Strawberry Milk Overnight Oats

This recipe came about because of a chance walk-through of a German grocery store, and the bottle of strawberry Nesquick that caught my eye in the UHT/fake milks section.

I loved strawberry Nesquick as a kid – it didn’t taste like strawberries, but pink milk was super fun to drink and pretty much the only way (other than chocolate syrup, marshmallow flavoring or whatever is in an egg creme) I would touch cow milk.

This actually tastes like strawberries, and bonus: packs a bit of nutrition.

Gluten-free, FODMAP

Strawberry Milk Overnight Oats

2 strawberries
1/4 c. dry measure rolled oats
That same measuring cup full hazelnut milk
Half that cup full of water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Few grinds salt
1 scoop collagen peptides

Toppers

Peanut (FODMAP) butter thinned Out with a little water to the consistency of tahini
Hand full raw pepitas for crunch

Blend the strawberries, water and milk. Pour over the oats, vanilla, collagen peptides and salt. Shake or stir to combine. Let sit overnight. Serve with optional toppers.

Serves 1

Elimination Diet Friendly Overnight Oats

This was my staple breakfast while on the IFM Elimination Diet. It’s (relatively) quick, easy, and can be batch-cooked ahead of time so you have plenty on hand.

Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, elimination diet

Elimination Diet Friendly Overnight Oats

1/4 cup measure rolled oats
1/4 cup measure + half water
Few grinds salt
1-2 Tbsp. pumpkin (I did 2 because I like the taste; if you don’t want yours as vegetal, cut back to 1 Tbsp.)
1 Tbsp. tahini
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 tsp. slivered almonds

Combine the oats, water, salt & pumpkin. Let sit overnight or batch prep for the week.

To serve, top with everything else.

This quantity serves 1

Berry Oat Protein Pancakes

These little babies are delicious, dairy-free, travel surprisingly well, and hold up to an alfresco breakfast picnic in the park.

Gluten-free, vegetarian

Berry Oat Protein Pancakes

1/2 c. frozen berries
2 eggs
1 c. rolled oats
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. your favorite plain dairy-free yogurt
2 Tbsp. flaxseed
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 date
1/4 tsp. salt
Fat of choice for the pan

Whiz all ingredients but the fat in a blender until incorporated.

Heat a Tablespoon of your fat of choice (I used ghee) in a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat.

Drop silver dollar sized amounts of the batter into the prepped pan and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook an additional couple minutes.

Remove to paper towels and repeat.

Makes about 18 pancakes – enough for small servings for about 8 as part of a larger brunch spread. Perfect if served with fruit and/or whipped cream if you’re having that kind of morning – a more virtuous serving suggestion pictured here with extra yogurt and berries

Fig + Rosemary Faux-Meal

I’ve been on a fake oatmeal jag again lately – something about the calendar hitting October and my brain screaming it’s Fall and you should be snuggling in for a winter hibernate despite the fact that it is still 96F and bright sunny where you live.

I may *live* in the land of Summer, but in my mind, it’s PSLs all the way down.

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan if you consider figs vegan

Fig + Rosemary Faux Meal

1 faux-meal base from my poorly named and now re-named No-Atmeal
1 fresh fig
1-2 Tbsp. tahini (2 would be great if your macros allow – mine did not and I would have loved a little more)
1/2-1 tsp. date molasses (same here – I went light; would have loved more)
Nut milk (enough to cover the top of your faux-meal in a thin layer – optional, but I want to believe it adds creaminess)
Halved pecans (walnuts would also work)
Slivered almonds (optional but I love the texture)
1-2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary (I did 2 and loved the piney kinda savory taste going on)
A pinch of salt

Prepare the faux-meal like the recipe, omitting all toppers and spice. Top and spice with these ingredients instead.

Serves 1 for breakfast

Macros for the slack topper portions: 480 calories, 28g carbs (not net carbs), 40g fat, 9g protein

Spice Cake Faux-Meal

This recipe was inspired by a carrot cake oatmeal posted by Sukkari Life, the sudden bloom of PSLs (yes, we get Pumpkin Spice Lattes here in Doha), and the wishful thinking October brings for lower temperatures (it was only 97F today).

And … it has a vegetable + a fruit, so it’s a healthy breakfast!

Gluten-free, low carb, paleo, Whole30 (with substitutions), vegetarian, vegan (with substations)

Spice Cake Faux-Meal

2 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes
2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
3 Tbsp. grated carrot
3 Tbsp. unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1.5 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. butter (sub if vegan)
1 c. your favorite milk (I used hazelnut)
Pinch salt
Pecan halves
Pepitas
1 Tbsp. tahini
1 tsp. date molasses (sub if Keto or Whole30)

Sautée the carrot in the butter over medium heat until soft or just browning.

