PUMPKIN PIE OATMEAL BAKE

baked oatmeal...PUMPKIN baked oatmeal even better.

this one is fantastic.  it's not only delicious, but it's full of protein and good carbs to get your morning started right and keep you going through the day.  i've made this one quite a few times and it seems to be a big hit.  i found the original recipe posted HERE at Inn Cuisine.com  many many thanks to Sandie for this great find. 

the first time i made it as the original recipe states...wonderful.  then i thought i would take Sandie's advice and make it my own.  i always try to sneak a little extra protein in my breakfast foods so i added some vanilla whey protein powder.  if you've ever cooked with protein powder you know it can be a hit or miss.  just one scoop added here works really well, but if you don't have any don't worry...i also exchanged splenda for the sugar, eggbeaters for the real eggs and used skim milk only...came up with a protein packed, low fat, waist-friendly delicious breakfast treat.

on with the recipe...don't be alarmed at the sight of cottage cheese in the ingredients.  there's a reason why it's not called "Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Bake"...would you have read this far?  sounds weird, but you would never know it's in there.  i happen to love cottage cheese, but others might not be so keen at first bite.

BAKED PUMPKIN OATMEAL

as mentioned i adapted this recipe from  Inn Cuisine.com called Spiced Oatmeal Pudding Bake

please check out the original and other great goodies by Sandie. 

1 3/4 COOKED multi-grain oatmeal (or 2 c. if not using 1/4 c. wheat bran)

1/4 c. wheat bran ( see above note)

1 Tsp flax

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup fat free milk

1/2 cup egg beaters OR 2 eggs

1/4 cup slpenda

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

approx 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp vanilla (or 1 tsp if not using maple extract)

1/2 tsp maple extract

preheat oven to 325 F degrees.  coat 2 qt. baking dish with oil of your choice...i used coconut oil.

first let your oatmeal cool down a bit.  then in a large mixing bowl blend everything in an electric mixer until smooth.  pour into prepared 2 qt. baking dish and place in 325 F oven (i have my convection at 320 F.).  bake for approx. 1 hour or until edges are golden brown and center is set.  i start checking mine after 45 mins. because i vary the ingredients  with different flavor combos...

let it cool a bit and serve...

it's great hot or cold...or what i like to do is bake it on a Sunday and refrigerate over night.  it will cut into nice squares for easy reheating through the week.  serve with some maple syrup OR better yet...have you met the GINGER PEOPLE?...the ginger syrup is fabulous!...everything the ginger people make is fabulous.  the ginger syrup, some fresh berries and a little Greek vanilla yogurt is my kinda "power-up breakfast"...YUM...it's gonna be a great day! 

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The Silky Chicken or Black Chicken

THE ELUSIVE BLACK CHICKEN

aka THE SILKY

this is a rare bird indeed!

well, on my hunt for the "out-of-the-ordinary" i came across this lovely(?) looking creature...YIKES! can i just say YIKES again.  i must say.......this one finally stumped me.  stymied...as you might know i'm pretty adventurous with foods.  i'm no Andrew Zimmer, but i like to go for the strange stuff.  i find a good challenge and give it a go...this one got me.  i still ask myself why?...it's just a chicken, right?...well...not so much.

#1...always remember to read the fine print on the package..."head and feet intact" AND it has FIVE TOES instead of four!. i missed that part. as the thing thawed and started to unfold, and i DO mean unfold...this small little wrapped up bird was over 2 feet stretched out. AND IT"S BLUE !!!!!...you can imagine what i was thinking. i can handle alot of things, but this one was definitely high on the scale of "what the heck am i gonna do with this?" and "what was i thinking?" BUT, curiosity still had the best of me.

#2...investigate and research what your strange product is all about. i found a few sites with recipes for soup...i thought great! a new twist on an old favorite, chicken soup. not so much. as i read further, after purchase, i found that the black chicken is most used for Chinese medicinal purposes...mainly for sick people, pregnant women or just after giving birth. it's a very lean bird, does not necessarily produce a tasty unforgettable unctuous broth...and i don't really fall into one of the needy categories.

