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 always struggle with eating something in the morning. Our mornings are always so busy & frantic. I am lucky if I get out of the door with everything I need! This has been a real struggle since going gluten free. All of my go-to options are now off limits! Which mostly consisted of bread. :)

Planning is key for me.
It always helps when I have breakfast items prepped ahead of time to help with the crazy. This way I know there are healthy options that don't consist of a granola bar & a cup of coffee.

These three prep-ahead breakfast ideas are filling, made from real food, easy to prep & satisfy all eaters at home. I always block off time on Saturday or Sunday to prep a few things for the week ahead. They can all be stored in the fridge & reheated for an easy guilt-free breakfast!

Scroll down to the button below to download all 3 recipes at once!

Who else finds themselves with a produce overload sometimes?!
The summer tomatoes seem to multiply!! Combined with my tendency to over order on grocery pick up . . . I always seem to miss the weight of items & order waaaaay too much!! 

This recipe grew from a need to rid my counters of produce. In my mind, there is nothing better than homemade sauce. Tomato sauce is one of my favorites to make at home. This time I wanted a slightly different flavor profile with some added veggies for the kids!

This sauce has it all . . .
- smoky/roasted undertones
- creaminess without cream
- chunky rustic texture
- versatility: could be used in so many ways! 

Check out the recipe below!

I paired this sauce with my favorite meatball recipe for a hearty dinner!

Basic Meatball Recipe:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Nut Crumbs (GF, Italian style)  or  1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 teas. each garlic powder & sea salt

*1 grated zucchini (pat dry), optional addition to meat mixture
400 degrees for 20ish minutes.

This sauce will have you coming back all fall & winter long! Warm & cozy!! Prep a double batch & store some in the freezer for easy weeknight solutions. You could even make it into a soup by adding additional chicken or vegetable broth & a touch of your favorite milk. YUM!