My cinnamon sugar obsession continues. It started with buttered toast, and now I just can’t get it off my breakfast bowl or plate.

Popped amaranth sprinkled with the cinnamony sweet treat? Oh yes.

I used 1t cinnamon + 2t sugar + 1/4t vanilla, mixed it together and sprinkled it on top. It mixed up really well when I poured the milk in! Don’t let this puffed cereal deceive you. It’s extremely filling + nutrient dense!

Next up?

Oh yesterday morning’s oats.

Cinnamon sugary goodness.

1/4c oat bran
1/4c rolled oats
2T Raw Protein [stirred in at the end]
1c milk of choice
3/4c water
1/2t cinnamon + 1/2T sugar + 1/4t vanilla
1T peanut butter
almond milk drizzled on top

Love how the sugar melts on top. I love adding milk to the top of my oatmeal bowls!

Next up? Oatmeal on a plate?

Yup.

Serving oatmeal on a plate is my favorite way to enjoy oats in the summer. It cools things down much more quickly!

Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Cheesecake Oats

1/4c steel cut oats
1T rolled oats
1T oat bran
1/4-1/3c 2% cottage cheese
1c frozen organic blueberries
1/2t vanilla extract
1c milk of choice
1c water
1t cinnamon + 1/2T sucanat
walnuts

In a pot over medium heat, combine oats, oat bran, milk + water.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer, stirring every minute or so.
Cook 8-14min until desired consistency is reached. You can also taste to check the doneness of the steel cut oats. If the liquid is absorbed but they are still too crunchy add a few extra tablespoons of milk or water.
In the last 2-3min of cooking, stir in the frozen blueberries, cottage cheese + vanilla. If using fresh, stir in the last 1min.
Top with walnuts + cinnamon.

The brown sugary taste of the sucanat, made things extra delicious.

I’m not sure I can’t stop this cinnamon sugar habit anytime soon.

And I’m pretty sure there is no reason to.

In other exciting news….

My fridge is restocked with 2lbs of organic strawberries. These will be gone with in a matter of days, before Chris even realizes they’re in the fridge.

Vibrant.

Juicy.

Sweet.

Tangy.

Crunch.

Summer.

Love.

Back to the grind!

Ashley

I had a weird breakfast craving yesterday. My taste buds were asking for popped amaranth and a banana scramble. So I thought, why not combine the two?

I popped about 5T amaranth, which turns into a huge serving of delicious, puffy cereal. Then, I cooked up a banana scramble, topped it on the cereal, added peanut butter, and poured on the milk.

Craving satisfied. I loved eating the puffy cereal, with bites of the banana scramble along with it. Not familiar with the banana scramble? I haven’t made them in awhile, but check out my recipe page [under breakfast] for a handful of variations.

Before heading down to Denver, for Brewgrass [beer + bluegrass music], I prepped a lunch to-go! It’s pretty easy to find veggie options almost anywhere we go to eat and even at festivals. However, veggie + gluten free is not always easy. I have to think ahead even more so now.

Salad to go:

4c spinach
plain cooked millet [from friday night dinner]
1 large carrot
1 delicious pickle
feta cheese
hemp oil/balsamic/apple cider vinegar
pepper

I packed this in my purse for the 2nd half of lunch. Although I don’t buy pre-packaged bars often, these are a favorite. I caught them on sale for $1/piece when I was home in Ohio.

We headed to Denver and had a blast with our friends, who we haven’t seen in way too long. We’ve been so busy this spring with the house, we haven’t made it to Denver nearly as much as we would have liked. [Denver is about 1 hour south.]

Ann + me + Ali

We ended the night with a fire in the backyard, hanging out with Peter + Michelle. Such an enjoyable Saturday!

Today I have my first real photography gig! I’m excited + nervous, but can’t wait to get this business rolling. June + July are pretty busy for us, with the Telluride music festival next week and an out of town wedding the weekend after that. Our third wedding anniversary is June 21st and my birthday is July 3rd. Natalie [my sis in law] is due July 10th and my parents will be in town July 19th! There are also a lot of house things on our to-do list as well! Despite the busyness [which I’m used to!] I’m hoping to really get things up and running in July!

Be on the lookout tomorrow for a new series on the blog tomorrow!

Off to enjoy the weather and then head to Boulder for some photography. :)

Ashley