Category Archives: Breakfast ideas

Zesty Banana Orange Bread


I was lucky enough to receive a special delivery of produce from my grandfather yesterday. My mom and dad drove down to my husband and I’s house for a home cooked dinner. I was pleasantly blown away by the two large boxes of goodies from his garden and orchard.

One of the treasures my grandpa gave me was his very last batch of rhubarb for the season, which inspired me to pick my last batch. As pictured below. 


Needless to say with all this beautiful Rhubard I am also making our most requested  jam. Today I am trialing it in the slow cooker. 
This recipe yields 4 mini loaves 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon of ground pie spice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cup of very ripe mashed bananas (approximately 3 large)

1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest (1 medium orange)

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup honey

2 eggs

1 cup chopped rhubarb

Prework & Tools for the job

  • Stoneware Mini bread loaf pan
  • Cooking spray the pan with canola oil spray
  • Preheat oven 350 degrees

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, pie spice, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl hand whisk together mashed bananas, orange zest, vanilla,& honey. Add one egg at a time and caution not to over mix. Lastly fold in the rhubard. 

3. Place scant 1 cup into each bread vessel. Bake at 350 degrees for 28-30 minutes. Test the bread using toothpick method. 

4. Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes in pan and then gently remove loaves from pan and allow to cool on wire rack. 

This bread is super moist you will not believe there is no oil or butter. 



Apple Cider and Honey Biscuits

October is here which means fall is in full swing. I love the fall colors and harvest.  Apple butter is one of my favorite things to make with local fresh apples and if I am lucky my grandfather’s apples from his orchard.

The combination of apple and cinnamon simmering is purely divine to me. Nothing says home and comfort like some freshly made baked treats with mother natures resources.

Happy Fall!!

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Recipe yields: 16 small biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour

2 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoons of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon of apple pie spice

1/3 cup of cold unsalted butter

2 teaspoons of pure honey

3/4 cup of apple cider 100%

1-2 tablespoons, scant skim milk for brushing

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter & honey until mixture resembles sand like texture. Stir in cider just until moist.  Place batter onto a lightly heavily floured surface and knead 4 times.
  2. Roll out to 1/2-in. thickness; cut with a 2 inch. biscuit cutter. Place on parchment paper lined  half sheet baking pan.
  3. Brush with milk and plan in preheated oven at 425 degrees
    for 10  minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with apple butter.

Cocoa Beet Scones

My mom and grandpa combined gave me around a half bushel of beets. I love beets and for the last month. I have been eating one a day.  Beets are rich in folate, fiber and potassium. A lot of people dislike beets, but I believe that is because they have ate them from the salad bar and they are canned subpar. Quite frankly they haven’t tried my homegrown roasted in the oven to perfection. 

I roasted several last weeeknd and I made a vow, that I will not can them. This is my second take on using them to add moisture to baked goods. A few weekends ago I added puréed Beets to my sister’s vegan birthday cake. Roasting beets and adding them to baked goods opens the door to endless opportunities to add moisture and sweetness naturally to foods.

Yields:16 serving 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice

1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

1/4 cup of canola oil

1/4 cup of light agave nectar

1/4 cup of raw sugar

1 cup of roasted beet puree

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla

1/3 cup of pistachios, chopped: plus another 1 tablespoon of pistachios chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cooking spray mini scone pan with cooking spray. 
In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, ground chinese 5 spice, and kosher salt. Set aside. 

In a medium bowl mix oil, sugar, puréed beets, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and stir to combine.

Pour the dry into into the wet batter and mix to combine. Mix until no dry residue remains.  Fold in pistachios into the batter. Save 1 TB to sprinkle right before placing into oven.

Place the dough evenly into the mini scone pan. Sprinkle with leftover pistachios. 

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. Allow the scones to cool for 5 minutes in the pan and invert onto wire rack. Serve warm. 

Enjoy! 

 

 

Pumpkin Pecan French Toast


We had a sleepover last night with my nephew, sister-in-law & her boyfriend. I wanted to make a fall breakfast and this cannot be anymore fallish with puréed pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice!

The original recipe called for 8 eggs and I swapped out those for liquid egg whites to cut some of the fat.

This recipe yields 12 servings 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound of whole wheat bread (dried)

1 1/2 cups of liquid egg whites

1 Tablesppon of pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups of pumpkin purée

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

Topping:

2 tablespoon of raw sugar

1 tablespoon whole wheat pastry flour

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 cup chopped finely pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cooking spray 9 by 13 baking dish & set aside.

3. Cube up bread into 1 inch pieces & scatter in greased 9 by 13 pan. Set aside.

4. In a large bowl whisk egg whites,vanilla,spice, pumpkin purée, and maple syrup. Pour over bread and mix to coat well. Set aside.

5. In a small bowl mix butter, sugar, pecans,and flour. Sprinkle evenly over bread.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack until ready to serve.

7. If your guests would like they can  always add Extra Maple Syrup.

Enjoy!

