Tag: Quick and Easy

Quick and Easy Banana Pancakes

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PANCAKES- one of the best breakfasts ever! I’ve been crazy about pancakes lately and I wanted to share the recipe that I’ve been using. It’s quick, easy, uses 2 INGREDIENTS, and so tasty! I also love all the protein they pack in first thing in the morning.

I’ve used a lot of oats in my pancakes in the past, and while they do make a good cake, they can make things a bit dense. So I went really simple and just used banana and egg- and I loved the result! I remember a few years ago I tried out this simple recipe, but it never really stuck. I’m pretty much obsessed with it now though!

Because they lack a bit of that density that some kind of flour would give them though, they’re a little bit harder to flip. Some tips to make flipping easier are:

  • Use Slightly Underripe Bananas- slightly underripe bananas are more starchy then when they’re very mushy and ripe, and so using them in this recipe helps the pancakes to hold together better and not burn as easily.
  • Use a Thin Spatula- the thinner the spatula you use, the easier it is to get under these delicate pancakes and flip em!
  • Make the Pancakes on the Smaller Side- it can be really difficult to flip large pancakes, and making them smaller means that it’s easier to get under them. I use strictly one tablespoon full of batter for each pancake.
  • Wait Until You Can See Bubbles All Around the Edges to Flip- I know it can be hard to wait to eat these pancakes, but make sure you wait until you see those bubbles to flip! If the pancake isn’t cooked through enough, the flip will fail.

Keeping those tips in mind, flipping should be a breeze!

I love how versatile this recipe is too- you can add cinnamon, allspice, a bit of cocoa powder, matcha, or any other powdered flavouring you’d like. And for only using a banana and two eggs, you get LOTS of small pancakes- I’m talking like 10-15! I love eating these with some extra banana and frozen blueberries on top, drizzled with peanut butter, with Greek yogurt, or with other fruit. The eggs in them are a great source of protein, so they’re perfect for a pre or post workout snack as well. Or have them for a quick and easy breakfast that makes everyday feel like Saturday!

Enjoy this simple and delicious breakfast idea!

Yours Truly,

Olivia:))

Quick and Easy Banana Pancakes

  • Servings: 1
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Ingredients

-1 large banana

-2 eggs

-1/4 tsp cinnamon or allspice (optional)


Directions

1. Mash the banana in a small bowl.

2. Add in the eggs and the allspice, and whisk everything together until combined.

3. Heat up a small pan over medium-low heat.

4. Scoop the pancakes batter by tablespoon-fulls into the pan, and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until you can see bubbles all around the edges. Carefully flip the pancakes with a thin spatula, and continue to cook for another 1 minute.

5. Use the spatula to transfer the pancakes onto a plate, and repeat step 4 until all of the batter is used up!

6. Serve warm.


Hearty Vegetable Chilli

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Hi guys! This is truly one of my favourite recipes ever- it’s so full of flavour and VERY hearty, as the name suggests. It’s healthy, vegan, and so so good. I posted the recipe for this chilli just under two years ago, but WITHOUT A PICTURE. So I thought it was time for you guys to see just how good it is😍

Chilli is honestly one of the easiest things you can make, and also one of the most comforting. When I think of a big bowl of this warm chilli, I think of curling up under a blanket after spending the day outside in the cold. The chilli itself has so much delicious flavour, and it’s PACKED with beans and veggies! The more stuff my chilli has in it, the better, and if you agree you’ll adore this recipe.

It starts the way many other delicious things do- with onion and garlic. They get fried up in some olive oil before the spices get added, and become the base of flavour for the chilli. And let me tell you, that is the most technical part of the recipe right there. After that, it’s pretty much just dumping the rest of the ingredients in, giving it a stir, and letting all those aromatics come together in the pot.

Once the chilli is done- you can tell because the carrots will be soft enough to pierce with a fork- I like to scoop out big bowls of it, and top it with some cilantro and chopped green onion. Some hummus would even be great on there too!

All the veg in there is so good- you’ve got tons of corn and carrots, plus black beans, chickpeas, and red kidney beans. This means there’s so much protein and it will definitely fill you up! Perfect for school lunches👌On a related note, this recipe is freezable and therefore great for meal prepping as well. Literally, any situation you’re in, this chilli is applicable.

Make sure you check this chilli out- it’s one of my favourite recipes for a reason!

Yours Truly,

Olivia:))

Hearty Vegetable Chilli

  • Servings: 4-6
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Ingredients

-1 tbsp olive oil

-1 white onion, diced

-3 cloves of garlic, minced

-1 tbsp ground cumin

-1 tbsp chilli powder

-1/2 tbsp dried oregano

-1/2 tbsp paprika

-1/2 tsp chilli powder

-1 large carrot, chopped

-1 cup frozen corn

-1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

-1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

-1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

-1 can of diced or crushed tomatoes

-3 tbsp tomato paste

-Salt and pepper to taste


Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the onion and cook for 6-8 minutes, until translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

2. Add all of the spices to the pot and cook for 1 more minute, just to brown them up a bit. Next, dump all of the other ingredients into the pot and give everything a good stir.

3. Bring the chilli to a simmer, then turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the carrots can be pierced with a fork.

4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, remove from the heat and serve warm.


Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

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Sometimes you just want some chocolate for breakfast, ya know? I know I do at least, and so today I’m sharing a delicious CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE BOWL that not only tastes amazing, but is loaded with fruits and veggies so you can start your day off right🙌

I always have a stock of frozen bananas in the freezer, because they make the best base for creamy smoothie bowls! I chop mine up before freezing so that it’s easy to just pop em in the blender. That’s ingredient number one in this smoothie bowl👍 Ingredient two is some nice frozen mango- also VERY good for texture, plus it adds some sweetness. Next we’re adding spinach because we gotta get those greens in!! The chocolate flavour completely masks the taste of the spinach, so you get the benefit of the veggies with the benefit of some tasty chocolate. That’s a win-win situation if I ever saw one.

