Easy and Delicious Oat Delights

I eat these babies more than I should probably admit, but give this recipe a try and you’ll understand why.

My cousin gave out a similar recipe at her wedding as part of the wedding favor.

They are THAT good.

And it really doesn’t get any easier than one pot, ingredients you probably already have in your cupboards and no baking. That’s right, no baking. 
Plus, they are wheat-free (only if you use wheat-free oats!)
Oh and Quinn approves...

Why are we still talking about this?

Let’s get started...
 

Easy & Delicious Oat Delights

 

 

 

What you’ll need: 

½ cup butter
½ milk
2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened, unsweetened, whatever you have) 

3 cups instant oats

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

What to do: 

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. It doesn’t even have to be a baking sheet, just anything you can plop these little tasties on while they cool in the fridge. 

In a medium pot, melt the butter. Add the sugar and cocoa and let the delicious mixture bubble for a few minutes while the sugar dissolves.

Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and then add the coconut and oats.

Mix together until the oats and coconut are nicely coated in chocolate then plunk down spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.

Throw em’ in the fridge until they are nice and cool, then FEAST!

xo, Vicky

 

 

Disclaimer:

I am not responsible for any weight gain associated with the consumption of aforementioned delights.  

Easter Festivities

I love Easter; always have.

 It was my second favorite holiday to Christmas as a child.

 

A few weekends ago, my friends and I had an Easter brunch.

Mimosas, decadent breakfast foods, adorable babies, beautiful friends and a sunny sky.

 What could be better?

 

YUM!

 

 

 

Silly Easter decorations

 

Baby BFFs

 

Reading time!

 

This past weekend was a busy one indeed!

 

On Good Friday, Quinn and I went to my Aunt and Uncle's house.

Aunt Bunny and Wing Rider's parties are always a great time.

 

On Saturday, my sister and I took off to Watertown, N.Y. for a day of Target shopping.

Man, I love that store.

 

On Sunday, Simon and I hosted Easter dinner.

Since we were fifteen people, we decided on a more casual format and laid out the food buffet-style. And I may have over done it with two hams but I love me some ham and pea soup. Quinn had a great time hunting down all her Easter eggs and scarfed down the gummy bunnies hidden inside.

 

Monday was our rest day. Oh and my give ten vials of blood day.

 You know you're in for a treat when the nurse ask you if you are good at having bloodtests.

Fun times.

 

Meanwhile, Quinn was busy being adorable and troublesome.

 

I did not stage this, I swear.

She put on her own hat and purses but apparently forgot about pants.

What a lady!

 

This child gives me multiple heart attacks a day.

Anyone know where I can find a pint-sized bubble to keep her in?

Just a kiddo in a bucket.

How Quinn tells me naptime is over.

 

xo, Vicky 

Leesha Bobeesha

 

 

Top 5 reasons why I love my sister:

 

1) She is hilarious

2) We just have to look at eachother to know what the other is thinking

3) We like all the same things

4) She knows all my faults but has to love me because we are related

5) She always took the fall for all the bad things we did growing up

Bonus - She sends me pictures of Birthday Oreos and Cadbury Cream Egg filled cupcakes

 

 

 

 

Yes, I ate a cupcake in my car and took a picture of it.

In fact, I ate 3 cupcakes.

I justified it by making them my treat for having bloodwork done.

I am such a child.

 

Yes, there is such a thing as Cadbury Cream Egg Filled Cupcakes.

My life is now complete.

 

xo, Vicky  

My Strange Addiction

Eating couches. Yep, I am addicted to eating couches. 

 

Had you going right? Did anyone catch that episode of My Strange Addiction where someone was ‘legit’ addicted to eating their couch? The world is a strange, strange place.

While my addiction is far less weird than couch eating, it still has me wrapped around its little ceramic handle.

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 Coffee. 

Warm, rich, delicious coffee. It is the first thing that pops into my mind when I wake up and I don’t feel ready to start my day without it. My morning drives to work are enjoyable thanks to my cup a joe and Saturday mornings are the best when the sun is shining through my bedroom window and I have a cup of steaming coffee in hand. 