#3...keep your game face on. anyone walking in on you dismantling this black (blue) bird will think you are in need of some help...serious help...i don't mean with the soup...

so what do i do ?...i decided to wing it, of course...(again, sorry about the bad pun).

the easiest recipe i found was HERE at  eating club Vancouver by fellow bloggers ts & js.  they call it Mama's Silkie Chicken or "Dyong Kwe".  this recipe seemed easiest to tackle due to the short list of ingredients.  please visit their site for an easy and quick step by step (with photos) to see how Mama does it.

i didn't have a few of the ingredients so i just went with the recipe i use for Duck Soup found HERE.  it sounded pretty similar with Asian style flavors and such.  i thought if the flavors were basic and normal i might be able to salvage a meal or at least a good stock out of this deal....not so my friend.  after thawing, washing and the obvious photo session...i was not so enthused about the out come.  still i went ahead and threw everything in the pot and hoped for the best.  the best never came...the blue skin turned an unappealing limpy blackish grey and the flesh was unlike any chicken i had ever seen.  hmmmmm...not so good.
next, i thought to myself... get the photo of the finished product, make it look pretty and appealing and maybe it will seem more appetizing.  not so my friend...my "Mama" always warned me that looks can be deceiving...definitly correct when it comes to food photography.  the photo looked great and i was ready to give it a try, but like i said...this one stumped me. i removed the blackish grey skin that i just knew i was not going to be able to eat, to unveil the tough, lean flesh that was streaked with black...and i mean weirdly streaked with black.  at this point (hours from the start of this little journey) i had to give up for the day...throw in the towel...raise the white flag.   i strained the broth and threw everything into a tupperware for a second chance at it some other time. 
that second chance hasn't come up yet...it's in the freezer right now.  i didn't have the heart to toss it. 
i can't let this one get me.  I WILL EAT THE BLACK CHICKEN.  not today, not tomorrow...but...
I WILL NOT LET THIS BIRD WIN !!! 

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BLUEBERRY OATMEAL BREAKFAST PUDDING

i must say, i love a big, healthy, delicious breakfast.  it's my most favorite meal of the day.  i was told...

"EAT BREAKFAST LIKE A KING

LUNCH LIKE A QUEEN

and DINNER LIKE A PAUPER"

pretty much works for me. i'm a believer in breakfast being THE most important meal of the day.  go big...or stay home !  so for the next few months i'll be posting some of my favorites like Protein Pancakes, Pumpkin Oatmeal Bake, Granola Bars, Protein Pumpkin Pie and what ever else i come across that i find worthy to start the day out right.  don't worry BACON will be involved.  it doesn't always have to be too too healthy, but it definitely has to be fit for a King.

this breakfast treat is really healthy and oh so easy...all the ingredients go into the blender 'till smooth and then baked.  it's tasty, satisfying, warm, healthy and keeps well for quick warm-up breakfast through the week...AND very versatile.  you can easily change up the flavors. try different nuts , different fruits, dried fruits or maybe add a little ginger or pumpkin spice.  YUM!  i enjoyed mine with some non fat greek yogurt mixed with a little ginger syrup and some fresh berries.  i think it needs a little something because it can be quite dense on it's own...but any way you have it...warm or cold, on the go or at home with the fam....it's DELICIOUS

BLUEBERRY OATMEAL BREAKFAST PUDDING

found HERE at Diet, Dessert and Dogs
with many thanks to Ricki and all her tasty goods

i've copied the recipe for your convenience and added my notes in bold italics.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup (75 g) lightly toasted hazelnuts (filberts), with skin

1/2 cup (75 g) lightly toasted cashews...i used roasted, lightly salted almonds

1/2 cup (60 g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

3/4 cup (180 ml) unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp (30 ml) agave nectar or maple syrup; or 10 drops stevia liquid...i used 3 Tbsp. sugar free maple syrup
2 tsp (10 ml) cinnamon...and a little fresh ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp (.5 ml) fine sea salt...my almonds were lightly salted
1-1/4 cups (300 ml) unsweetened, plain or vanilla soy or almond milk...vanilla almond milk works great
1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw first if frozen)
i added 1 Tsp ground flax

Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Grease a 4-6 cup (1-1.5 L) casserole dish....2 qt 8 x 8 pyrex glass

In the bowl of a high-speed blender*, place the nuts, oats, applesauce, vanilla, agave, cinnamon and salt. Pour the milk over all and blend for about a minute, until perfectly smooth and creamy. Pour mixture into the casserole dish, then gently fold in the blueberries (scatter a few extra blueberries over the top if you like, as they won’t sink).
Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, rotating the casserole about halfway through, until the edges begin to puff and crack and the top appears dry. Allow to cool somewhat before serving; may be served warm or cold. Makes 4-6 servings. Store, covered, up to 4 days in the refrigerator. May be frozen.
*To make with a regular blender: Pour in the milk first, then add the remaining ingredients (except blueberries). You may need to blend in batches to achieve an equally smooth consistency.
i made mine in a regular blender with no problems.  i'm sure a food processor would work as well.