For the chocolate flavour, I threw in one full tablespoon of some amazing, organic cocoa, along with little bit of water (you don’t want to overdo it on the water or you’ll end up with more of a smoothie soup), and blended until everything was nice and creamy!!

One of my favourite things about smoothie bowls is all the different ways that you can top them. On this one I went with some frozen blueberries, a little bit of coconut, and obviously some peanut butter😍😍 But there are so many different topping possibilities! Here are some delicious topping ideas:

  • More fresh or frozen fruit
  • Different kinds of nut butters
  • Raw or toasted nuts and seeds
  • Granola
  • Cereal
  • Dark chocolate
  • Puffed wheat

Toppings really make the bowl, so make sure you don’t skip out on them if you have the time!

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are one of my favourite breakfasts because they fit in all of those nutrients and a delicious taste in a super convenient format. If you don’t have time to enjoy this smoothie in bowl form, you can definitely add a bit more water to make a thinner smoothie and take it with you on the go.

This bowl is such a healthy and delicious breakfast treat. I had a couple of eggs on the side of mine for some protein, and it was the perfect way to start my day. Hope you enjoy!

Yours Truly,

Olivia:)

Chocolate Smoothie Bowls

  • Servings: 1
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Ingredients

-1 frozen banana, chopped

-1/2 cup packed spinach

-1/2 cup frozen mango, chopped

-1 tbsp organic cocoa powder

-2 tbsp water


Directions

1. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Scoop into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings.


5 Minute “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

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I have a VERY deep love of sweet potatoes, and my obsession has only grown after rediscovering this method of cooking them. It takes five minutes, is super easy, and is done in- wait for it- the MICROWAVE. That’s right, we’re making some baked potatoes in the microwave, and I promise you that after trying them out you will never go back to the oven🙌

Don’t get me wrong, I still love some good roasted or air fried sweet potatoes. I love when they get all crispy! But when I’m looking for a quick sweet potato fix, this method is the best. You’re basically steaming the sweet potato in the microwave by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and then cooking it on high for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This super simple technique is a game changer because it allows you to whip up some delicious potatoes on short notice, instead of waiting 30-40 minutes for them to roast in the oven.

I remember that I saw this idea somewhere on social media a couple of years ago and was only cooking my sweet potatoes this way before I discovered roasting them. But I don’t know why I stopped this microwave magic altogether- now that I’ve remembered how awesome it is I can’t wait to start making sweet potatoes more quickly! What I have in mind is making quick sides for dinner, super fast and delicious school lunches, and last minute additions to salads and bowls.

I hope this method changes your guys’ lives as much as it’s going to change mine!😂 If anyone’s down to start a sweet-potato-cooking-technique-discussion-group let me know because I will be the president✌️

5 Minute “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 1

Total Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 small sweet potato, washed and cleaned (any eyes or blemishes removed)
  • Hummus, chives, avocado, beans, or plain yogurt for topping (optional)

Directions:

  1. Grab about 2-3 connected sheets of paper towel and soak them under the tap. Wring them out until no more water comes out, and the towels are damp.
  2. Use a fork to poke about 10 holes all around the sweet potato. Wrap it in the damp paper towels, place on a plate, and microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
  3. Take the potato out of the microwave, flip it over, and microwave for another 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the potato is cooked all the way through.
  4. Unwrap the potato, cut open the top lengthwise, and top with hummus, plain Greek yogurt, chives, or avocado, or add to your favourite bowls and salads.
  5. Enjoy!

There’s a super simple recipe for you on a Saturday! Have a great rest of your weekend and get ready for more tasty recipes coming next week:)

Yours Truly,

Olivia;))

Candied Walnut Popcorn

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Hope you’re all having an amazing day so far! I know this Christmas looks a little different than past years, but hopefully you guys can find some way to hang out with family, whether it be virtually or with a small, socially distant group in person.

For a fun and festive Christmas recipe, I thought I’d share a delicious popcorn mix! It’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up while celebrating the holiday. The walnuts are beautifully candied in some maple syrup on the stove, making them tender and sweet, balancing perfectly with the salted popcorn! I also threw some cinnamon in there for some extra Christmas flavour.

Also, we’re making our popcorn from scratch! Of course, you can use pre-made popcorn if you want to speed things up even more, but making your own is surprisingly easy and healthier. You’ve just got to heat up the oil, toss in the kernels, and listen to them pop! Plus you can season to your own taste with salt.

I’m going to keep this post short today so you can get straight to the recipe and go back to making holiday memories! I hope you enjoy this recipe and have a great rest of your day:)

Candied Walnut Popcorn

Serves: 4

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon + more to taste
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
  2. Add in the popcorn kernels to the pot, and put on the lid, leaving it slightly ajar so that the steam can escape. Listen to the kernels pop! When the popping slows, remove the pot from the heat.
  3. Season the popcorn to taste with salt.
  4. In a small pot, combine the walnuts and maple syrup. Put the pot on the stove over medium-low heat, and wait for the maple syrup to come to a slight simmer. Keep stirring the walnuts and maple until the maple syrup begins to caramelize and turns into a sticky coating on the walnuts, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Take the pot off of the heat and let the candied walnuts cool for about 2 minutes before adding them to the popcorn. Mix everything up and season to taste with some more salt and cinnamon.
  6. Enjoy!!

Merry Christmas and I’ll see you soon with my 2021 Bullet Journal Set-Up! I’m so excited:))

Yours Truly,

Olivia:)))