Strawberry Overnight Oats

Posted on June 23, 2017 by

Ah life with a new born…

It’s crazy, hectic, slow, relaxing, and tiring. So basically it’s everything all rolled into one.

It’s amazing how fast one day can go by and then how 1 hour can take forever. Time is never on your side when you have a new born. I think that’s a fact.

To make mornings easier, I prepped by making a TON of banana bread muffins the weekend before having Hunter. Like 60+ muffins, that are currently stuffed into our freezer. I love them and so does Autumn, which makes the morning a lot easier since she basically announces she wants to watch Paw Patrol/ Shimmer and Shine and that she is HUNGRY the exact moment she gets up. So, by being able to microwave a muffin for about 20 seconds means that we can have some peace in the morning. And the name of the game right now is ‘do anything to have peace and quiet’.

Similarly, I have been prepping by making overnight oats.

Autumn doesn’t like that so more for me! Finally, something that is all MINE!!!!

Rumor has it that oatmeal helps milk production when you are breastfeeding. While there is no scientific proof, there are a lot of people that say it helps them. And probably as many people that say it doesn’t do anything for them. Here’s the thing, I will do and try anything to keep production up so what’s the harm in eating some delicious oatmeal.

I swear it worked for me last time so I am chowing down on oatmeal and overnight oats again. I love how quick overnight oats are to make, the soft texture, and how delicious they are too. Just reaching into the fridge and having breakfast at the ready makes life so much easier too.

These Strawberry Overnight Oats are going to rock your world. They are naturally sweet from the strawberries and honey. The flax seed meal is loaded up with fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. The chia seeds  are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.

I find the best storage option for them are wide mouth pint jars with plastic lids. The 2 piece metal lids work fine but I prefer the plastic lids so I know the seal is secure. More of an issue when I would take overnight oats to- do to work. Def didn’t want milk to spill in a bag! Eww!

Strawberry Overnight Oats

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 Cups old fashion oats
  • 3 1/2 Cups milk
  • 1 pound strawberries, diced
  • 1 Cup flax seed meal
  • 1 Cup vanilla yogurt, preferably whole milk yogurt
  • 1/2 Cup Chia seeds
  • 1/3 Cup honey

Process

  1. Combine all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Equally portion out the oatmeal into 6 containers.
  3. Refrigerated overnight prior to enjoying.

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Father’s Day Gift Guide- 2017

Posted on June 15, 2017 by

Did you forget that Father’s Day is this Sunday?

Oh, only me then…

Well, I’ll use the new baby as a decent excuse, but what’s your excuse?!?!?!

It’s time to get shopping!!!

I hopped over to Amazon for ya to check out some awesome stuff. Amazon has tons of great products and the majority of them are Prime eligible. Some are even available for Prime Now, depending on where you live.

Let’s be real, you’re an amazon addict if you’re a parent. It saves ya when you need to order diapers or tub toy organizers (like what we needed to do this past week after our daughter Hulk’d her organizer off the wall and broke the bracket!)

-Bath and Body-

Essential Oil Diffusers – Monq $120 for 7

Okay, so this won’t arrive in time to give to Dad for Father’s Day but… it’s still an awesome gift. Like, maybe he won’t mind if you put an IOU in his card.

I have been using Monq for the past 6 months and I love it. I am a big fan of essential oils and love the benefits that they provide. These are portable diffuses so they can be tossed in a bag or pocket. I find that they really help with giving me an afternoon pick me up or helps me relax before bed.

Beard Oil – Mountaineer Brand $12

For the dad’s with some facial hair, a beard oil is a must. It helps keep the hair soft and helps condition your skin underneath the beard.

-Technology- 

Tripod Mount for Smartphones – Studio Neat $30

This is great for the Dad who loves Instagram or who loves to share family memories on Facebook. Having the tripod mount for smartphone devices is great for capturing moments of the whole family together.

And make sure dad snaps a self timer picture of everyone on Father’s Day with his new tripod!

