Ambrosia Overnight Oatmeal

Ambrosia reminds me of my high school days working in the deli of my hometown grocery store. Yes, your dear Lauren used to stand behind a counter and weigh super thin slices of smoked turkey, bread and fry chicken, and gobble down leftover chicken thighs at the end of her shift. I was basically a walking tub of grease for two years. To this day, I can't stand the smell of a deep-fryer...and most fried foods, actually.

However, our deli counter also offered a variety of salads. The standards were, of course, potato salad and macaroni salad, but there was also always a couple "sweet salads." The Midwest is infamous for its...erm...salads (Exhibit A and B). I think Ambrosia is actually "a thing" outside of the Midwest, but it was definitely one of the occasional offerings at my humble little deli.

Any excuse to take out my martini glass, yes?

The key ingredients for Ambrosia are mandarin oranges (blegh), pineapple, marshmallows (obviously), cherries (the faker, the better), and coconut, all mixed together in a creamy base. I have a strong disdain for mandarin oranges, so I used good ol' navel. I skipped the cherries because I'm too cheap to buy them. I omitted the marshmallows because...you know...breakfast. And finally, I subbed So Delicious yogurt <3 for the cream.

Grape and Orange Marmalade Oatmeal

I must share a story with you.

This is my last day of school as a first-year teacher. On one of the days earlier this week, a student (whom I love, of course) brought goodies for the teachers. My colleague came into our workroom holding a bag of cookies and encouraged me to check out my mailbox because the student had left treats for each of us, along with personalized drawings for gift tags. Like every time a student brings gifts, I felt the same mixed feelings: flattered, but disappointed. Nine times out of ten, I end up giving away the non-vegan food item to a coworker (but appreciate the thought nevertheless).

I hustled to my mailbox anyway, eager to see the drawing this student left me. What did I find?

Double Berry Baked Oatmeal with Lemon Curd

As summer approaches (just a couple weeks away!), everyone is craving lighter and brighter recipes. One of my favorite parts of summer is all the produce, especially the berries.

I really do challenge myself to develop non-banana recipes, just to balance things out on here. This recipe uses mashed raspberries instead of my usual mashed banana, and the blueberries are delightful because they burst and bubble in the oven.

The lemon curd is optional, but it definitely adds to the summery brightness of the recipe and makes the serving a little larger.

Getting Fit #5 + Orange Marmalade and Almond Oatmeal

For the first time in several weeks, I have a recipe to share with you on a Saturday! Woohoo!

But first, let's check in with Crystal.

This is the fourth segment of my Getting Fit series. This series features my friend Crystal, a rockstar figure skater and fellow oatmeal lover. You can her blog, Confessions of Crystal, and check out her Instagram,@crystalchilcott.

TOA: Hi Crystal! How is your summer going?

Crystal: Hi Lauren! It finally feels like summer here in Colorado. I unfortunately sustained a concussion on Saturday so I haven't been able to skate, but I've enjoyed having time to read a copious amount! How are you? 

TOA: I'm okay. I've been feeling chronically fatigued lately; I experienced the same thing around this time last year. It seems like no matter what time I go to bed, I wake up exhausted. It makes staying active difficult! 

Crystal: Does exercise give you an energy boost? 

TOA: Not particularly. On weekends and Mondays, kind of. Once I get further into the week, I just trudge through my routine and feel dead from beginning to end. 

Crystal: Hmm, do you think a change in routine might help? 

TOA: Maybe. What are you thinking? 

Crystal: Perhaps you could try doing strength before running to change it up a bit or doing intervals. If you did intervals you would lightly jog for a minute and then sprint for thirty seconds. Sometimes that makes my cardio a bit more interesting. 

TOA: Hmm that could work. I like how it's less monotonous than just plain long-distance jogging. However, I'm pleased to report that I've completed a 2.6 mile run a few times since we talked last! 

