Ever since I first discovered the convenience of microwavable oatmeal my freshman year of college, I've been hooked on the stuff. Luckily, the microwave phase only lasted through my dorm years, because the real stuff is so much better tasting and better for you! It's kind of like a blank canvas with unlimited topping possibilities! On a normal day, I'll jazz it up a bit with some cinnamon sugar, raisins and walnuts. But on the weekend, when my heart says blueberry pancakes but my brain tells me egg whites and a smoothie, I can compromise and make blueberry banana oatmeal! With sweetness from fresh blueberries, banana, coconut and brown sugar, a little crunch from walnuts, some spice from ground cinnamon and a boost of protein, calcium and omega-3s from chia seeds, I have the perfect breakfast to satisfy my sweet tooth while staying on track. It's seriously SO GOOD!
There are few things I like more in life than grilled cheese. Or pizza. Hmmm anything involving cheese and carbs apparently? Anyway, after I finished up at the gym last Monday, Howie cut our phone call short because he was being summoned to half-off pizza night at Angelo's Pizza...only my favorite pizza place in all of Cleveland! Pizza was officially on my mind, and this epic sandwich was born. I took the typical grilled cheese sandwich topped with American cheese and turned it up a notch, adding provolone, pepperoni, spinach and some Italian herbs. It tasted just like pizza, especially when dipped in some warm marinara sauce on the side. YUM.
Even though I cook all sorts of extravagant dinners, fancy desserts, and appetizers to please a crowd, there is nothing I like more than grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup. I'm like a kindergartner! Ask Howie, I even order it from any restaurant that has it on it's menu! My record is having it 4 times in a 5 day period (if that isn't true love than I don't know what is)! One of my favorite things about grilled cheese and tomato soup is how fast you can whip it up after a long day. You know those days I'm talking about right? The days when you wanted dinner a half hour ago and your stomach is eating itself on the drive home. Good news! You can forever ditch the crummy canned tomato soup that's loaded with sodium and preservatives and make my homemade version instead. I promise, 10 minutes. Well, maybe 15 if you include making the grilled cheese too!