Digital Laser Measure- Bosch $30

I have been using laser measures at work for years. They are so awesome. They are really precise and easy to use. Dad will love having one of these around for his next big home project.

-Food and Drink- 

Grilling Cookbook – America’s Test Kitchen $19

It’s time to fire up that grill! I love cookbooks from America’s Test Kitchen as they are clear and easy to follow. They are packed with great, helpful trips and tricks. You know Dad is gonna love to share his new found knowledge with you while he grills up a big steak, some kabobs, and some beer can chicken.

Smoker Box – Char-Broil – $13

If Dad likes grilling, then he might like to try smoking as well. This smoker box is a great way to start that. You can get all different kinds of wood chips for him too!

6 quart 7 function Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot $100

No place for a grill? Or dad doesn’t enjoy it? Then give him an instant pot. I bet he will love making pulled pork or batches of mac and cheese in there. Shoot, my husband loves that he can hardboil 18 eggs in there at once.

-Staying Active- 

Baby Bike Seat –  CyclingDeals $60

Family bike outings are always a blast. These bike seats are great for young kids so they can join the family. Having them right behind you lets you talk to them and play ‘I Spy’ while out on the trails.

Bike Trailer – Via Velo $400

Have 2 kids? This bike trailer is perfect for both of them.

And if they are doggo kids… they are great to hang out in there too! ha!

Insulated Water Bottle – KINGSSO $12

While Dad is hauling everyone around with his bike, make sure he is well hydrated! A sleek looking water bottle will help him stay hydrated and looking cool.

 

-Wear-

Graphic Tee’s- $20+

These Fun ‘Drink Local‘ Tee’s are great for the Dad’s that love local brews and live in CA, DC, MA, NY, TX, and WI.

This ‘For Fox Sake’ shirt is great for the dad that has a fun sense of humor.

Bike Messenger Bag- Manhattan Portage $120

This messenger bag is great for the stylish Dad who commutes to work on public transportation. It’s compact but still manages to hold a lot of stuff with

Vintage Canvas Backpack- Hotstyle $35 or less

Or maybe a messenger bag isn’t his thing? This backpack is pretty awesome. It’s waterproof and looks really stylish. Plus, it won’t break the piggy bank for less than $35.

Cool Diaper Bag- Diaper Dude $25+

And for the dad’s to be, a cool diaper bag is a must. My husband has a messenger bag from diaper dude and has loved using it over the past few years. It’s comfortable and has plenty of storage, including pockets for smart organization.

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What are you getting Dad for Father’s Day?

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Introducing… Hunter Blaze

Posted on June 8, 2017 by

  

Hunter Blaze arrived on June 6th at 9.42am.

He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Hearing we have a boy was a big wonderful surprise. We are absolutely thrilled that he is part of our family.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

 

 

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Southern Charmer Sliders

Posted on May 31, 2017 by

Behold! The best slider ever!

I know that is a bold statement but I’m pretty sure that you would agree.

It’s the kind of food that when you eat you do a little shimmy. You know what I am talking about.

When Kita at Girl Carnivore posted about hosting Burger Month again I knew that I needed to sign up again and make an epic burger.

So here goes…

Bacon,

Pimento Cheese,

and Fried Green Tomato

Topped Beef Burger on a Jalapeno Sweet Roll.

It’s a real Southern Charmer!

Autumn and I went Tomato picking recently and I snagged a few green tomatoes to play around with. I was mainly thinking I would make some BLTs, but then I started to think about how I could use the fried green tomato on a burger.

So it went from there. Fried green tomato on a burger. And of course I should keep the bacon. What else is southern? Ahhh, pimento cheese! So my burger was topped. When I was shopping for it I spotted the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Oooo, making sliders could be fun! And then I saw their Hawaiian Sweet Jalapeño Rolls and I knew it was SO ON!

