Green Smoothie #2

I'm a die-hard cereal girl, but after Kaitlin introduced me to green smoothies a while back even Honey Bunches of Oats can't compete with my new favorite breakfast. I've lately started making a version that's a little different. It combines spinach with banana, peanut butter, whey powder, almond milk, and cinnamon for a creamy, protein-packed drink that actually keeps me full and satisfied for more than an hour. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients
1 banana
2 cups spinach
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 scoop vanilla whey powder
1 cup almond milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
5-10 ice cubes

Directions
Blend all ingredients except ice until smooth, adding additional almond milk if needed. Add ice cubes and blend until you reach the consistency you like (start with just a few cubes and add more as needed...I like this smoothie thinner than usual).

Mother's Day Out of the Box

We're in the final countdown approaching Mother's Day. Have you checked out our gift guide? In case you're looking to make something personal or just need some delicious recipes to make no-fail brunch or breakfast in bed, here are a few ideas to help you on your way.

DIY Gifts
One thing I love about DIY is that, in making the gift, you're putting a little of yourself into it. Already your gift is more personal and heartfelt. And as an added bonus, these gifts can really help if you're on a budget. Whether done by adults, or in come cases by kids, these gifts have a finished product not only a mother could love.

Apron / Bow Bag / Stamped Keychain / Kids' Silhouettes 

Mod Podge Journals / Painted Mason Succulents

Ombre Wooden Utensils / Homemade Bath Bombs

Breakfast/Brunch
My family had a tradition every year of preparing my mom breakfast in bed and bringing it up to her on a cookie sheet with all of our cards. It was a fun way to give her a break in the morning and give her a few extra minutes to sleep in (or just relax in bed) while dad supervised the mini cooks in the kitchen. As I've gotten older, not living with my mom makes accomplishing such a feat a lot more difficult. Instead, a nice brunch seems to be a great solution that still lets people have a laid back morning before meeting together for yummy food.

Baked French Toast by The Pioneer Woman

This is one of all-time favorite breakfast go-to's. It's incredibly delicious and super easy to throw together the night before so that in the morning, only minimal prep is needed for a delectable main dish. Add some fresh fruit, fresh whipped cream or creme fraiche on top and you'll be in heaven.

Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Strata Cups by Buns in my Oven

In terms of savory options, I can't get enough of these delicious eggy bites. The combination of flavors is absolute perfection! As a bonus, the individual portions make this super easy to serve. Swap in caramelized onions or mushrooms for the broccoli for a different combination. Or, since you're making them in muffin tins, place your bread, meat and veggies in the cups in different combinations and pour the egg mixture over the top. You'll end up with a variety of flavors.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits by Veg Kitchen

This simple combination is not only super tasty, but beautiful as well. For large groups, you can even create a parfait bar for guests to create their own unique fruit, yogurt and granola combinations. Check out Ashley's tips for homemade granola to make this dish extra delicious.

Gift Cards
If your mom is tough to shop for, gift cards are typically a safe bet. But, rather than go the traditional retail route, here are a few favorites that are great for moms.

Cooking classes - Whether your mom is a gourmet chef or just an aspiring one, places like Sur la Table offer fun classes for all kinds of food that make great gifts.

Housecleaning - Give mom a break from the housework with the gift of housework. Whether it's DIY or hired out, the time off is sure to be appreciated. 

Makeup lessons - Several spas and salons offer makeup lessons to help mom update her look. Nordstrom does the same thing at most of their makeup counters with the hope that you'll buy product. Give mom a gift card so she's ready to buy her favorite products and make her an appointment to make sure she gives herself some time for a new look.

Recipe: Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

I love that muffins are a way to eat cake for breakfast without feeling bad about it. These muffins, which can be made partially or completely with whole wheat flour, taste like dessert but are actually pretty healthy.

The secret ingredient is a substantial portion of buttermilk. It makes them tender and moist without requiring tons of butter (not that I don't love tons of butter). I always keep a batch in my freezer for a quick and easy breakfast on the run.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour (or use all whole wheat; your muffins will be a bit denser)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400. Grease a standard muffin tin, or line with baking cups.

Stir together the dry ingredients (flour through cinnamon) in a large bowl. Add the blueberries and stir.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla, oil, and buttermilk. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (over-mixing is the death of good muffins).

Scoop the batter into the prepared pan (I like to use an ice cream scoop for this). All 12 tins will be nearly full. Bake for 15-18 until golden brown.

Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove the muffins and let them cool on a rack until you can no longer wait to eat one.

Recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour.