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Bacon Candy

what can i possibly say about this that you havent already imagined. just two simple words...BACON..and...CANDY. might make little sense to the unenlightened few, but once you've crossed the line and seen the light, this concept makes all the sense in the world. as a matter of fact all seems right in my world once sweet and savory are put into play. this is a quick simple way to get that fix. come on...you know it's true..bacon makes everything better.

sweet, savory, spicy...you hit the flavor trifecta

BACON CANDY
lots of versions out there, but this is how i roll...

i like to use THICK sliced applewood smoked bacon
cover a sheet pan with parchment or foil for easier clean up
put slices on a rack that fits pan
sprinkle brown sugar on each slice, a few lumps are fine, they will melt
sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper or cinnamon if you can't take the heat.
put in the oven at 380 degrees for about 15-20.. minutes  or until it's good and crispy.  it depends on your choice of thickness.
let cool completely before attempting to devour.  melting sugars and sizzling bacon can be a tad detrimental to the palette.  ENJOY !
this is best the day of, but i have saved some and re-crisped in the toaster oven.

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Alton Brown's Protein Power Bars

AS SEEN ON TV !!!

i'll admit, i was watching Alton late the other night. usually i just can't wrap my head around some of the stuff he makes. does anyone remember the deep fried turkey episode?...where he rigged up this whole elaborate ladder pulley system to safely drop the turkey into the vat of hot oil? he just goes a bit overboard on his explanation and method of cooking things that really needn't be so involved. BUT, this episode on homemade protein bars caught my attention.

i'm always on the hunt for a tasty homemade protein snack and i've tried a quite a few...some (most) are...hmmm...let's just say...AWFUL. i think the worst so far was one i found in a bodybuilding forum comprised of raw oats, protein powder, peanut butter and egg whites. the end result was something like particle board.

i'm happy to report that this one is actually tasty. it's moist, satisfying, filling, sweet, a little crunchy, keeps well and is a handy, healthy snack for anytime of the day. i tried a few out on my friends and they too were amazed that this handy, sweet snack bar was actually good for you.

so...i've copied the recipe exactly for you below so you can check out the ingredients. the list is looooonnngg. i thought is sounded a bit involved, like everything he does, but i found the ingredients interesting...i never would have thought to add a whole block of tofu in for protein AND moisture.

you can find the original recipe HERE at Foodnetwork.com for a printable version

Alton Brown's Protein Bars 2005

Ingredients
4 ounces soy protein powder, approximately 1 cup..i used vanilla whey protein powder
2 1/4 ounces oat bran, approximately 1/2 cup
2 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1/2 cup
3/4-ounce wheat germ, approximately 1/4 cup
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 ounces raisins, approximately 1/2 cup
2 1/2 ounces dried cherries, approximately 1/2 cup
3 ounces dried blueberries, approximately 1/2 cup

2 1/2 ounces dried apricots, approximately 1/2 cup
1 (12.3-ounce) package soft silken tofu
1/2 cup unfiltered apple juice
4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/2 cup packed
2 large whole eggs, beaten
2/3 cup natural peanut butter
Canola oil, for pan

NOTE...i used used 1 1/2 cup total of dried blueberries, diced-dried apricots and approx 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, diced
AND 2 Tsp. flax seeds

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat with canola oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, oat bran, wheat flour, wheat germ, and salt. Set aside.

Coarsely chop the raisins, dried cherries, blueberries and apricots and place in a small bowl and set aside.