 

The process to make the burgers is rather simple, and the fact that I used my new Anolon Double Burner Griddle made the process even easier. I only dirtied that 1 pan for the whole cooking process as I cooked the bacon, then the green tomatoes and the burger patties on there. So easy! And it has a spout too so it made clean up a breeze as I just needed to pour off the drippings and give the griddle a quick wash.

I hope that you will give these a try for your next (indoor) grilling adventure.

Southern Charmer Sliders

Makes 12 sliders

Ingredients

For the Burger

  • 1 pound of ground beef (I suggest 80/20)
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
  • 2 ounces arugula
  • 1 package of Hawaiian Sweet Jalapeño Rolls (King’s Hawaiian)

For the Pimento Cheese

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise (Hellman’s)
  • 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons diced pimentos, drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Fried Green Tomatoes

  • 3-4 small green tomatoes, cut into 1/4″ thick slices
  • 1 egg beaten with 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Cup seasoned bread crumbs

Process

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef with the Worcestershire Sauce, yellow mustard, and black pepper. Form 12 small patties, set aside.
  2. For the pimento cheese, mix together all of the ingredients. Set aside.
  3. Cook the bacon over medium heat on the flat size of the griddle. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Leave grease on the griddle.
  4. Prepare the fried green tomatoes, dip in the egg, breadcrumbs, back in the egg, and then back in the bread crumbs. Cook over medium heat on the griddle where the bacon had cooked.
  5. In batches, add the burger patties to the grill and cook until medium- rare/medium.
  6. To assemble, spread a heaping tablespoon of the pimento cheese on the bottom half of the bun. Then add a few leaves of arugula, the burger patty, a slice of fried green tomato then a piece of bacon, before topping it off with the top half of the bun.

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Welcome to Girl Carnivore's Annual Burger Month

Don’t Forget to Enter the Big, Huge, Mega Giveaway by 6/5!

ENTER HERE!!!!!

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Check out my previous Burger Month posts!

2016 – The Mega Goat Cheese and Slow Roasted Tomato Topped Burger

2015 – Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheeseburger

2014 – Nacho Cheeseburger

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Mini Lemon Blueberry Monkey Bread Muffins

Posted on May 15, 2017 by

Let’s talk The Handmaid’s Tale!!!

I am addicted. Seriously addicted. I have watched and re-watched the available 5 episodes. And I am counting down until the new episode is released on Wednesday.

The storytelling is amazing, the acting is incredible, the costumes are well developed… I could go on and on. It’s scarily so well thought out and horribly believable. It gives me chills watching it.

Insist that you watch it.

Then you must come back here and tell me what you think!!!

I also insist that you make these Mini Lemon Blueberry Monkey Bread Muffins

Autumn inhaled 2 of them after eating her dinner. I guess she liked them. She even ate one while getting a bath. (Of course, I had to snap this to Amanda as ongoing documentation of the weird stuff my kid eats while in the tub- previous to this it’s been buttered french bread, pasta, and cous cous- clearly she likes carbs!)

I honestly was surprised since they are a bit tart from the lemon in the muffin and the lemony glaze but the gobbled them right up. She is a big fan of blueberries so they were right up her alley.

I hope that you enjoy them just as much as we all did too.

Mini Lemon Blueberry Monkey Bread Muffins

Makes 12 ‘muffins’

Ingredients

For the muffins

  • 1 can of buttermilk biscuits (8 pack, 16.3oz)
  • 1 Cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 Cup blueberries
  • 1 tablespoons butter, melted

For the glaze

  • 1 1/2 Cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray the cavities of a muffin tin.
  2. Cut each biscuit into 10-12 small pieces.
  3. Combine the sugar and zest. Add the pieces to the sugar mixture to coat them. Add about 2/3 of the biscuit pieces to the muffin tin cavities, add the blueberries, top off with the remaining biscuit pieces.
  4. Evenly pour the melted butter into each muffin cavity.
  5. Bake for 18- 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes prior to removing.
  6. Combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a glaze. Drizzle over the warm muffins and enjoy!
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