Saturday, May 28, 2011

Down & Out

That's what my week has been. Sick and tired. And stressed. I was just thinking the other day how long it's been since I have actually been sick. At least a year. And then bam, I get sick. Coincidence?

As a result, I haven't been tracking my food as planned (saltines, gatorade & tea anyone?) but I will resume again this week and add on my next goal.

Anyone watch youtube videos? If you do, you must check out "healthyvegan". You can find videos on everything from homemade rice milk to tips on healthy eating. Her recipes are simple and focus on whole foods. Everything we could use a lot more of these days. Heather's latest video was on a tropical rice pudding. You can check out the video on YT or on her website here. With no breakfast ideas in mind today, I decided to make a version with what I had on hand.

Orange Rice Pudding with Blueberry Compote

1 c brown rice
1 c orange juice
1 c water
1 c almond milk
2 t vanilla extract

In a large pan, combine above ingredients. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer. Cover & cook over medium heat for 45 minutes. DO NOT touch this pot. Leave it alone to do its thing :)

This is probably the easiest compote you'll ever make.
Blueberry compote
1 c fresh blueberries
2 T orange juice
1/2 T maple syrup
1/4 t corn starch

In a small, covered pan simmer blueberries, orange juice & maple syrup over medium high heat until blueberries begin to burst about 5 minutes. Whisk in cornstarch and cook another minute or two until thickened.

To serve, top rice with compote and toasted almonds & voila a healthy breakfast that's delightfully sweet with no added sugar (minus the maple syrup) and high in fiber.



Now it has to be said, this didn't turn out as creamy as I expected. Not really like traditional rice pudding. Perhaps more almond milk, less water next time? Arborio rice would be perfect for this kinda thing although you would sacrifice the fiber. All in all it was tasty. The orange juice was not too overpowering and I could really taste that vanilla (mmmm). Next time, I think I will use freshly squeezed orange juice and add in some fresh orange zest in the rice after it's been cooked.

Any unique breakfasts you've had in the past worth sharing?

6 comments:

  1. ohh I will definitely check out her videos, I do love whole foods and vegan recipes :)

    So sorry you're not feeling well, I do hope you feel better soon.

    I find lately I've been more creative with my breakfasts than with my dinners because I have more energy and motivation in the morning. There's been lots of salads around here!

    My fav breakfasts lately have been a bunch of different variations on overnight oats. My fav so far is a combo of oats, almond milk, mashed banana, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Great texture, taste, nutrition, and keeps me full for hours! :)

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend and feel better soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a great, comforting dish. :) My breakfast is unbelievably boring, but it's the only thing that gets me out of bed and through the morning... Steel cut oats with tons of cinnamon, plus a big cup of coffee, every single day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food Thanks Jenny! I am feeling better for the most part :) I love breakfast but often don't get too creative until the weekend. Still need to give overnight oatmeal a try....

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Hannah Any breakfast that helps you get out of bed in the morning is not a boring breakfast :) Thanks for stopping by Hannah.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for the recommendation! I now follow Healthy Vegan Foods on Twitter! (by the way...are you on twitter? if so, I would love to follow!) :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. @Diana @ VeggieNextDoor I am on twitter "mslovableladyFL"...what's yours?

    ReplyDelete