In a third mixing bowl, whisk the tofu until smooth. Add the apple juice, brown sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, 1 at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition. Add this to the protein powder mixture and stir well to combine. Fold in the dried fruit. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees F. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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Roasted Quail with Orange, Tarragon, Garlic Glaze

Roasted Quail

there really isn't much to them...a few nibbles on the legs, a couple bites of breast meat and you're done...but i must say...what an impressive presentation and a unique dish that really isn't hard to create at all. so easy i've done them twice and i think i'll get some more for this weekend.

i've been interested in birds other than chicken lately and quail has been on my list for quite a while, but they were always a bit too expensive at 5 or 6.00 $ each...and you can't buy just one or two...what would be the fun in that? so i finally found these at my favorite Asian market 99 Ranch in Irvine, Ca. they came 6 to a package for about 10.00$...frozen, of course. i was soooo excited.

i thought as a first timer i better just go the easy route. i had read somewhere that roasting the little bird was the way to go. actually, cooking them is the easy part..eating them is a different story. the first one i attempted to have a little etiquette with the knife and fork, half way through the 2nd it was all hand to mouth...not to attractive, but i definitely enjoyed myself.

OVEN ROASTED QUAIL

2 or more quail...i did 3
butter, room temp
1 small juice orange
a few sprigs of fresh tarragon
1-2 cloves garlic- thin sliced
salt and pepper

QUICK GLAZE

3-4 T. apricot or orange marmalade
2 T.orange juice...more or less
1 garlic clove...
minced fresh tarragon
salt and pepper
note...the amount of ingredients varies with how many quails you have.

preheat oven to 350 degrees
clean your quail inside and out and pat dry.
salt and pepper the inside (remember these are tiny birds, so don't over salt).
inside the cavity put a teaspoon of butter, a small wedge of the orange, a sprig of fresh tarragon and a couple slices of garlic it you want.
rub some butter on the outside, sprinkle with a little salt and tie the legs together with some string. i think this makes for a better presentation.
place on a rack breast side up and place in oven for 20-25 min. checking on them throughout. baste with more butter at least once. if they don't look browned on top you can turn on the broiler and watch them carefully. if the legs are getting too brown you can cover them with a little piece of foil.
remove them from the oven...if they are browned then they are done...there's really not much meat to cook. now you can glaze them and let them rest or glaze and put back in the oven for a few mins. it depends on how you like your glaze....but don't let it burn! i just brushed the glaze on and let them rest. i couldn't eat all 3 in one sitting so it's good to know they warm up well after refrigeration.

FOR THE GLAZE...easy!
in a microwavable dish put marmalade, finely chopped tarragon, orange juice and pressed garlic clove and mix. heat 'till thick brushable liquid or a runny jam consistency. oh geez... just heat it through a few times so the flavors meld and you can brush it on. taste it. season if necessary.

serve one as a starter or two as a main....or go head and do as i did...eat all them yourself ...absolutely no sign of etiquette. they are delicious and quite fun to eat...
when no one is looking

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Lemon Poppy Protein Cake

this little unassuming cake is not just your usual lemon poppy seed cake. not only is it light and moist and delicious..it's THE BEST "protein cake" recipe i have come across as of yet...and i must say i have tried quite a few...bars, puddings, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, etc...ALOT! most cakes using protein powders come out dry or mealy or just plain awful, but this one is surprisingly good. friends i tested it on asked for the recipe...doubt they'll ever make it themselves, but nice to know they wanted it again.

if you're looking for something a little more healthy to start your day, a nice afternoon pick-me-up snack or a great light after dinner treat this is definitely worth the try. i used a 9 x 13 dark pan with parchment and made 16 servings. the approx. nutritional count (per 1/16th serving) 85 calories...8g protein...7.5 g carb...and a couple grams o' good fat from the coconut oil.

LEMON POPPY SEED PROTEIN CAKE

adapted from askGeorgie.com ...original recipe found here

• Cooking oil spray
• 1 1/3 cups white whole wheat flour (or gluten free flour)

i subbed in 1/3 cup almond flour
• 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 cup Splenda granulated or 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1½ cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon canola or macadamia nut oil...coconut oil
• 2 ½ teaspoons lemon extract
• 2 eggs...i used EGGBEATERS

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat a 9×13″ pan thoroughly with cooking oil spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, whey, Splenda, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and zest; stir to mix.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, stir together yogurt, applesauce, oil, lemon extract, and egg. Add dry ingredients to wet ones, and stir just until uniformly moistened. Pour batter into pan.
4. Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not over bake. Cool 5 minutes before slicing. To keep moist, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator or freezer. Microwave briefly to reheat.
this saves very well. i kept it in the fridge for a few days and it was great, although it's SUPER good and moist the day of....isn't everything?

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