And since I'm in the sharing mood myself, here is just a quick roundup of some tasty tidbits I have been enjoying as of late. Special treats, everyday favorites, and some new recipes that my stomach gives two big thumbs up!
Thank you to the fellow food bloggers out there that have been sharing your new creations in the kitchen. I know one of my personal favorite things about being a food blogger is feeling like I'm getting that chance of a special moment that is sharing food with others.
I think I heard a phrase at one point that spoke of how people may speak different languages, but we all understand the language of food. And the bonds, the special memories, that can be created from those times of "breaking bread" with others, so to speak.
If you're reading this, I'm happy to be "breaking bread" with you today.
On to the food.
A regular breakfast favorite of mine. Even when I go without my daily oatmeal for a while like on vacation I still come back to it. I just can't go long without my oats.
I typically start with a base of regular rolled or quick oats, water, almondmilk, sprinkle of sea salt, and stevia.
My favorite add-ins include flaxseed, vanilla extract, maca powder, Skoop protein powder, cinnamon, PB2 powder, unsweetened applesauce, canned pumpkin and a swirl of grape or strawberry jam. Sometimes I go crazy and add all of these in at once.
At my job, we host events for corporate clients and they occasionally like to bring in catering. Upon this occasion, Panera bread was the caterer and the company offered all of us workers at my job the extras from lunch. I spotted a giant leftover box of pickles and had to partake. Panera pickles are pretty awesome, in my personal opinion. So I snagged about 25 of them in a plastic bag to take home. No shame.
And just in case you're wondering, no I am not pregnant.
Ever since hearing about a local chocolate company called Hello Cocoa, I have been wanting to try their products. ALL of their products. And then maybe go back for seconds and thirds. Not only am I all about supporting a local company but I'm also all about some good quality chocolate.
This particular Winter Wonderland bar I won through my blogger buddy, Lyndi's blog, Nwafoodie.
And in the next couple of weeks YOU might just be given a chance to win some of the Hello Cocoa products to try for yourself! I have been talking with the Hello Cocoa team and look forward to visiting their business and seeing how they produce their chocolate bars in person! We have talked about collaborating for a giveaway for my readers, particularly for an upcoming Valentine's Day treat.
So...STAY TUNED!!
One of my favorite nightly snacks! Especially after reading the ingredients list, you'll see why I really do pour all of my heart into the love I show to one of my favorite food companies. Love Grown Foods is where it's at.
If you follow me on instagram you might have seen this bowl of Honey and Chocolate Power O's I shaped into a heart on National Hug Day.
Recipes tried and enjoyed lately:
My parents and I both approved of this vegetarian version of a corn chowder, first created by Heather from Housewife Glamour.
If you're craving a healthier, lighter mac 'n' cheese, try this one. You won't be disappointed. I want to make this again soon.
The first time I tried this recipe I used sweetened coconut flakes because it was all I had on hand. The second time I tried it I used unsweetened coconut flakes.
I actually preferred the sweetened coconut flakes just because I felt like the unsweetened coated shrimp needed SOMETHING a little extra for taste. Maybe a light dipping sauce? Might try that next time! Either way, I will probably make this again.
Cannot get enough. One of my favorite staple sides I make over and over again to go with my meals.
Did you know popcorn is actually a 100% whole grain? Yep. That means it's a good-for-you snack, so long as you keep the toppings light.
When I discovered I could flavor the popcorn naturally using the brown bag in the microwave method and NuNaturals flavored syrups...I felt like a true mad genius in the kitchen. I highly recommend any NuNaturals products, guys. And I'm not even getting paid to say that. I just really love the company and it's products.
Also linking up with Heather at Housewife Glamour for Friday Favorites
Any favorite recipes you'd like to share?
What's your favorite chocolate company or chocolate bar flavor?