Crystal: That's great! It is awesome that you're making progress even when you're not feeling your best energy-wise. Would you be willing to try the intervals at least once next week to see how you like them? 

TOA: Definitely. Besides that, should I follow the same routine? 

Crystal: Is your strength routine still challenging but not impossible? 

TOA: That's the perfect way to describe it. Usually during the second set, I feel like there's no way I'll be able to complete all three, but then I can do it and it doesn't kill me—ha!

Crystal: Great! I see no reason to change it then.

TOA: Thanks! Say, I have a question for you. When you're doing hardcore training, what do you eat for breakfast?

Crystal:I almost always have oatmeal and matcha green tea, sometimes together! I almost never repeat bowls of oatmeal and either use one of your recipes or top it with whatever fruits, nuts, or nut butters I have on hand.

TOA: Do you eat before working out, or after?

Crystal: Always before. If I don't eat beforehand I don't think I could make it through a workout or skating session!

TOA: I'm the same way! However, I know many people that wait until after working out because they complain it makes them sick to eat before. That's crazy to me! I'm ravenous in the morning. Similar to me, you're a vegetarian. Do you use any "protein shakes" or anything of that nature?

Crystal: I don't understand breakfast-skippers either! I'm a believer in getting all my nutrients through whole foods and using as little supplements as possible. On exceptionally hard workout days or on days when I feel I need more protein, I sometimes use SunWarrior protein and add it to a smoothie in my NutriBullet. I like that brand because it is from all plant-based sources and has none of the sketchy additives like most protein powders. I also sometimes eat Luna protein bars or Lara Alt bars.

TOA: YAY! I agree. I see no reason to buy protein powders myself. That's what peanut butter is for.

Crystal: Oh, yes, peanut butter is definitely my favorite protein source! It is much more fun to eat peanut butter than drink an unappealing, chemical-ridden, pre-packaged protein shake!

TOA: I agree! Do you eat any differently on days that you work out vs. days that you don't? (Or do you work out every day, haha?)

Crystal: Sunday is my only off day. I'm hungrier on days that I work out so I usually have an extra snack. I like to eat smaller meals five to six times a day, balanced with protein, grains, and fruits and veggies. I find I have the most energy this way whether I work out or not.

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Like Crystal, I can handle eating breakfast before a workout. Often, I will eat something somewhat lighter, go for a run, and then come home for round two...because two breakfasts are better than one.

Lemon Coconut Oatcakes for One

A common "insult" I have to endure from people outside my inner circle is, "You must get really tired of eating such bland food." The ignorance toward vegan food just breaks my heart. The food I ate prior to my veganism was not more flavorful. It was simply greasier and saltier. The food I eat now is by far more flavorful, satisfying, and exciting.

I mean...just look at it!

These Lemon Coconut Oatcakes are fruity, tropical, and filling. I topped my oatcakes with my lemon curd (with coconut stirred in). Also, despite being filling, they're a little lighter than...err...some of my other recipes. :)

Blueberry Lime Basil Oatmeal

I was with a friend last weekend who asked me, "If they came up with a synthetic food--like a shake--that was proven to be safe and contained all the necessary nutrients for survival, would you eat it?"

Of course, I repeatedly argued that it couldn't possibly be better or even on par with REAL food, which we were designed to eat and gain our nutrients from. Still, he responded each time, "But what if it were proven? Just pretend. Would you eat it?"

Finally, I said, "I think it would be great for feeding populations who are malnourished or food insecure, but I am neither of those things. I enjoy the process of chopping vegetables and cooking recipes and creating nourishing meals on my own. I feel spiritually fulfilled by it."

That's how I feel when I make recipes like this one. Whenever I make oatmeal with herbs, I feel so gourmet and fancy. Each of the three main flavors in this recipe blend together so beautifully. Once combined, they each become subtle and complement each other with perfect harmony.

