snowed in

December 4, 2010

There’s something magical about the first REAL snowfall of the season.  

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Every year, no matter what my feelings are about driving in snow, leaving my house in snow, or the downright coldness of snow, I always look forward to it.

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In fact, I always wake up in the middle of the night — and if snow is forecasted, I’ll look out the window… just in case, hoping it has made its way to the ground.

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I always feel like a child when I look out my back window and see my yard filled with the fresh white snow.

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I often rush through life — and being snowed in is quite possibly the best thing for me.

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It forces me to slow down, appreciate rest, and to live in the moment.

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Of course, it also forces me to spend some quality time in the kitchen. 

You’ll be happy to know I finally switched it up in the kitchen today. Yesterday afternoon after school, I stopped by Whole Foods to pick up some baking supplies… just in case. :)

I also picked up my very first bottled of un-sulphured, organic molasses. With this, I bring you Pumpkin Spice Molasses Oatmeal — inspired by Holly’s cookies (which I am so making today).

Pumpkin Spice Molasses Oatmeal with Grilled Bananas

  • 1/3 cup gluten free oats
  • 1/3 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. molasses
  • 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Topping:

  • 1/2 ripened banana, sliced down the middle (lengthwise)
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. peanut butter

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Gather your supplies — and take a photo of the lineup (and mention the cute picture of your husband and yourself hiding behind the ingredients).

Warily determine that it’s okay you bought a different kind of peanut butter — (verdict? Delicious.)

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Bring your oats, milk, water, and vanilla to a rapid boil in a small sauce pan. Stir frequently and add your pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and molasses to the mix. Stir until pumpkin is incorporated.

Meanwhile, Preheat a greased skillet and place your banana slices facedown in the skillet, Sprinkle the first side with cinnamon. Let cook for 1-2 minutes, flip, and sprinkle other side with cinnamon. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes.

Plate it up!

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I never knew how much I liked molasses — it gives the oatmeal a “gingerbread” feel, without adding too much sweetness.

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Blogging behind the scenes….

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On the agenda today:

Question: What’s your favorite part about the snow? OR If you don’t live near snow, have you ever been in it? I love looking at the snow — and playing in it… but I hate the cold and I hate driving in it even more!

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