Add a generous pinch salt and stir.

Add the applesauce, chia, coconut, flaxseed meal and milk. Stir to combine.

Bring up to a bubble and add the spices. Stir.

When the mixture has been cooking a minute or two and has thickened, cut the heat. Let sit a minute or two.

Scoop into a bowl and top with the nuts, tahini and date molasses (if using).

Serves 1 for breakfast

Pineapple Mint Smoothie

This is a bright and fresh smoothie. If you can find it, fresh turmeric would be great here.

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, Whole30

Pineapple Mint Smoothie

1/2 c. frozen spinach
2 rings pineapple (packed in juice)
1/2 avocado
2 Tbsp. fresh mint
1/2 in. fresh ginger
2 tsp. dried turmeric
1/4 c. pineapple juice
3/4 c. water

Whiz all ingredients together to make one smoothie.

Apple Ginger Smoothie

This is a spin on my old favorite green smoothie recipe for days I can’t find a ripe avocado to save my life – and to include romaine lettuce instead of kale for giggles.

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, Whole30

Apple Ginger Smoothie

1/2 c. frozen spinach
1/2 Granny Smith apple
1/4 c. orange juice
1/2 in. fresh ginger
1/2 c. romaine lettuce
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
3/4 c. water

Whiz all ingredients together to make one smoothie.

Red Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with colorful veggies, and has juuuust enough sweetness to pass beets off to a non beet lover (namely, my DH).

For an added protein boost, add a scoop of unflavored collagen powder. A Tablespoon or two of peanut butter may also be either the best – or worst – idea ever. If you try it, let me know!

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, vegetarian, vegan

Red Smoothie

1/2 c. frozen spinach
1/4 c. frozen blueberries
1/4 c. cooked and peeled beets
1/2 banana
1/2 medium carrot
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 c. water

Whiz all ingredients together to make 1 smoothie.

Sweet Potato Toasts with Vegan Labneh

This is another recipe inspired by the talented Sukkari Life – who, I’m happy to say, has inspired me to get off my butt and finally start buying bulk nuts & spices – and to focus on reorganizing my pantry with a focus on reusable containers that aren’t a pain to use and that actually fit into my space and how I use it.

I’ve only been here 6 months – it’s about freaking time.

gluten-free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian

Sweet Potato Toasts with Vegan Labneh

Inspired by Vegan Labneh from Sukkari Life

1 sweet potato
1 c. cashews (soaked in warm water for at least 20 minutes)
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt
1 – 2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 – 2 Tbsp. water
Dash white pepper
1 small garlic clove
Pomegranate arils
Pomegranate molasses (make sure to grab one with no sugar added!)

Preheat your oven to 200C. Wash your sweet potato and cut into “toasts” about 1/4 inch thick (or thinner if you happen to have a mandoline and want to make your life easier).

Arrange on a baking sheet, rub with a little oil, and hit with salt and black pepper.

Bake 25 – 35 minutes or until browned and blistered in spots – your thinner slices will be crispy and the thicker ones will still be good. Keep in mind that if you save some for tomorrow, your tomorrow toasts will not be shatter crisp like today’s. Which is still fine. I ate mine over 3 days and loved them cold and a touch floppy for breakfast on day 3.

While the toasts are toasting, blend everything else but the pomegranate products to form a thick paste not unlike a thick yogurt that happens to taste tangy.

To serve, spread the labneh on the toast and top with double pomegranate. Would also be delicious with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if you have it. I did not.

Serves a few, depending on the size of your potato

Spinach Berry Smoothie

Yay, it’s (hopefully) back to the smoothie life over here – and I made a great one this morning. This smoothie is tart, not too sweet, low-ish in carbs and hit the spot for breakfast. Even with the crappy blender I’ve been saddled with (R.I.P. and get lots of in your new home, Vitamix).

Gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, Whole30-ish

Spinach Berry Smoothie

Big hand full of spinach
1/2 a medium Haas avocado
Big squirt bottled lime juice (or the juice of 1 fresh lime)
1/3 – 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (I used a blend of strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries)
Slack hand full of fresh mint (roughly 2 Tbsp.)
Enough water to make the mixture blend

Blend and enjoy – makes enough for a nice-sized smoothie cup or a small glass + sidecar.

Serves 1