Avenita ~ (Oatmeal)… like mom used to make

Avenita ~ Oatmeal like mom used to make, almost…
(Serves 4) ~ Vegan, GF Option, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free

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Oatmeal has always been very nostalgic for me. It takes me back to my childhood and I think of mom, my dad, my aunts and grandma even, when I make avenita (oatmeal). Porridge in its truest form in my opinion. Ground up oats with milk, cinnamon, sugar and a splash of vanilla is what I grew up on. They all knew I loved it too! This recipe should serve (4) unless you are two hungry little Minions and one hungry Momma Bear alone in the house while Papa Bear is off at work, of course the (3) of us ate it all… 🙂
A couple differences than how mom used to make – I grind up my old-fashioned rolled oats in my nutribullet using the milling blade or sometimes using my coffee grinder. The kids use the coffee grinder when they make it themselves. Also, after grinding up the oats when you incorporate them into the milk mixture you’ll want to whisk and whisk often while the oats are cooking to achieve the silky smooth texture.
Nowadays, my cheat… [don’t tell mom] I’ll whisk for a couple minutes then let the oats cook out then transfer the oatmeal back to the nutribullet now using the extractor blade and I’ll blend up for about 30 seconds to a minute until smooth and creamy…. You know just like mom used to make 😉 Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 Cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Cups Non-Dairy Milk (I used Almond/Coconut blend – Silk)
2 Cups Water
1 Tsp ground Cinnamon
3 Tbsp Sugar
¼ Tsp Salt Splash of pure Vanilla Extract
and a dash of love!

Directions:
-Grind up rolled oats using a milling blade, growing up we used a blender, you can also use a coffee grinder or milling blade on your nutribullet.
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-Heat milk, water, cinnamon, sugar, salt and vanilla to a simmer over medium heat.
-Slowly whisk in ground up oats and continue whisking and cooking oats for 5-7 minutes. Whisking regularly until smooth.
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Optional [but for added creamy smoothness]: – in addition to the above steps, let the oatmeal mixture stand for 3 minutes, transfer into nutribullet or blender and blend until smooth before serving.
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You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for serving. When my brother and I were kids we would sometimes add a drizzle of syrup. Also, as kids, we were taught the center is hot so when you dive in, start around the edge of the bowl not the center… of course this straight from the pot without my optional ‘let stand’ steps above when the oatmeal was still scorching. Hope you enjoy this one and think of “Vegan Rescue” when you grind up your oats!
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Enjoy!

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Oats (Avena sativa) “Oats are generally considered “healthy”, or a health food, being touted as nutritious. The established property of their cholesterol-lowering effect has led to acceptance of oats as a health food. Oats contain more soluble fiber than any other grain, resulting in slower digestion, a feeling of satiety and suppression of appetite. One type of soluble fiber, beta-glucans, has been proven to lower cholesterol. Oat protein is nearly equivalent in quality to soy protein, which World Health Organization research has shown to be equal to meat, milk and egg protein.” [wikipedia] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oat

Avenita ~ Oatmeal

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients:
2 Cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 Cups Non-Dairy Milk (I used Almond/Coconut blend – Silk)
2 Cups Water
1 Tsp ground Cinnamon
3 Tbsp Sugar
¼ Tsp Salt Splash of pure Vanilla Extract
and a dash of love!

Directions:
-Grind up rolled oats using a milling blade, growing up we used a blender, you can also use a coffee grinder or milling blade on your nutribullet.
-Heat milk, water, cinnamon, sugar, salt and vanilla to a simmer over medium heat.
-Slowly whisk in ground up oats and continue whisking and cooking oats for 5-7 minutes. Whisking regularly until smooth.

Optional [but for added creamy smoothness]: – in addition to the above steps, let the oatmeal mixture stand for 3 minutes, transfer into nutribullet or blender and blend until smooth before serving.

Quinoa Kiwi Breakfast Bowl!

Quinoa Kiwi Breakfast Bowl
(Serves 2-4) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free
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When I created this recipe I had my Raw Energy Balls in mind. Sometimes you need a boost and a boost for breakfast would be even better I thought. As I’ve mentioned in a prior blog post about Quinoa it is indeed a Super Food. It contains all 9 essential amino acids and has been deemed a complete protein. It’s iron rich and is packed with Fiber, Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese and Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin), E and B6. I like to think of it as oatmeal/porridge when eating Quinoa for breakfast. The best thing about this recipe is with having the simple quinoa base, you can add-in countless other ingredients to the mix. This day I added Chia Seeds, Dates, Almonds, Kiwi, Maca Powder and applesauce. The kids enjoyed theirs with Chia seeds, dates, almonds, kiwi and a drizzle of Raw Agave Nectar. You can add pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, bananas, etc. Get creative and enjoy!

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Ingredients:
1 Cup Red Quinoa (rinsed)
1 ½ Cup Almond/Coconut Milk (or water)
½ Tsp ground Cinnamon

Directions:
Place rinsed quinoa, cinnamon and almond milk (or water) in pot and bring to boil. Stir, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat – keeping lid on. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with fork.
Note: When using the almond/coconut milk I had to keep stirring occasionally to prevent milk from bubbling over.

Add-Ins:
My bowl included:
2 Dates, Chopped
¼ Cup Raw Almonds, soaked overnight
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tsp Maca Powder
¼ Cup Applesauce
1 Kiwi, sliced Raw Agave Nectar, optional
Here’s a pic of my raw energy balls – click the pic for the recipe!
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Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie
(Serves 1) – Vegan, Gluten-Free, can be Raw
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O is for Oatmeal. Oatmeal is so versatile and healthy for you. It’s been known to lower cholesterol, its heart healthy, great for diabetics (stabilizes blood sugar) and reduces high blood pressure. It’s filling too, this smoothie easily tide me over until lunch. Oatmeal is great for you and my mom makes the best – I’ll have to blog about her recipe one of these days. Oatmeal is flexible too, you can make Oatmeal (porridge), Oatmeal Cookies, Oatmeal Bars, Granola or add it to a smoothie. This smoothie is a simple feel good breakfast recipe. Maca powder has been known to not only put you in a good mood, but to get you ‘in the mood’ also. This superfood has been known to boost the libido, helps with fatigue, it’s a stress reducer among others benefits. If not in this smoothie, I’ll mix maca straight in a bowl of oatmeal or other foods too. If the Oatmeal and Maca weren’t extraordinary enough, this also has Turmeric, Almond Butter, Coconut Water and Chia seeds. Chia seeds are packed with an excellent vegan source of Omega 3’s, as well as, protein, antioxidants and fiber. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate so all you have to do in the morning is blend it up. And if you prepare it that morning, it takes no more than 5 minutes. Serves 1 – but can easily be doubled or tripled for a family breakfast on the go.

Ingredients:

¼ Cup Rolled Oats –GF (I use Bob’s Red Mill) or raw oat groats (raw)
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tsp to 1 Tbsp Raw Agave Nectar (to taste)
1 Tsp Maca Powder
¼ Tsp Turmeric
¼ Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Maple Almond Butter (I use Justin’s)
½ Cup Almond Milk
¼ Cup Coconut Water
½ Cup Water

Blend together and Enjoy! – You can substitute for all coconut water if you prefer.

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