This post is a completely random slew of photos from the past 2 days. Bare with me, it’s quite random! [yes, bare…not bear…b/c things are looking kind of bare around here! 
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Well, I finished my can of pumpkin. In the best way possible. Seriously.
Angela is going to be SO proud. I even made it overflow!
I thought it was pretty hilarious that the day I made overnight oats, I wake up to the temp’s in the 50’s with a high of 70 degrees. Whatever. I enjoyed my hot coffee even more! And this was just OUT of this world. I literally felt like I was eating dessert for breakfast.
I put a slight spin on Angela’s Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats. It goes as follows…
Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- 3T rolled oats + 3T oat bran
- 1c milk of choice [I used hemp milk + added an extra splash or two in the AM]
- 2T chia seeds
- 1T rounded unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2t cinnamon
- 1/2c pumpkin
- 1/2t vanilla extract
- dash of nutmeg + ginger
- Stir everything together, cover + store in the fridge overnight.
- Stir in the morning.
Peanut Butter Banana Soft Serve
- 1 frozen banana
- 1T pnut butter
- Let spin in your food processor for a ~2min. Scrape bowl as necessary.
Topped with cacao nibs. Layer + scarf.
I picked up a cupcake from Whole Foods for a header photo shoot I was doing. I was more than excited to eat the cupcake after the photos were taken.
I actually took this bite on purpose for one of the photos. You’ll see soon However, I practically spit it out. This is the 2nd time I’ve been completely disappointed with Whole Foods cupcakes. The cupcake was extremely dry, spongy and too airy. The frosting was SO sweet, I thought my teeth were going to fall out…just from that 1 little bite!!! Ick.
Did you see Ashley’s post on how to make chai tea at home?? Ever since that post, I’ve been dreaming about chai tea!!
Chris bought me this chai mix for our anniversary and wow is it delicious. I made it on the stovetop by boiling with water + hemp milk, bringing to a boil, then simmering, them filtering into a mug. It hit the spot!
FYI – Rishi makes amazing teas. I’ve been impressed with every one I’ve tried.
Then, I made two “larabar” recipes but did a bad job documenting. Oooops. I’ll still tell you about them though! The first was Mama Pea’s recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and it was nothing short of amazing. I’ve had the cookie dough Larabar and this far exceeded it.
You can definitely under or over process this “dough.” I tried using my vitamix + food processor. I thought the processor was easier because the date-goo seemed to get stuck under the blender blade. I think you could even use a mini food processor for this, but don’t hold me to it!
The final texture you want is sticky. If it seems dry, pulse a few more times and see if it holds together better. Be careful not to over-process or you will be left with an oily mess. I did this and I’m not sure if it was oil from the nuts or dates or what, but it was gross. I also find it easier to roll this into balls, like Kelsey balls!! If for some reason it’s still not holding together chop up a few dates and then pulse them into the mix. That should help!
Below is my variation. Both tasted like straight up cookie dough but this one is….
Coconut Cookie Dough Balls/Bars
- 1c walnuts
- 2/3c chopped, pitted dates
- 1/3t fine ground sea salt
- 1t vanilla
- 1T coconut oil [or coconut butter]
- 2-3T unsweetened shredded coconut
- Process nuts until sand-like and empty into a bowl.
- Pulse dates, salt, vanilla, oil + coconut until well combined. ~30sec
- Add in ground walnuts and process/pulse until sticky + clumping together.
- Roll into balls.
- Refrigerate.
Don’t I have enough to pack + clean already?
Why do I do this to myself?
I was having a major kitchen itch and still am! Hoping to make a few more things this week and keep going with the packing.
Also went for a 3.25 mile walk/run with Ann today and then about another 2 miles with the doggles. Aaand many trips up + down stairs. The kitchen was closed for dinner. We headed to our favorite spot, Vine street and then out for my first Froyo. I know…I know…where have I been Twas’ delicious.
Bedddd.
Ashley
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Oh god! Now I am going to have nightmares about dry cupcakes…
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Good to know about WF cupcakes! They look so amazing, but now I know they’re not that great. Can’t wait to see the new header!
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oooooooooh my word i am drooling now. like uncontrollably. who cares that it’s almost midnight? i want some oats!
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Great job with the overflowing VOO + BSS. YUM! I love chocolate & pumpking!
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i almost thought the oats were angela’s – CONGRATULATIONS!
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
hahah thanks Freya!
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the oats look amazing!! well done! i get a bit like that sometimes, i have lots to do and just find myself knee deep in the kitchen making goodies and an even bigger mess, but sometimes when the kitchen calls you cannot resist!
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I’ve never tried overnight oats. But your recipe looks delish. Maybe over the weekend!!! And Froyo. I’m Super SUPER jealous. It looks so good, but I don’t think we have one even within a few hours of where I live. I think I’m living in a hole. Ahhh! And no worries on a random post
It was lovely <3
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Do you have an ice cream maker? I forget…there are lots of recipes floating around using greek yogurt in the ice cream machine. You could definitely make your own!
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My kitchen looks like that seriously EVERY DAY. HELP!
And your pics are so gorgeous! I wish you could come give me a tutorial – that isn’t on gchat!