Sounds pretty rad right? 

Well, according to my new baby bible caffeine is the devil and needs to be completely eliminated from my life. Annd a tiny piece of my soul just died. *sob

All dramatics aside, I have kicked my coffee addiction in the past. I managed to abstain from caffeine throughout my entire pregnancy with Quinn and well into her first year so she wasn’t chugging a bunch of caffeine via the boob. Once Quinn weaned herself off breast milk, I indulged in the occasional cup of coffee, but I really got back into when I returned to work. Everybody is slurping on the stuff at work and now I’m a full-out addict.  

 You may remember me blubbering last week about being sick. WELL, on Thursday I was in the throes of cough and cold hell AND was also struggling with this all-consuming headache. It didn’t matter what drugs I took, this headache would not go away. It wasn’t until later in the day that I realized where this mystery death-headache came from. I had been too lazy to have my morning cup of coffee which caused my body to go into full-on withdrawal hangover. It was awful and I was dying for relief so I had a coffee and low and behold I was miraculously healed.

It’s pretty scary to think coffee has this kind of effect on me. No wonder the bible says I need to get rid of it. Looks like I just need to devote a good day or two to a raging headache and hopefully that will be the end of it. So, I am officially giving myself an end date for caffeine. As of Monday, February 25th I will be caffeine free. Simon has no idea what he’s in for next weekend. Poor guy. 

Xo, Vicky

Cupcakes for Two

Two posts in one day?! I know, I know but since my first post was baby related I thought I should also share something non-baby.

 

This was my breakfast this morning.

I wish I was joking.

Scratch that.

It was awesome.

 

Anyone who knows me, like REALLY knows me is aware of my LOVE of cake.

And not just any old cake either.

Birthday Cake.

Vanilla birthday cake with vanilla buttercream.

I die.

At least once a month I get an overwhelming craving for birthday cake and will bake up a big batch of cupcakes only to eat about five and then want to projective vomit.

What a predicament!

 

Well, I found the answer to my problems while perusing Pinterest.

Cupcakes for two.

Genius!

 

This recipe makes two regular sized cupcakes OR my favorite, six mini cupcakes.

 

One Bowl Vanilla Cupcakes for Two
serves 2
1 egg white
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla (yes, a full teaspoon – they are super vanilla-y!)
1/4 cup flour
1/4 heaping teaspoon of baking powder
pinch of salt
1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with 2 liners.

In a bowl, add egg white and sugar and whisk until combined. Add in vanilla and melted butter and stir until mixed. Add flour, baking powder and salt and stir until smooth. Stir in milk. Divide batter equally between the 2 cupcake liners.

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, or until cake is set. Let cool completely, then frost as desired.

Recipe courtesy of the geniuses over at How Sweet It Is

I know, life changing right?

 

Enjoy!

xo, Vicky 



Delicious - Quinoa Tabbouleh

 

Quinoa is the new big thing these days but I will confess that for the most part I don't really like it. This recipe is the exception. I could eat it everyday.

 

Quinoa Tabbouleh

 

3/4 cup of water (or chicken stock for more flavour)

1/2 cup quinoa

1 cup chopped parsley

1/4 cup chopped mint

3 green onions sliced

handful of grape/cherry tomatoes quartered

1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese

3 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is WAY better)

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

 

1) Bring water (or stock) to boil and add in quinoa. Turn down heat to low and leave it until all the water is gone (around 15-18 minutes).

 

2) While the quinoa is cooking, chop the parsley, mint, green onions and tomatoes and add those to a medium sized bowl.

 

3) In small bowl, mix lemon juice, oil and salt and pepper. Set aside.

 

4) Once quinoa is cooked allow it to cool completely. I usually spread it on a plate and throw it in the fridge for 10 minutes or so.

 

5) When the quinoa is cooled mix everything together and enjoy!

 

 

Seriously, this recipe couldn't be easier and it is SO tasty.

 

xo, Vicky

Veggies, Veggies, Veggies

Our vegetables arrived yesterday!

 

You are looking at the most expensive counter of vegetables.