Obsession: TJ's Scone Mix

Susan: I think we should give it to Paul. 
Gabrielle Solis: He's still mourning Susan. He'll probably freak out. 
Susan: It doesn't matter. She was his wife. He deserves to have all the facts. 
Bree Van De Kamp: Well, we could do it gently. We could tell him about it over coffee and pastry. 
Lynette Scavo: That'll be fun. "Paul, we have proof your wife killed herself over some deep dark secret. Another bear claw".                          
                                                                                              - Desperate Housewives Season 1

An important lesson I learned from Desperate Housewives was to never go to someone's home empty-handed. Bree Van de Kamp was the queen of delivering fresh baked goods to new neighbors, casual gatherings and even just to spread a bit of juice gossip. (Which on the show seemed to be every day, right?) But finding time to make something worth sharing in a time crunch is tricky. Thankfully, this Trader Joe's find is the perfect solution. 

In doing my grocery shopping a few months ago, I found these Chocolate Chip scone mixes on the shelf. My kids thought they looked like cookies, so of course, several "I need cookies!" later, I grabbed a box, along with a box of the mixed berry scone mix (berries=healthy, right?) and off we went. 

A few days later, we were asked to come have a play date with a friend. I wanted to bring something over and had about twenty minutes to spare. I added water to my scone mix (seriously...water is the only ingredient you need) and popped them in the oven for about 15 minutes. Not only did they come out looking delicious, but I got rave reviews from my friends, husband and kids - a tough crowd. I, personally, favor the mixed berry version with a cup of tea. My kids still ask for "cookies for breakfast" and love the chocolate chip version. Give them a try and see for yourself how simple and delicious they are!

How to Make Homemade Granola

Am I being a control freak (there’s always a good chance) if I set breakfast at a certain time? 
Maybe I could make pancakes...but I hate making pancakes.
Eggs? Some people are really grossed out by eggs. 
Are donuts too heavy for weekdays? 
Does cereal say “I don’t care?”
Am I neurotic?

Just a sampling of my inner dialogue when it comes to making breakfast for house guests. Dinner? Bring it on. But maybe because I'm a diehard cereal girl, early morning entertaining stresses me out. Anyone else feel the same?

In situations like this, I’ve started asking myself, “What would Christine do?” Christine is my mother-in-law and the Boston area’s very own German Martha Stewart. She pulls off legendary dinners for dozens with ease and always has her house stocked with the very best things when we come to visit, one of which is homemade granola.

Now when friends and family come to stay, I set out a jar of granola and some berries (if I'm feeling extra nice) and make sure to have milk and yogurt in the fridge. With about ten minutes of required effort, it’s an easy, make-ahead way to make breakfast feel special and spa-like--no matter what time everyone decides to rise and shine.



With its long shelf life and healthier ingredients, granola also makes a great alternative to baked treats for holiday gifting. Just add a little fancy string and a card.

A few tips for the best granola:

• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. If you value your baking sheet, don’t skip this step...otherwise, be prepared to chisel, chip, and scrape when the granola cools.
  
• Cook granola low and slow. I always bake granola at 300 for about 40 minutes. You want a nice golden color.

• Use a beaten egg white to add crunch without more fat and calories. My recipe uses one egg white and only ¼ cup oil for a whole batch.
  
• Honey can be a pain to measure. To make it easier, measure the oil first and then use the same measuring cup to measure the honey...slides right out.
  
• Mix up the flavor by using different nut combos. My favorite is a combination of almonds and cashews, but hazelnuts, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are all great. I don't love dried fruit in my granola, but feel free to stir about 1 cup in after the granola cools.
  
• Don’t worry about stirring your granola while it cooks. I know, this is heresy to many granola experts, but here’s why I don’t bother: 1) it’s a pain, and 2) I like the granola to cook and cool undisturbed in one piece so I can break it into pieces as big or small as I want.

Ingredients
3 cups oatmeal
1½ cups unsalted nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, etc.)
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1½ teaspoons coarse sea salt
1 egg white
¼ cup light olive oil (or coconut oil or canola)
½ cup honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 300. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix together oatmeal, nuts, and coconut in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon and salt and mix well.

In a small bowl, beat the egg white then mix in the oil and honey. Pour over the oatmeal mixture and mix until evenly moistened.

Spread the granola in an even layer on your baking sheet. Cook for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Get the printable recipe.

Bonus: For faster version of fruit crisp, saute your fruit in a bit of butter and sugar until warm and softened. Spoon over vanilla ice cream and top with granola.