Each week I enjoy making something special for my family. A sweet bite they can enjoy during the week when things get busy. This is typically some sort of banana bread, energy bite, muffin or any other fun recipe I find on Pinterest. I always keep it simple because I'm NOT a baker. Now you know, any baked good I post will be on the easier side. :)

Lately, I've been adding baked oatmeal into the mix. Baked oatmeal is an easy thing to prep & serve for breakfast throughout the week. I like to bake it the night before & store in the fridge. In the morning, slices can be reheated quickly or taken on-the-go. Toppings like honey, apple butter, nut butter or maple syrup make it extra tasty! The base of the baked oatmeal makes it easy to switch out the flavors based on the ingredients you have on hand. This version adds a few (shelf-stable) apple ingredients that give it a cozy fall vibe.

A few tips for making this recipe:
- Purchase "baked apple chips" that have no sugar added: the dried chips soften in the oven & prevent the oatmeal from becoming soggy.
- Use unsweetened applesauce: the sweetness from the maple syrup & apple chips really do the trick!
- The vanilla protein powder adds a nice subtle flavor (& obviously added protein!). If you prefer to leave out the protein powder add two extra tablespoons of gluten free oats.
- Store in the fridge. Eat within 4-5 days!
- Serve with some nut butter & maple syrup for an extra tasty morning treat!

Your house is going to smell like you baked a lovely apple pie. Yet you only spent 15 minutes mixing up this yummy baked oatmeal. I'd call that a win!

Click the link below to download the recipe!

Instagram Reel showing this recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
​Enjoy :)

I've been known to eat a caprese salad in winter or devour a bowl of tortilla soup in mid summer. With that being said, I do like to experiment with some seasonal flavors from time to time! I know most (normal) people love to eat with the seasons so I want to honor that!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that feature basic fall ingredients. No shopping for crazy, hard to find items. Scroll for some quick & easy recipes that you can incorporate into your fall routine. Enjoy!

We made these delightful salted caramel pancakes last weekend on a whim & were so delighted! They were a fun twist on our classic pancake breakfast.

Super simple...
- Mix up King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake Mix according to the box. You could use any mix you like!
- Using 1/4 cup of the batter make individual pancakes. We love to make extra for the next day! Spray the pan with coconut oil when making the pancakes. This give them a yummy flavor & is a better oil to cook with.
- Onto each pancake spread a bit (or a lot!) of salted caramel sauce. I used a small jar I picked up at a gift shop. There are plenty of options at any grocery store or gourmet food shops!
- Top the stack with lots of cinnamon & chopped up gala apples.

​& devour.

I am a legit salad lover. I don't waste my time with dinky bunny food. A real salad will change your thoughts about life!! A salad can become a crave-worthy meal with the right mix of ingredients. . .
Each element plays a part:
+ salty (seasoning, protein, nuts, or cheese)
+ sweet (dried fruits, tomatoes, balsamic, honey)
+ sour / tangy (citrus, olives, capers, fresh fruit) 
+ crunchy (greens, nuts, croutons, fresh veggies)
+ savory (roasted vegetables, warming spices)
+ neutral (most greens provide a good base)

My rules for salads are simple. Include one of each category above. I like to balance fresh ingredients with elements that have been cooked. If you have time to make a homemade dressing . . . it is that much better! 

The Harvest Salad is a fall spin off of Pierrot Gourmet's Penn Chicken Salad (The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago). Which is hands down the best salad I've had. Put it on your list for 2021 vacation spots. They have mastered the art of the salad, amongst other things.