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Tag Archives: citrus
Plum Lemon Ginger Oatmeal
I never liked ginger that much until I had it in my green juice (kale + cucumber + lemon + ginger). After experiencing it in its fresh form, I was massively disappointed when I started using ground ginger in my oatmeal and other meals at home. It just didn’t have the same effect. It wasn’t that I had “learned” to love ginger; it was that I simply preferred it fresh, not dried and ground.
When I found this ginger juice at a small grocery store in Williamsburg, I knew it was what I needed. It’s like having access to fresh ginger at a moment’s notice. I don’t like buying actual ginger (or fresh herbs) because it’s always way more than I need, and I either have to frantically stuff it in everything, or watch it rot in my fridge. 🙁 This little bottle was perfect.
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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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.
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POSTED IN: 5 ingredients or less, almond, citrus, fitness, hidden banana, jams and jellies
POSTED IN: 5 ingredients or less, almond, citrus, fitness, hidden banana, jams and jellies
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. 🙂
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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.
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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!
Another fun way to make this oatmeal would be with a blob of Peanut Butter & Co.’s White Chocolate Wonderful. It’s definitely not my favorite (tastes like Butterfingers or something), but I know a lot of people who love it, so…
How’s the weather in your neck of the woods? I hope for your sake that you’re having a better spring season than I am! 🙂
Lemon White Chocolate Oatmeal
by The Oatmeal Artist
Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water
- 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) or 1 tsp lemon extract
- pinch of salt
- handful of white chocolate chips (I use the King David brand)
Instructions
- Bring milk (I use 1/2 c almond milk and 1/4 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you’d like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
- Mash banana thoroughly and stir into oatmeal.
- Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add lemon juice, lemon extract, and salt. Stir.
- When you’re pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of your milk of choice, white chocolate chips, and any other additional toppings (pomegranate seeds, shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).
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**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account! You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!
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. 🙂
Oatmeal Recipes for Lemon Lovers
My favorite. I think this recipe is truly what solidified my love
for lemony recipes. There is something about the lemon-and-coconut combo
that is just outstanding. However, this is actually just a standard lemon oatmeal
with a coconut topping; you can play around with this using a variety
of toppings! See also: Lemon Kiwi and Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal.
for lemony recipes. There is something about the lemon-and-coconut combo
that is just outstanding. However, this is actually just a standard lemon oatmeal
with a coconut topping; you can play around with this using a variety
of toppings! See also: Lemon Kiwi and Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal.
Odd? Not really. It may seem odd in theory, but once you taste it, you’ll
see that these flavors are meant to be together. Thyme can do magical
things, especially when paired with fruit! (Not vegan.)
see that these flavors are meant to be together. Thyme can do magical
things, especially when paired with fruit! (Not vegan.)
Who doesn’t love lemon poppy seed muffins? Well, I guess I didn’t like them
for the first couple decades of my life…but I eventually came around. 🙂 This
post actually contains two recipes: one for a baked version, and another for a stove top version!
See also: Lemon Poppy Seed Oatcakes and Lemon Poppy Seed Oat Muffins.
for the first couple decades of my life…but I eventually came around. 🙂 This
post actually contains two recipes: one for a baked version, and another for a stove top version!
See also: Lemon Poppy Seed Oatcakes and Lemon Poppy Seed Oat Muffins.
If you like your oats baked, this is a great option for you. The recipe calls for
fresh lemons to make the oatmeal extra fresh and invigorating.
fresh lemons to make the oatmeal extra fresh and invigorating.
And finally, I’ll end with a recipe for my overnight fans (I know there are
many of you!). Although it’s more difficult to hide the banana flavor in
an overnight recipe, this oatmeal is still delightfully refreshing and lemony.
Psst…if you add poppy seeds to this recipe, you’ll have an easy
and lovely overnight jar of Lemon Poppy Seed Oats!
many of you!). Although it’s more difficult to hide the banana flavor in
an overnight recipe, this oatmeal is still delightfully refreshing and lemony.
Psst…if you add poppy seeds to this recipe, you’ll have an easy
and lovely overnight jar of Lemon Poppy Seed Oats!
**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account! You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!
