Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

 

It’s that time of year when Pumpkin is King.  Yum!  I love it!  So, when I saw a recipe for Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal, I knew that 1) not only would I make it pronto, but 2) I would toss in some chocolate chips.  Just a few though, this is supposed to be a healthy dish.  Of course, it’s good without the chocolate too, but I’m a sucker for pumpkin and chocolate.  Can’t be helped. 

I love these little bread pans.  They can be used for individual servings and for giving tasty gifts.  You can probably find them at your local craft store.

Here’s where I found the recipe.  I used the maple syrup option and like I said, added some semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/4 cup or so.  But those are completely optional. 

There are a few options for making these an easy breakfast.  1st, it doesn’t take long to make these from beginning to end, but I’m not always patient when it comes to making breakfast in the mornings.  So, option 2, make them the night before and heat them up. Option 3, mix the ingredients the night before and bake in the morning.  In all honesty, this probably won’t save you a ton of time, since you still have to wait on the oven to preheat, (you may as well mix it all up while preheating).  Option 4, microwave for 3-4 minutes and dig in.  I prefer the oven recipe, but this is much quicker for the times I just can’t wait.  Either way, the inside is nice and creamy and delicious.

I’m going back to check out the other flavors of baked oatmeal.  This may become an obsession.

A Couple Links for You

 

As I mentioned earlier this year, since November 2011, I’ve been eating better and exercising. My trainer, Rob Hatch at Hatch Impact Training has a heart for helping people take control of their health and lose weight the right way.  He’s taught us there is no magic pill, injection, or crazy restrictive program that will deliver the results that healthy eating and exercise together will accomplish.  Rob pushes us to do more than we thought we could in the gym, and gives us the tools to meet our goals.  And we are getting those results!

For me, my weight loss journey has included going from a client to an instructor at the gym, teaching Cardio Dance, primarily.  I’m excited that I’ll soon be certified in Group Fitness!!! 

So, from time to time, I’d like to share with you some products and recipes that are helping me along the way.  Of course, there will also be posts about indulgent foods, but those are now eaten in moderation. 

I used to buy Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage Links for my family.  They are quick to microwave, so that makes it a winner for me.  But when I started changing things I was eating, I decided to try the Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links.  I remember the first morning I made these; I had made the pork links for Brian and the kids and then heated my turkey links.  Brian and I were in the kitchen when I took my first bite.  Wow!  I made him try some too.  We couldn’t believe how flavorful and not greasy these were compared to the original.  They turkey links are SO much better.  We have not gone back to the pork links; the turkey is delicious and I think everyone should try these.

FYI:  Jimmy Dean has no idea who I am.  This is my personal opinion, but as a lover of food, I think it’s a good one.