Pumpkinny Oats

This morning I was inspired by Kath to make a delicious riff on my usual oatmeal. I had leftover pumpkin so I started out knowing I wanted some pumpkin oats. I cooked my oats with 1/4 c. of hempmilk and 3/4 c. of water. While they were boiling I added 1/2 of a mashed banana and a 1/4 c. of canned pumpkin. I also added a splash of vanilla, a pinch salt, and a few shakes of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. With Kath as my inspiration I made a maple cream "icing" by mixing yogurt and maple syrup, which I drizzled on top. I also added a few spoonfuls of granola.


I was at work for lunch today so no good pictures. After work I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things. I got more trail mix for my oatmeal. I bought some of the first strawberries and tomatoes of the season! My most fun purchase was a bag of ciabatta (sp?) rolls which I plan to eat with soup and sandwiches. I ate a sneaky little bite off the corner of one when I got home and it was delish! Dinner was just a big salad and another glass of wine. Dessert was ice cream, in a cone for a change. The perfect treat!

Pumpkin Bread

When Kath posted a recipe for super doughy pumpkin bread I knew I had to try it. So this morning I baked up a loaf right when I woke up. Of course I had to make a few changes to the recipe: I used a 1/4 c. of maple syrup instead of one T. because I wanted my bread sweeter. This was not the best idea as I'm not sure I could even taste the mapley-ness :) I also spiced my bread like a recipe I already love for pumpkin bread, Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread. These spices kind of overwhelmed the bread so I think next time I would definitely scale them back some. All in all though I am incredibly pleased with the recipe and I am sure I will be enjoying it through out the week. It's a great healthy bread with awesome nutritionals, 5g of fiber and only 189 cals in one slice bread! I made it a little less healthy this morning by adding some smart balance and a bit of maple syrup.


My mind is running wild with all the different ways I can serve it: with brown sugar and cinnamon, with a quick cinnamon maple butter, with cream cheese, with whipped cottage cheese, with honey roasted p.b.! I can't wait!