So, did everyone have a fantabulous Sunday? I hope so! Hopefully you had some nice weather to enjoy as well!
When I first woke up this morning it was gloomy and raining…which later turned into gloomier and pouring, but after a few hours the sun peaked out and I was able to enjoy another run outside! I ran 2.5 miles in about 22 minutes and then did 20 minutes of ab work since I am waaaaaay too sore after my beating workout with Jackie yesterday to even think about picking up a dumbbell! Ahhh, my shoulders hurt so good! 😉
For breakfast this morning, I whipped up a batch of what else…pancakes! It seemed that the rain sucked all of my creative juices out this morning, so I turned to the ever talented Katie for some pancake inspiration. I knew when I first saw her Red Velvet Pancakes a few weeks ago that I would have to try them for myself. What better way to perk up a gloomy rainy day than a plate of pillowy chocolate?
I followed Katie’s recipe exactly only adding in 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder and using one tablespoon of cocoa powder instead of two. I whipped up a quick cream cheese spread as my filling/topping and topped the whole thing with some grated semi-sweet chocolate.
Quick Cream Cheese Spread:
- 3 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese
- 4 drops vanilla cream stevia drops
- a splash of vanilla extract
- enough milk to achieve desired consistency (I used unsweetened almond milk)
Combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy.
I added about 8 drops of vanilla cream stevia drops to the batter and it provided just the right amount of sweetness to the pancakes! I’ve yet to have a recipe of Katie’s disappoint so I wasn’t surprised by the deliciousness of these babies!
After my run, I decided to further the testing of my collard greens to see if they deserve to replace my lovely spinach in the future. Let me introduce to you, the newest green smoothie on the block!
Collard Greens Monster: (serves 1)
- 2 handfuls chopped collard greens
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (I used PB&Co White Chocolate Wonderful)
Blend, blend, blend!
Wha? Do I have something on my face?
Verdict? Good, but definitely not my spinach! It was one of those smoothies that grows on you. At first, all I tasted was the bite of the collards, but after a few sips, it was smoother and sweeter.
For dinner tonight, I chose a different way to get some green. Before the “spinach incident” at Sam’s yesterday, I managed to snag a 3lb bag of broccoli! Hmm, wonder what THEY would taste like in a smoothie??
Baked sweet potato topped with Trader Joe’s organic baked beans served alongside steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and Garlic Gold Nuggets.
I’ve seen Lauren and Chelsea use baked beans as a sweet P topper and was curious to see how it tasted. YUM! The flavors pair perfectly together without being overly sweet! And hellllllllloooo fiber!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go partake in the crunching of some fantastic homemade cereal. It’s ok, Mama told me to!
Oh yes…I did! It’s ok if you’re jealous!
What’s your favorite cereal?
Mine is definitely Quaker Oatmeal Squares, but I don’t buy them often since 1 box only lasts a few days around me! Oops!
Got Greens? 😉
xoxo
Kathleen
Haha! Exactly!
I love frosted mini wheats and honey nut cheerios. But I haven’t been buying them because they don’t last long. I usually eat oatmeal. 🙂 btw your food looks yummy. I think I would love those pancakes!!
Oatmeal definitely beats out cold cereal for my brekkies! I’m usually hungry an hour or so after eating cereal! :-/
You should come over sometime and celebrate Pancake Sunday with me!
bahahahha! green monster mustache!!!!! <3 love it!
your red velvet pancakes totally look like a red velvet whoopie pie btw — only you can get away with crazy decadent dessert from breakfast and still stay super skinny =)
I havent tried beans in a SP yet and totally will have to now! happy sunday love!
Aww, thanks doll! I never thought about it till you said something, but it totally does look like a whoppie pie…a MUCH healthier one!
Loved the beans on the SP, but roasted in cocoa powder is still my fave!
you can’t beat spinach in green monsters!
I agree! It’s just not the same!
I actually don’t buy cereal that often! I buy it when it’s on sale or when my husband is home a lot. I eat it more in the summer in big yogurt, fruit, and cereal bowls. I love Kashi Go Lean Crunch the most! Reminds me of Smacks! 🙂
I uses to be a cereal fiend, so once I get down to a box or two, I feel the need to buy at least one more! Then the box sits in my cupboard for months until I remember that it’s in there!