Pseudo Vegan Lemon Curd

I regret nothing about going vegan. The foods I once loved (steak, bacon, pulled pork) are just memories now, and despite being my favorites at one point in my life, I no longer crave them or feel like I'm missing out by not eating them.

The only thing that kind of bothers me from time to time is that there are foods out there that I never experienced. There are certain cuisines that I feel I'll never fully know, or cool desserts that I'll never be able to try. One particular food that has eluded me is lemon curd. The idea of a thicker, bright, citrusy spread is so enticing to me, and I first found out about it while I was just a vegetarian. However, I was slowly phasing out eggs at the time and didn't want to commit to a spread made from egg yolks. There are recipes for vegan lemon curd out there, but they looked so involved, and I did not want to use it in a recipe when I know most of my readers are looking for quick and easy breakfast solutions.

Lemon White Chocolate Oatmeal

Is it spring? I thought it was, but then I went to Philadelphia with my spring coat and basically froze to death. As soon as I returned to my apartment in New York, I switched back to my heavy winter coat. Ugh!

To fool myself into thinking it is, in fact, spring, I returned to my beloved lemon-flavored oats. Every spring, I just can't get enough lemon in my oatmeal!  This time, I combined it with white chocolate chips. The tang of the lemon and the sweet white chocolate are definitely a winning combination!

Oatmeal Recipes for Lemon Lovers

Whenever spring rolls around, my porridge palette changes. My craving for peanut butter-laden recipes dwindles slightly, and I suddenly desire bright and fresh flavors. Suddenly, the bottle of lemon extract becomes my favorite ingredient and gets moved to the front of the shelf. Does anyone else experience a similar phenomenon?

To celebrate these warmer days and sunnier afternoons, here are my five favorite lemon recipes on the blog. If you haven't done so yet, you should really invest in some lemon extract. I found mine at Whole Foods. :)

Orange Plum Oatmeal

Close followers of the blog have probably recognized my fruit phases. One month, I'll have a bunch of strawberry recipes, followed by a string of apple recipes, and then a random fig phase. There was even about a month or two last year when I *gasp* liked pears and made several recipes with them.

Right now, I love plums. I love their small size, the squishy interior, the slight peachy taste, and the deep red color. Unfortunately, it's not exactly plum season. :( Despite this, I was able to find someone at my local produce market--success!

Sadly, I've learned that plums don't "star" well in oatmeal. They need a little help. For this recipe, I paired a plum with an orange (specificially, a cara cara orange...my favorite!). I love pairing other fruits with oranges. The sweet citrus flavor is subtle (oranges also don't "star" well), and just enough to complement the subtle plums.

Blood Orange White Chocolate Oatmeal

Blood oranges are the most mysterious fruit to me. Sometimes, I think I know what flavors it will pair well with; I'm rarely correct. I've had many failed attempts with blood oranges.

This is not one of them.

Not only do the white chocolate chips complement the blood oranges beautifully, but the vanilla bean paste also paired well. I don't normally use vanilla extract in my citrus recipes, but I knew this recipe would need something else. Lo and behold, the vanilla bean paste was the answer.

Lemon, Thyme, and Honey Oatmeal

The more I experiment with savory oatmeal, the more I accept that I prefer recipes that are "half savory." The Greek Oatmeal and Pizza Porridge recipes are both great...but I'd much rather have the sweet, velvety texture of Butternut Squash Oatmeal or the perfect flavor pairing of Sweet Potato and Soyrizo Oatmeal.

I suppose that's why I've somewhat recently been inspired by dessert recipes that feature herbs, like this sorbet recipe. It allows me to combine my love of fruity oatmeal with flavors that are associated with more savory dishes.

Lemon Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Every time I think all my lemon ideas have dried up, another springs to my mind. As of this moment, I can't say I have any more lemon recipes to give you. However, I'm sure within a couple of months, I'll miraculously think of another. It's simply inevitable.