 

Nutrition Label:

nutrition-facts-label-for-pumpkin-french-toast

 

Fall Harvest Spiced Muffins


Fall will be here before we know it (11 days but who is counting). Some of the tree leaves are starting to turn yellow and red hues. My husband and I went running last weekend on one of our favorite trails and there were already some leaves hitting the limestone path. Fall in Western Pennsylvania is very beautiful and we are lucky to have all the seasons.

We were able to stop at my grandfather’s orchard last weekend. He always likes to show his apple trees, peach trees, and thriving garden. This is a picture of him and I below. I am trying to hold all the goods in just one hand. But the reality of it is we left with a cooler full of produce, several bags of kale, peaches, apples, and an 8.175 pound head of cabbage.

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My grandpa’s apple trees have so many apples, he has to place posts under the branches to prevent the apples and branches from hitting the ground. He gave us some of his apples. I was able to incorporate them in the recipe today, along with my neighbor’s roasted pumpkin I freeze canned last year.

In the fall I make everything pumpkin and apple. I love the smell of these fruits baked in fall combined with cinnamon.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes    Cook Time: 21 minutes

This recipe yields: 21 muffins using a size # 16 scoop

Prep Work &Tools need for the job:

  • Number Size 16 scoop
  • Muffin Tin Liners
  • Muffin Cups
  • Cooking Spray
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Line standard muffin tin with paper liners

 

Ingredients:

1 cup of pureed pumpkin

1/4 cup of canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 2/3 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons of ground Flaxseed

1 teaspoon of apple pie spice

1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

2 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon of baking soda

2 cups of chopped apples, peeled

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, spices, & salt. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Cooking spray the lined muffin cups and use a # 16 scoop to fill the tins.

3. Bake the muffins at 350° for 19-21 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. I rotated my muffins halfway through for even baking. Remove from pan after 5 minutes have elapsed and allow to cool on wire rack.

Enjoy the muffins on their own or slathered with apple or pumpkin butter.

Kick’n Chive Ham & Cheddar Scones

 

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My husband and I were lucky enough to travel to Hawaii this past May. One of the things we enjoyed most was drinking coffee on Kona, the Island of coffee. We drank so much coffee on Kona one night, I could not even fall asleep. There were so many coffee shops and coffee farms on Kona, I think at one point I got “coffeed out” if that is even such a thing. Ask my family they will vouch for me on that. This sign in this picture below somes it up.


 IMG_7748 There was one special spot we liked to go in Kona called Daylight Mind. It was a hidden gem the locals loved. Our tour guide, Katie, from Hawaiian Outdoor Guides for the National Volcano Park told us that you can almost guarantee to see Dolphins in the morning while you are enjoying your coffee. And of course we did :)

IMG_7750This restaurant/coffee shop is a true coffee cafe! We adored this place! The location is perfect! Right on the water with beautiful views of the ocean (picture below). I love the top deck seating area. 
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The coffee is so good and the service is stellar. Honestly we wish we could have went there every day. They even offer yoga in the mornings which I wish I would have had time to attend class.

They offer coffee classes and also have beautiful baked goods from mango macadamia nut sourdough bread to sweet blueberry scones and savory cheddar and chive scones.

IMG_7745This place made me want to go home and open a coffee shop. I love the vibes of this place and it truly is the perfect place to start your day! Especially when you are on vacation. 

These scones pictured above inspired me to make these scones in the recipe below. It was one of the bucket list of recipes I wanted to make after our trip to Hawaii. I must say posting this recipe makes me want to plan another trip to Hawaii.

Yields: 16 mini scones    Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups of Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 Tablespoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt

1 Tablespoon of honey

1/2 teaspoon of roasted garlic powder (from Penzey’s one of my new favorite spices)

1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cubed

3/4 cup of Non Fat Buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce

1/3 heaping cup of diced finely lean ham

1 cup shredded 2% mild cheddar cheese

1/4 cup of fresh chives, chopped

Essential tools for the job & prework:

  • Mini Scone Pan; sprayed with cooking spray
  • Oven preheated to 425 degrees

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour,  baking powder, garlic powder and salt. Add cold butter, using your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles wet sand appearance.
  2. Stir in hot sauce, buttermilk, cheese, ham and chives until all ingredients appear wet.
  3. Evenly divide the batter into the prepared mini scone pan. Place the scone dish into the center rack of oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and lightly browned.
  4. Allow the pan to cool on wire rack for 5 minutes and remove the scones on the pan and allow to cool on wire rack or serve right way.
  5. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Peach Kuchen

My husband and I just returned from Topsail Island. One of our favorite places to go is Sugar Island Bakery. They have beautiful pastries and adorable local crafty gifts and jelwery.   

This bakery makes fresh goodies daily. One of the pastries that has intrigued me the last few years is a Kuchen. The baker had a blueberry kuchen in the shop showcase when we went on Friday. 

On our way home from Topsail we always stop at Mountain Man Orchard and pick up 2 bushels of freshly picked Virgina grown peaches. 


Funny story my husband and I found this gem of a farmer’s market, Mountain Man Orchard, when we got lost about 4 years ago. At the time he was not happy we got lost but now we cherish the moment. This pit stop is now an anticipated tradition to stop at the market our way home from the beach. The destination is actually halfway from Topsail to our home. 