I haven’t tried the Kashi Crunch, but I used to love smacks! I’ll have to try it out!
the crackers. i NEED to try them. I am seeing them on every blog i go to and am getting hungry!
And that cream cheese filling, mmmmm i want that too 🙂
I’m a total sucker for anything cinnamon/sugar! I knew I had to make these!
okay im craving sweet taters like a mad woman.. ! ahahah CUTE GM FACE– we should all have like a blogger photo shoot with out GM mustaches.. hehe
i am not a huge fan of cereal.. idk why but seriously it site horribly in my stomach.. WERID
but kashi go lean is GOOD!
You’re craving sweet potatoes?? You’re the one that had ME drooling over my laptop for yesterday’s Staple Sunday! That’s what got me craving sweet p’s in the first place!
I can imagine all of us with our smoothie ‘staches! LOL
Heather, every single photo in this post is INCREDIBLE! And I am so honored that my rv pancakes can be a part of such gorgeousness. Did you use your handy lightbox? Seeing your beautiful photos is really making me want to get my act in gear to make one so I can have HALF as pretty photos!
Plus, your header is ADORABLE!!!
Can you tell from all the CAPS and !!!!s how much I like this post? 🙂
Aww, thanks Katie! I used the lightbox for dinner, but the pancakes were shot near the window in my kitchen. I really can’t imagine taking pics at night without the lightbox now…even though it can be a pain to drag everything out, it makes a HUGE difference!
Your caps and !!!!’s are making me blush! 😉
Where did you get vanilla creme stevia drops? Sounds good. I could put that into my vanilla coffee that I already put vanilla soy creamer into.
I’ve been thinking about putting some collard leaves in a smoothie… I love kale in smoothies too! And the baked beans on the sweet potato is sheer genius, I’m totally going to have to try that!!
I have tried kale before and I thought it was pretty good. The only thing with the collard leaves was that some of the leaves didn’t blend completely and I had little strings of green in my drink…kind of like corn silk! Maybe the Magic Bullet needs a break, huh?
Hahaha! Love that picture of you! Cute!
Haha, I’m loving the smoothie mustache :]
Those pancakes look incredible. I need to make pancakes more often! And I never would have thought to pair sweet potatoes and baked beans but now that I’m thinkin’ about it it is genius! Yum!
Try it girl! It is so good!
I looove sweet potatoes!!! Have to try that combo soon! =D
My favorite cereal is chocolate cheerios! or honey nut chex.
Mmm, chocolate cheerios sound yummy! How crazy is it that I’ve never noticed them in the store?
I’m making that cereal tomorrow! Thank you… and I love that GM moustache 🙂
Those pancakes look so delicious! I’ve never had anything “red velvet” but those look incredible 🙂 And after seeing so many baked beans in sweet potatoes I’m definitely down to try those. My favorite cereal is Kashi Go Lean Crunch 😀
Is it weird that I wondered what broccoli would taste like in a smoothie, too? Haha! I have a huge bag of frozen florets!
After that post, I don’t think you wanna know what y favorite cereal is! Heeheehee! Collard greens…hmmm…I’ve never ever had them not ever. I’m not sure what to expect. Maybe I could put half spinach half collard? Then ease my way in? Or would you suggest going all the way?
Beautiful photographs by the way!
Collards are a little bitter tasting, but I think if you did half and half with spinach, it would be a great way to ease into it and see if you like the taste. Let me know when you try it!
You are too cute 🙂 and i’m so jealous of your cereal/crackers! well, and your pancakes. and, um, everything you eat. so, yeah.
Haha! Thanks girlie!
haha. love the smoothie stache. facT: about a year ago, i had all bloggers send me photos of their smoothie staches and i would post them as they came in. i should bring that back.
i have made so many different variations of the cereal now. it’s the best! i did a peanut butter chocolate protein one yesterday. crunchtastic.
Peanut butter chocolate?? Oh my gosh, that sounds freakin amazing!!
Definitely bring back the ‘Stache Club! I’d love to see it!! Lol
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That sweet potato looks divine. Putting beans on top of potatoes is one of my favorites!!! I love your green juice mustache, it is awesome 🙂
That was the first time I’ve ever tried it. I’m definitely a convert now! 😉