya and I totally almost ran off with the plate of “rice krispy treats.” They were awesome. Since that didn’t happen I guess I’ll just have to try to find some of the brown rice cereal and make it myself…
Thanks for setting everything up Ashley!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
hahaha…welcome!!!
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Meetups sound so fun!
I am looking forward to moving because I know there will be a lot more bloggers in my new area!
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all the blogger potluck treats look so fresh and summery!
and of course, are leaving me hungry.
One day, i’m coming to town to visit (and run a race, clearly
) and I am going to request a picnic much like this. I will also bring a treat of wonders to fit in with all you fabulous CO foodies 
xoxo
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
sweeeeeeet..you’re welcome wheneverrr
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hahaha my smile looks CrAzY in those pictures! such a fun time
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How in the world do you come up with these crazy delicious looking “scramble” creations?! Lots of good lookin food in this post. Yummay.
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I have no idea! I wanted wheatgrass but not a smoothie..and also felt like chocolate….then that all popped in my head!
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This is a delicious post! I love all of it! Especially the breakfast burger! I am definitely going to give that a whirl!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
hahaa, I know..looks kinda crazy
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what a fun blogger meet up! everything look delish!
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I totally LOVE your blog! I just found it and it’s so awesome, the food all looks great and the meet up looked fun! (:
Definitely will be checking back!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Thank you SO much!
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I always find it interesting to hear about why people like and dislike cilantro…so controversial! Those pb crunch bars look yummy, kind of like ones I’ve made from The Kind Life cookbook…but mine I don’t think I used the right rice cereal because they were puffs, not crispies. The rest of the savory meals all look great too! Indian food is a definite favorite of mine!
It sounds like we are both heading out of town around the same time, so exciting!
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Ashley Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Ahh, I think the crispies cereal would be much better!!!
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That chickpea salad looks fantatico!! Yummy!
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WOW…..all your pics are great and all your food looks delicious!!
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We are hoping to take a little road trip in the next couple of weeks, and those rice crispy bars look perfectly suited.
Okay, so that is the best plate of ‘pot-luck’ type food EVER. I mean, seriously, that belongs in a restaurant. In a cookbook. Gorgeousness. I’d like to try each item1
PS Your dress is exceptionally adorable! Me, want!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Ahh definitely…maybe skip the chocolate so you don’t have a melted mess
And thank you!! My mom got it for me…target maybe?
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I understand the cilantro issue! I love it.. but it can be so overpowering, so I’m really conservative with it. My husband though…well, let’s just say that I don’t let him cook with cilantro!
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I just found your blog from Abby’s blog. All of your food is gorgeous, I want to make those bars. They look like a perfect combination or healthy and dessert!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Thank you so much!!
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WOW all the food looks AMAZING but especially those PB Brown Rice Crunch Bars!!! Rice Krispie treats were definitely a favg growing up and this seems like the perfect substitute!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Yes…definitely…almost the same texture, just a little less sticky!
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Everything everyone brought looks amazing! I esp. love how those krispies – I think they are going to be on my to make list this weekend for a get-together, yum!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Loooove them!!
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Glad you had fun at the Blogger meet up!! I would have loved to come, but I was out of town [I live in the Springs]. I would love to come to the next one!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Yes, hope you can make the next one!!
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Lemon basil chickpea salad looks amazing! Well…along with everything else you make
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I MISS YOU!!!!!
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So sad I missed the meet-up!:( Baby shower called. Def in for the next one! That bfast sandwich looked insane! Have so much fun at home with the fam!
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wow!! I just came across your blog.. I LOVE IT. I’m still roaming around saving recipes… I will be back! Cheers to healthy eating!
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Ashley Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Cheers to you too!! Thanks!
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what a fun meetup! and those bars look awesome. loved your list of things for your mom to have on hand, also.
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