Oatmeal cups

This is the healthier, morning version of the chocolate covered banana bread. I happen to love eating oatmeal in the morning, but dont always want to take the time to make it- well, this recipe solves it. Make a batch of these, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before you head out the door and presto you have all the goodness of oatmeal in a handy portable shape.

Ingredients

3 mashed ripe bananas

1 cup milk or milk sub (we use almond milk)

2 fresh eggs

1 tbl baking powder

3 cups old fashioned oats

2 tbl vanilla

3 tbl mini chocolate chips

Directions

Oven to 372.

Mix all ingredients but the chocolate chips together.

Spray or line muffin pan.

Fold chocolate chips into oatmeal batter.

Divide batter into about 18 cups (mine made 19, but it could have probably been distributed a little fuller).

Bake 20 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown and they become firm.

Nutrition

This is assuming 18 muffing, this is the nutrition for 1 muffin

Est WW points: 2

Calories: 95

Fat: 2.5g

Sodium: 70 g

Carbs: 16 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 4.5 g

Protein: 2.5 g

Overnight baked apple french toast

So this overnight baked apple french toast is not the best for your waist line, but it is oh. so. good. for your tummy. This recipe is delish, and super easy. The best part is that all of the prep work happens the night before, so in the morning you just pop it in the oven before you start your morning routine and when you're finished you have an excellent morning treat.

Ingredients

8-10 slices of your favorite country french bread or crusty bread

6 eggs

2 3/4 cup milk or non dairy milk

2/3 cup sugar, split into 2 1/3 cup measurements

1 tbl vanilla

2 medium sliced apples

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbl butter

Directions

Place bread flat in a large buttered baking dish (or two!). I know it seems like a small step, but it's actually very important to butter your baking dish, otherwise the bread will stick and make it more difficult to get a nice piece cut (see photo).

Combine the eggs, milk, 1/3 cup sugar and the vanilla in a large bowl or measuring cup. Pour half of the mixture over the bread. Top the bread with half of the apples.

Combine the cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the apples. Top with remaining apples, the pour remaining egg mixture over.

Cut butter into very small pieces and spread evenly over the french toast. Cover and chill overnight.

The following morning, bake uncovered at 250 for 45 minutes-1 hour, or until the egg mix solidifies. It's ok if the brown sugar topping caramelizes on the apples, it will look burnt but it's not!

Nutrition

This is assuming 6 generous servings, this is for 1

Estimated WW points:

Calories: 483

Total Fat: 11 g

Cholesterol: 217 g

Carbs: 80 g

Fiber: 5.7 g

Sugar: 26 g

Protein: 14.5 g

Enjoy!

Morning Oatmeal

There is almost nothing better in the morning than a steaming bowl of yummy oatmeal. Oatmeal is truly one of those power foods- it's versatile, easy and has the ability to fill your belly up until lunch time.

Generally, oatmeal comes in 3 forms: quick oats, regular rolled oats, and my favorite 'Irish' or steel cut oats. Quick oats are super fast, and can be made on either a stovetop or in the microwave in under 5 minutes. Regular rolled oats take a bit longer, I'd say about 15 minutes, and arent substantially different from quick oats in my opinion. Steel cut oats are the holy grail of whole grains and can take up to 30 minutes to simmer- too long for a weekday breakfast, but a tasty treat on a slow weekend.

This is one of my favorite weekday-whip ups using quick oats in the microwave. It's a great standby to have a fast recipe committed to memory for those days that your morning is a little foggy, but dont hesitate to mix and match your flavors- remember, half the fun of oatmeal is the limitless combination of flavors.

Ingredients

1/4 cup quick oats

1/2 cup almond milk, or other non dairy milk

a shake of cinnamon (about 1 tsp)

a splash of vanilla (about 1 tsp)

1.5 tsp brown sugar

1/4 apple cut into small cubes

Directions

Pour quick oats, almond milk and apples into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes depending on settings. Stir. Microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, until oats are to a consistency that you're happy with.

Add in cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar to taste.

Nutrition

Assuming 1 serving

Estimated WW points: 3

Calories: 159

Fat: 2.7 g

Carbs: 28.8 g

Fiber: 4.8 g

Sugar: 4.1g

Protein: 3.8 g

Enjoy!