Every year we buy more and more goodies. This year they even had muscadine grapes! A new found love! They also have my sisters favorite honey.

 


This recipe yields 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup raw sugar

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 

4 TB cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup fat free half and half

1 egg

1 3/4 cup sliced fresh peaches 

For the Custard Cream topping 

1/2 cup fat free half and half

1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek Yogurt

2 teaspoon whole wheat pastry flour

1/3 cup raw sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch kosher salt

Necessary tools:

9″ Springform pan

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9″ springform pan with cooking spray, set aside. 
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamon in a mixing bowl and stir well with a whisk.
3. Cut the cold butter into the flour to incorporate to blend well until it becomes a sandlike texture. 

4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk fat free half and half and egg.  Pour the liquid mixture over the flour mixture. Mix with a fork just until it becomes wet. Spread the batter on the bottom of the pan greased springform pan.

5. Arrange the peach slices on top. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

6. While the bottom part of the dish bake, make the custard topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of half & half with flour and whisk together to remove flour particles. Add the rest of the half and half, sugar, Greek yogurt, egg, vanilla, and salt. Whisk well to thoroughly mix.

7. Take the cake out of the oven and pour the custard mixture on top. Place the cake back in the oven and reduce the heat to 350˚F. Continue to bake for 35-40 minutes.

8. When the cake edges are deep golden and starting to separate from the pan, the cake is done. Remove from oven.  Cool in the pan for 15 minutes on wire rack, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely.

Chocolate Caramel Banana Protein Shake

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Today was my long run day! I am training for a half marathon in Asheville, NC. The race is right before my sister’s wedding at the end of August. I am getting very excited!  Both of the events are less than a month away.

My husband and I had one of our good friends over this morning. She is also training for a half marathon and we did a very hilly workout in our neighborhood.  After the run I felt like I needed a good cool off and protein boost. This protein shake did the trick. I added a frozen banana and some fresh baby spinach for extra fiber and nutrients for the recovery period. It was delicious!! I cannot wait to go for a run again and make another.

This recipe yields two large shakes: (serving size 2 cups per shake)

Recommended tools for the job: Vitamix, Small rubber spatula.

Ingredients:

 

3/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

3/4 cup of water

1/4 teaspoon of caramel extract

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder (look for one with about 100 calories per scoop)

1/3 cup of packed fresh baby spinach

 

1 small frozen banana

1 & 1/2 cups of ice

Directions:

  1. Place the first 5 ingredients into the blender. Place the blender on smoothie mode.
  2. Once the first cycle has elapsed, remove lid and add frozen banana and ice.  Secure the lid.
  3. Place the blender on smoothie mode again this time use the blender wand to move the ice around to create a smooth texture. Continue stirring until the cycle has elapsed.
  4. Pour the shake into two large mason jars and enjoy. I like to use a spoon to savor the flavor and my hubby enjoys his with a straw.  

 

Cinn-licious Chia Overnight Oats

I am pretty routine when it comes to breakfast staples.  If it is not oats & eggs it is probably Greek yogurt and eggs. That said I like to spice up the different variations or combine the two. 

This recipe I usually heat up but since today there is a heat advisory for our county. I decided to keep this breakfast cool.

Serving size: one just for me

Ingredients:

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon of old fashioned oats 

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

1 1/2 cup water 

1 teaspoon of Ground Vietnesmeese Cinnamon 

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

2 packets of truvia 

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup of frozen blueberries

24 oz mason jar
Directions:

1. Place the first 7 ingredients in a mason jar. 

2. Add blueberries place the lif and seal on the jar. Give the jar a good shake. Place in the refrigerator overnight and allow the ingredients to marry. 

3. In the morning give the jar a good shake and enjoy. These oats are very liquidy. You can almost drink them so they would be a good for a long morning commute. 



Peanuts & Berry Overnight Greek Yogurt Pick Me Up


Mason jar madness, these containers are too cute not to use for everything. I recently found a steal on vintage Ball jars at an estate sale. Garage saleing and picking is another one of my favorite past times. Buying more jars, just means more fun things to make in the perfect portioned food vessels. 

I have to admit that Plain Greek yogurt is one of my all time favorite proteins and when I put it in a mason jar it makes it ten times more enjoyable. I’m not sure if it is the seethrough glass, the sealable lid, the reusable container, or the fact it reminds me of canning vegetables and jam with my grandma. 

Serving size: one just for me (I am not a good sharer)



Ingredients: 

1 pint size mason jar

1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

2 tablespoon of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 1/2 teaspoons of chai seeds

1 teaspoon of ground Vietnamase cinnamon

2 tablespoon of peanut butter flavored protein powder 

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

10 peanuts, spilt

Directions:

1. Place the first 5 ingredients in the mason jar and mix with a mini spatula. 

2. Top the yogurt mix with the blueberries. Finish with sprinkling the peanuts. Place the seal & lid on the jar. 

3. Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight. 

4. Before enjoying give the jar contents a good stir.