Cool mornings call for warm breakfasts!
And I am a HUGE fan of cool mornings and awesome breakfasts!
Although recently, I have been cheating a bit with my breakfast making. Trader Joe’s has some incredible tasting frozen oatmeals (and now one with quinoa) that I stocked up on during my last shopping trip. This morning, I was saddened to discover that I am ALL OUT of my easy morning staple. And to make matters worse, I got ambitious at my last grocery store visit and bought steel cut instead of regular oats. Although delicious, they certainly take more time to cook.
There weren’t any other breakfast options available, so I checked out the side of the panel for instructions and inspiration. Then let my oats simmer on the stove, while I took care of some other boring morning things (ie phone calls). The oats came along without effort, but needed some added flavor.
I stirred in cinnamon and chai spices, plus some banana and pear.
Mmmm! Doesn’t that look like the perfect way to start your day? I’ll tell you that it was! I ate half of the oats and packed up the other half for tomorrow’s breakfast. I also made a point to try to remember that steel cut oats really aren’t so tough or challenging! Then, I hit the trail for an 8 mile out and back run.
Long sleeves and sunglasses…that is my kind of running weather! Because it has cooled off, I didn’t think I needed both of my water bottles, so I sported my new Amphipod handheld bottle.
After reevaluating my hydration situation, I decided that I wanted to have an extra bottle for hot summer days, so I ordered this one from the same place that I got my race belt. Although I’ve never been a fan of holding things while I run, the thumb hole makes this super easy. I loved this bottle and it was the perfect amount of water for today’s run. PS there is also a small zip pocket that can hold keys or nutrition. The best part is that all of my bottles are the same size and can be swapped back and forth.
My breakfast was exactly what I needed to fuel this morning’s run!
This week’s meal planning made for an exciting day of homemade eats!
Lunch: Turkey and Vegetable Chili
Dinner: Moroccan Chicken
I was so proud of myself : )
Do you eat steel cut oats?
What is your favorite recipe?
Banana and Pear Steel Cut Oats
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup of water
1/2 cup steel cut oats
1 banana, sliced thinly
1 pear, diced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp chai spice
Directions
Place water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Stir in oats and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring once.
Add banana, pear, and spices and stir until blended.
Let simmer for another 10 minutes or so, until desired consistency is reached.
Eat warm or save for later!
Nutritional Boost: Stir in chia seeds, flax, or nuts with fruit and spices if desired!
Luv What You Do 
Yay for the amphipod! It’s a must-have for my long runs 🙂
I haven’t had steel cut oats in AGES. Love the addition of pears to this recipe!
Pears and cinnamon might be my new favorite combo. They BOY loves them but doesn’t eat them fast enough so there is always one to slice into a recipe. Thanks for the amphipod suggestion!!!
I think the pears would have taken that oatmeal over the edge. We have some fresh farmer’s market pears right now that I should definitely try hits recipe out with!
Yay for the eight miler in fall temperatures!
I know…yay for running weather and warm pear treats! Farmer’s market pears sound fantastic!
All good however photos of cooper please!
ha ha!
I have some great ones of him playing in the sink and trying to drink from another oatmeal bowl soaking in the sink. He is too funny for words!
Steel cut oats can be made overnight in the crockpot -you need a little extra water -so you can make a bunch and put in individual containers-and it does freeze!
YES!
That is a great idea. How much steel cut oats do you add?
I have been eating steel cut oatmeal in the evening for dinner a couple of days through the week. I love hot cereals when it is chilly out!! The frozen quinoa sounds interesting though. I will have to check that out.
Breakfast for dinner is the BEST! The quinoa is really tasty. It’s similar to the oats. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Ooh, those oats look SO good. Now Im craving oatmeal for breakfast! Think I’ll go make some right now. =)
ha ha! I always crave oatmeal for breakfast. Isn’t it great this time of year?! Hope you enjoy!
I just picked up some steel cut oats for the fall/winter, excited to have oats in the morning again!
I think I need one of those hand-held water bottles for running…I’ve just been taking a plastic bottle because all of my reusable ones are too big for me to easily hold. And a key pocket? Perfect.
This one is awesome! I hate carrying things and this didn’t bother me at all! I went with Amphipod because it would be the same bottles as my other pack, but definitely look for one with a thumb hole!
Keep us posted on what you do with your oats. Would love some inspiration!
Oh, yum! My stomach is grumbling – seriously! I totally wish I was eating this right now! And, hey – thanks for the tip that Trader Joe’s has frozen oatmeals (and one with quinoa!!!) – I’m on it! 😀
You are welcome! I’m a huge fan. They are reasonably priced too. Not as cheap as making your own but not breaking the bank. I spice them up with some nana’s, nuts, chia, and flax.
[…] loving all of your steel cut oat suggestions, so please keep them […]