Kiwi, Green Apple, and Pistachio Oatmeal

Last week, I talked about how crazy my life was as a teacher. I'm happy to announce that I'm slowly getting my "ish" together. I enjoyed a lovely 15 hours grading essays over the weekend (yippee), but besides that, I'm feeling things slowing down.

Anyway, this recipe features an odd assortment of ingredients. Essentially, I was inspired by green. I can't remember how this recipe started in my imagination, but I simply kept adding on to it with more green things. It continued to morph as it went through the process. Even when I first made it, I decided to add lemon extract at the last second. No regrets--the touch of citrus made these ingredients dance. Lime juice might be pleasant, too.

Lemon Lover's Baked Oatmeal

As I type this, my eyelids are drooping. I don't often talk about my work life on here, but times like this make it difficult to contemplate anything else. I spent the weekend redecorating my classroom, and on Saturday I was at school from 10 AM to 10 PM. ON THE WEEKEND, you guys! Today, I worked a similar length, but at least I was able to spend a portion of those hours working in my favorite coffee shop.

When I made this oatmeal on Sunday morning, I struggled to stay motivated. After working 12 hours a day, 8 days in a row, baking an oatmeal seems incredibly undesirable. However, this is what I scheduled to prepare over the weekend, and I had all the ingredients to do so. I knew the results would be worth it.

Orange and Sweet Potato Oatmeal

I hope nobody is getting impatient at my lack of baked and overnight recipes. My preference has always been for stove-top oats, so I will continue that trend most of the time. It also doesn't help that I do not have a microwave (for realz), so when I heat up my oatmeal in the morning, I just throw it on the stove to warm while I do my hair and make up. That definitely wouldn't work with a baked oatmeal!

However, I feel like I've pumped out some pretty fantastic recipes lately, so I will not apologize. This one uses just five ingredients and a pinch of salt--hurray for simplicity! As it turns, one orange is all it take to add a special brightness to a simple sweet potato porridge.

Tiger Stripes Oatmeal

Confession: it took me less than a week to polish off this jar of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter. I have no regrets. I'm not ashamed.

I got to make all the recipes I was hoping to make, so that expensive jar served its purpose. It served its purpose well, in fact. For example, it really made this particular recipe a treat. Oranges in oatmeal tend to be somewhat lackluster on their own. I worried about this porridge being too "plain." If you look at the ingredients list, after all, the orange basically has to hold its own.

However, a little bit of Dark Chocolate Dreams was all it took to make this extraordinary.

Savory Mexican Corn Oatmeal

Hi. I made oatmeal. :)

If my month off has done anything for me, it's provided me a chance to concentrate on this dear blog. I've adored having endless hours to invest in tweaking the layout, adjusting the recipe format, testing more unique and elaborate recipes, and above all, practicing my photography skillz.

Orange Strawberry Oatmeal

I know it's still mid-summer, but I always experience such mixed emotions regarding the changing seasons. Earlier this morning, I was fantasizing about Sweet Potato and Cranberry Oatmeal and Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal. I was drooling over the idea of autumn and imagining myself strutting the sidewalks of Manhattan with my light trench coat and some hot tea. Only a couple hours later, I noticed it was already the end of July, and my throat dried up a little bit. Where has my summer gone? I panicked.

What does this have to do with today's recipe? This oatmeal just strikes me as a refreshing summer recipe, so that's what led me to look at the calendar and notice how late in July it is.

Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal

Today marks the start of my final week in the Midwest. I must say I'm eager to return to the East Coast and ride subways to my heart's desire. And eat brunch in the Upper West Side. And shop at Trader Joe's. And read in Central Park. And all that good stuff.

I enjoyed an excellent morning in Minnesota today, though. I visited the farmer's market, which is small but mighty. Only four vendors had set up under the picnic shelter of the lakeside park. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the selection this week. Despite only having four vendors, the variety was impressive:  fresh breads and baked goods, maple syrup and goodies made with it (maple butter!), and two "typical" produce vendors.