 

For $50 we got:

 

1 head of broccoli

1 yellow squash

1 parsnip

1 sweet potato

1 red pepper

1 onion

1 head of romaine lettuce

1 bag of carrots

1 bag of mushrooms

1 bunch of swiss chard

1 bag of mixed lettuce

1 container of crushed tomatoes

2 potatoes

2 bags of micro greens

 

I was initally very excited to hear the doorbell ring and see my doorstep full of fresh veggies, but that quickly changed to doubt and worry.

What the heck was I going to make for dinner?

I had no plan.

Let's be honest, I have no idea how to cook with chard or parsnip.

 

After some google searching I found a recipe for

 Potato and Chard Hash with Sunny Side Up Eggs.

 

I was very skeptical about the chard but it was delicious!

This recipe will be added to our family recipe collection fo sho.

 

 

For lunch today I'm having leftover hash plus a salad of mixed lettuce, micro greens and mushrooms.

Yes, mushrooms.

 I've decided that 2013 is the year I will start to like mushrooms.

Go fungus!

 

xo, Vicky

 

Conquering my resolutions - Food

Since I declared my resolutions for all to see on here I'm feeling particularly motivated to make real changes this year. One of my biggest priorities is food. Now that Quinn is eating us out of house and home, I want to make sure she's eating the best there is. I also want to teach her the value of eating right; not just for her own well being but for the well being of the environment. That is why I'm putting my foot down and changing the way we eat from now on.

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My first mission was to look into local, ethically raised meats. I signed up for the PETA newsletter a year ago and have learned so much about factory farming practices in North America. It is absolutely horrific. The factory farming/meat industry has done a good job of keeping average people in the dark about what they do which is why I believe our society has gotten to this point. When you buy meat at the grocery store you don't think about the animal it came from. If you knew the meat you are about to eat is from a tortured, malnourished and probably sick animal you might think twice about eating it. Some might argue there is no 'humane' way of eating meat. I get that. If you are vegetarian or vegan than good on ya! I just don't think I'm ready to make that change yet. What am I willing to do is buy meat from a local organic farm. The kind of farm where farmers actually value their livestock and don't abuse them. The kind of farm where animals can graze and be outside, not locked in pens with thousands of others.

Simon and I had previously done research on this and found a very good butcher not far from our home. They only source local, ethically produced meats and as a bonus they are super friendly people. If you are in the Ottawa area and are looking for tasty, local meats we highly suggest popping into The Manotick Village Butcher. They have both fresh and frozen meats and offer 'freezer boxes' with a selection of different frozen meats and cuts. We normally buy a small or medium box which tends to last around a month. While the cost of local meat is higher than grocery-store meat it is much better to eat less of a good thing than lots of a bad thing.

My next mission was to find local, organic fruits and vegetables. The Ottawa/Gatineau area is surrounded by hundreds of acres of farm land so there were many options. Its funny that I never considered buying food anywhere other than a grocery store. We have fruits and vegetables shipped to Canada from other countries when we have those same fruits and vegetables being grown basically right on our doorstep. Ridiculous!  

The benefits of eating organic fruits and vegetables are pretty substantial. No pesticides on food = no pesticides in your body = reduced risk of cancers, allergies, mental health disorders, etc. BUT, while going organic is great for your body, the same can't be said for your wallet. Organic food IS more expensive; sometimes a LOT more expensive than their pesticide covered buddies but I have decided to make the food we eat a priority so I pay the extra moolah. If you can't justify paying more you should at least consider going organic with the 'Dirty Dozen':

1) Apples

2) Celery

3) Strawberries

4) Peaches

5) Spinach

6) Nectarines

7) Grapes

8) Peppers

9) Potatoes

10) Blueberries

11) Lettuce

12) Kale

According to the Environmental Working Group's annual report, if you go organic with those twelve foods you can reduce pesticide exposure by 80%. Definitely something to consider.

My hunt for local, organic fruits and veggies turned up LOTS of options, but I ended up finding a local farm that offers weekly delivery. Yes, DELIVERY! That means I won't have to begrudingly go to the grocery store every week. YAY! They will send me a basket of mixed vegetables, lettuces and herbs every week. Some of the vegetables will be new to us, but I'm looking forward to trying out new recipes and flavours. 