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Wow, Angela will be so proud. That is one good looking glass over oats. I can’t wait to break open the pumpkin now!
At least the cupcake looks pretty. I hate dry cakes. I think they spend more time making them look nice than taste nice. I’d rather have an ugly looking cupcake that’s gooey, messy and delicious.
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You don’t sweeten your chai?
I think that might be why I am never satisfied with what I make at home. I am afraid to pour in the sugar like they must at the coffee shop!
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that breakfast looks so good- wish i had thought of that last night!
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Angela would be proud!!! That looks delicious!!!
I totally get the kitchen itch too – then i curse myself at the mess i’ve made!
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Looks like some amazing kitchen adventures! Especially the VOO… yum!
And don’t worry, I always blow up the kitchen
xo
Kris
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I’ve not had overnight oat OR froyo…so I’m more behind!
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That crazy thing looks like a Pump-Sickle. Cute.
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I know what you mean about kitchen/cooking itches. I get one and just have to keep going until I feel better!
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i haven’t commented in a while — just wanted to say HI! your oats are lovely.
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My kitchen counter ALWAYS looks like that! That’s what I get for cooking so much and not having a dishwasher
I just started finding pumpkin again and am SO excited for all my fall breakfasts! I need to try this before the mornings get too cool.
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I finally found the Cookie Dough Larabar at Kings Soopers! Then I read this. Could’ve saved myself the trouble (though I’m not sure my mini food processor is up for the challenge)
We MUST have a froyo date. Must. That’s it.
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I’ve never been a fan of storebought cupcakes. I always find them waaaaaay too sweet. It really doesn’t surprise me that Whole Foods cupcakes aren’t any different. When it comes to cupcakes, you have to either go with homemade or with the ones that come from those cute little cupcake shops (for lack of a better phrase?). Also, BEAUTIFUL pumpkin overnight oats pics. Angela would be proud.
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Too bad about the cupcake! I bet you, or anyone who reads your blog, could make a better one than WF
I feel the same way in my kitchen a lot of the times… like I do 3 loads of dishes a day!
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Those overnight oats totally look like one of Angela’s creations! Awesome for you for using her for guidance. Once of these days, I’m sure I’ll try it out soon!
I’m not sure if I’m comfortable to BARE with you, but I’ll BEAR with you no problem.
My kitchen looks like the ALL THE TIME when I’m cooking or baking. My husband has a great system of washing dishes as he cooks, but I just can’t get into it. I like saving dealing with the mess until the end of my cooking/baking, so matter how daunting an ordeal it may be.
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Hi!! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been following your blog now for a few months, and I love it! You are a fantastic writer, I LOVE your recipes, and you are very inspiring!!
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Thanks so much Michelle!!!
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holy balls i wish i could rewind to last night and make those overnight oats. i also wish i had chia seeds at hand.
neither of the above i can do hahaha BUT i can drool over your cupcake and breakfast. both of which make me hungry beyond belief
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What a bummer about the cupcake! It certainly looks delicious…
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The oats look awesome! I also can’t wait to hear how the Larabar recipe went, I’ve made the Cherry Pie ones myself, and they are extremely sticky–makes you wonder how they get them so non-sticky in the packages.
I’ve also wanted to make chai tea ever since Ashley’s post, and now will have to go make it after seeing yours too…
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
They tasted amazing!
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ps: i hate how my comments never have a face for me. is that just because i’m on blogger and not wordpress?
i’m just a big hole on the internet!
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I think you can get one from gravatar.com?? That’s how I made mine I think….
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Mmmm cookie dough bars, seriously yum.
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Those pumpkin VOO look amazing. I’m drooling! I can’t wait to buy tons and tons of pumpkin. It might be addicted.
You’re working so hard to get packed! I think that you deserve a break to scratch that kitchen itch of yours! Amazing things always result!
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I think I need a break too…come over?
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I agree about being disappointed with Whole Foods cupcakes. I used to get yummy treats from there but about a year ago their cupcakes and cakes were just SO dry and gross. I used to drive there and see it as a treat to get something sweet, now I just figured out how to bake one cupcake at home to my liking, not dry and a not super sweet icing. Last year for my birthday I even ordered a cake from them and when I bit into it that was even dry. I just stopped going all together.
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
I’ve had a lot of their other baked goods and they have been great! A few of their cakes are awesome…but something is just UP w/the cupcakes..yuck!
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I always make a mess in the kitchen! I love baking & cooking but I HATE the clean-up!
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nice job on the balls…yum!!! i have a recipe for high raw vegan choc chip cookie dough balls that i love and i have bar recipes and i have a PB softserve recipe…we think alike already
love your eats!!
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Ashley Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Ooooh those all sound great!! I’ll have to check them out!
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SO PROUD indeed. Might be the best pic of VOO I have ever seen!
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Ashley Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Why thank you lady!!
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[...] I was reading blogs this weekend, I came across this recipe for Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats from The Edible Perspective. I had some pumpkin in the freezer, so I thought this would be an [...]
[...] I frequent. It’s called Vegan Overnight Oats… you can find it mentioned here and here. I don’t make it with the softserve…I just make the oats and they really are so [...]