overnight blueberry + chia oatmeal

overnight chia oatmeal, you say? what does that even mean? at least the blueberries sound normal...

overnightoats

chia seeds are filled with two times more protein than most grains and five times more calcium than milk. they also carry healthy amounts of omega-3's, omega-6's, fiber, potassium, and even antioxidants. when you add just a single tablespoon to your overnight oatmeal, they absorb the liquid (thickening the oatmeal) but add zero weird taste! awesome, right?

i'll tell you what - to me, breakfast used to be an afterthought; something i skipped, or just mindlessly picked up a granola bar on the way out the door to say i ate. but these overnight oats are so delicious, easy, and healthy, it's hard to skip it. even on my most rushed mornings, when i know this is in the fridge, i take bites in between swipes of mascara or at the very least, throw it in my bag to eat when i get to work.

this is a recipe you are welcome to moderate where you'd like, but what i've done is take it down to the healthiest level - meaning minimal added sugars and carbs, and a great amount of protein per serving.

overnight blueberry +  chia oatmeal

ingredients

  • 1/2 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt (you can also use flavored, but keep in mind it will have more added sugars)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup blueberries (or fruit of your choice)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (you can find these at trader joe's/whole foods in a small bag near the flax seed)

instructions

  1. mix all ingredients together in an airtight container.
  2. refrigerate overnight (6-24) hours.
  3. enjoy hot or cold!

these are too easy not to try! let me know how you moderate them.

til next time,

xoxo, #chefhaley

dragon noodles

i am so thankful for the internet for many reasons, but mainly because it helped me discover this crazy addictive eat-the-leftovers-at-midnight kind of recipe. as soon as i made this, i knew it would become a frequent flyer in my kitchen. i have it memorized by this point.

dragonnoodles.jpg

if you’re not a fan of spicy things, go light on the sriracha. but for those spice lovers out there, this is the recipe for you. 

dragon noodles | source: adapted from budgetbytes

ingredients | serves two full bowls (as seen above)

  • 8oz noodles (you can use lo mein, rice noodles, egg noodles, linguine - whatever you have on hand. i prefer lo mein but have used linguine when i've had it on hand!)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • chopped cilantro (for those cilantro haters, you can skip this - it’s just as good without)
  • chopped green onions
  • sesame seeds

instructions 

  1. boil water for your noodles. when water reaches a rolling boil, salt the water with salt (to taste) and lower your noodles. stir, and let cook for 5-7 minutes (or until done.)
  2. while the water is boiling, prepare the sauce. combine brown sugar, soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. stir to combine.
  3. while the noodles cook, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. add yourred pepper flakes to the butter as it melts. (do this if you want a little extra kick.)
  4. whisk your eggs and add to the melted butter. stir gently to cook through and turn off the heat when done.
  5. drain your noodles, and add them to the pan with the egg.
  6. add your sauce, and toss to combine.
  7. top with chopped cilantro, green onion, and sesame seeds.

you might want to go ahead and plan to make a double recipe - if you make it once, i guarantee you’ll crave it a couple days later.

til next time!

xoxo, #chefhaley