Well, that was the easy part. The hard part will be sticking to this new, healthy lifestyle. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo, Vicky

Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, HAPPY FESTIVUS

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! 

Now that the craziness of everything has calmed down I finally have a chance to check in to the blog world! Hurrah!

Christmas has come and gone at our house. We've already taken our tree down and packed away all the decorations. I was sick of everything being stuck with pine needles (including my feet). Scrooge, I know. 

Our Christmas was AWESOME, but that's not what I've come to talk about today. I will at some point, but today I'd rather share some other AWESOME things with you. 

I call this game the "This is AWESOME you should": 

1) EAT IT

Went to Milestones for dinner on Sunday and had the Red Curry Chicken Bowl. 

I have craved it every day since. 

Delicious.

2) DRINK IT

Birthday Cake tea. 

You heard right, Birthday Cake. 

It has sprinkles. 

SPRINKLES. 

3) READ IT

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If you liked Hunger Games and liked The Walking Dead, this book is for you. 

Apocalypse, zombies, female protagonist, good read.

4) WATCH IT

You like that segue? 

This series is so addictive. I love waiting to start watching shows until there are already a few seasons out. MARATHON!

5) WEAR IT

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I need to own this bathing suit. 

Why do I live in a place where half the year includes snow? 

Oh right.

So we can wear adorable wintery clothes and look like this:

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Right...

Turrah for now

xo, Vicky

Delicious - Almond Slices

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I'd share a SUPER easy yet DELICIOUS holiday treat! Perfect for potlucks, work parties, etc. these little babies are always gobbled up.

It is my pleasure to present to you..........

Almond Slices!

It really doesn't get any easier than this recipe. 

In fact, most of you probably already have the necessary ingredients in your pantry, so there really is no excuse NOT to make these.

Here's what you need:

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

almond slices

graham wafer squares

Step One:

Line a 9x12' pan with graham wafer squares. You may have to break some wafers to fit into corners and edges. 

Step Two: 

Sprinkle as many almond slices on top of wafers as you like. As you can see, I like a LOT of almonds. ummmm. 

Step Three: 

Set oven to 350. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk together. Allow mixture to bubble for a few minutes then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Alternatively, you could use almond extract instead for extra almondy slices.

Step Four:

Pour the buttery, sugary mixture over the almond covered wafers and pop into the oven until it is all bubbly (about 7 minutes)

I was distracted by a toddler with boots on her hands and left mine in longer. 

This is what happens when you do that:

Don't let this happen because take it from me, getting sugar off your oven SUCKS!

Step Five:

Cool completely and ENJOY! 

xo, Vicky

Random Schmandom

Life threw us a curve ball this week in the form of a man flu. Simon was out of commission Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday, plus I hosted a dinner party on Friday so needless to say my house, my hopes of being productive in the Christmas department and I are one big hot mess.

 

I promised to write about my dinner party and I will, but be forewarned there are NO PICTURES to be had. I like to think the sign of a good night is that no one remembers to take pictures. It was that good. Haha. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but the food was ACES. I'll share the recipes later this week.

 

Now on to a bunch of random events from the past few days.

 

Quinn at breakfast / toddler shenanigans

 

Various methods we used to keep Quinn distracted.

Water in a cool cup proved to be the most effective.

 

Quinn also discovered the wonder of slinking herself under the table at restaurants.

My sister and I used to do this when we were little.

I can still taste all that delicious prechewed gum...yum.

 

After breakfast, Quinn played Catch Phrase

 

 Made a couple phonecalls

 

 Reorganized my magazines

 

Was adorable

 

Played soccer

 

And stared lovingly at the Christmas lights

 

 

Things I am loving right now:

 

My first Christmas present - Thanks Aunt Bunny!

This shit is DELICIOUS.

 I was sold when I read the label - "Tastes just like chocolate covered almonds".

Um, yep. In the cart it went.

 

That's it for now.

Happy Wednesday!

xo, Vicky