Oven Fried Veggies!

Ok, so I don't know about you, but sometimes I just want to "dip" something in marinara or ketchup and have a nice little comfort noshing session. My favorites? Fried zucchini, fried cauliflower and broccoli (it's good, I swear), and........ (drum roll, please) ONION RINGS!!!

But, here's the thing....NONE of these are typically very heart healthy or figure friendly. So, here is a really simple recipe that you can apply to ANY of the veggies listed above--for a MUCH healthier, baked version---without sacrificing any of the crunchy comfort goodness.

Just in time for SUPER BOWL!!!

Here's what you will need:

Ingredients:
1 Veggie of your choice: an Onion (sliced in 1/2" slices and separated into rings), 2 zucchini (sliced into wedges or fry-like strips), or a head of broccoli or cauliflower (broken into bite-sized florets).

2-3 egg whites
2 Tbs. Milk
Cayenne pepper (to taste--cajon seasoning works nicely too, for a little KICK)
3 c. whole wheat panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour (you can use whole wheat, if you'd like)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Spray

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Whisk egg whites with milk in a bowl until thoroughly combined; season egg mixture with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Place panko crumbs into a separate bowl.
3. Place veggies into a large resealable plastic bag. Add flour, salt, and black pepper; seal bag and shake until pieces are well coated with flour.
4. Drop flour-coated veggies into egg white-milk mixture, a few at a time, and toss lightly with tongs until coated. Place veggies into panko crumbs and gently shake the bowl to toss the crumbs until the veggie are coated.
5. Transfer coated veggies to a large baking sheet; spray rings lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until veggies are tender and crumbs are lightly golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce! I like marinara sauce!

Mason Jar Overnight Oatmeal!

So, we are all stuck inside the house for a SNOW DAY today! What does that mean!? Arts n' crafts day in the kitchen!

I was looking online and found these awesome Mason Jar Oatmeal recipes! Though they are not my personal recipes, I just HAD to share them.

I've never met an oatmeal that I didn't like--I just LOVE Oatmeal. BUT, I've never had it COLD before. So, I'm super excited to try these. Also, I love the fact that there is a basic recipe that can be tweaked to include whatever flavorings you prefer--and even chia seeds!

So, Here are the basics that you will need:

• Old Fashioned Oatmeal (not the instant stuff)
• Plain Greek Yogurt (I prefer the 0% or 2%)
• Milk (I prefer regular skim or almond milk, but you can use your favorite kind)
• Chia seeds (any health food store)
• 1/2 Pint Mason Jars (amazon.com, walmart, target)

So, what's the Procedure?

Once all of your supplies are gathered, You're going to:

1. Add oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds to jar, along with desired sweeteners or flavors (see options below).

Next,

2. Put a lid on the jar and shake to combine. 

3. Add fruit and stir gently until combined.

4. Place in fridge overnight and up to 2 days; maybe longer depending on the type and ripeness of the fruit (bananas don't seem to last as long).

Here are some great recipe options that I found:

Raspberry Vanilla Oatmeal

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup almond milk

1/4 cup low fat greek yogurt

1 1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon raspberry jam, preserves or spread

1/4 cup raspberries or enough to fill the jar

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup almond milk

1/4 cup low fat greek yogurt

1 1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or enough to fill the jar.

Maple Blueberry Oatmeal

1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup almond milk

1/4 cup low fat greek yogurt

1 1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

2 teaspoons maple syrup

1/4 cup blueberries or enough to fill the jar.

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

•       1/4 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats

•    1/3 cup skim milk

•    1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

•    1-1/2 teaspoons dried chia seeds

•    1 tablespoon peanut butter (may substitute PB2 powdered peanut butter)

•    1 teaspoon honey, optional (or substitute any preferred sweetener)

•    1/4 cup diced ripe banana, or enough to fill jar (approx. half of a small banana)

So, Just remember...these oatmeals are to be eaten COLD. It's kind of difficult to come up with an excuse for skipping breakfast now, isn't it?

TRY A FEW! Let me know how you like these, and which is your favorite recipe!