Guilt-free morning-after
Okay, in all honesty, some morning-afters aren’t guilt-free. However, for the most part, a quick snuggle, joint shower, and then breakfast together is a great way to spend the first part of a Saturday morning.
So what’s this ‘guilt-free’ business?
After all those ‘Happy New Years’, ‘Merry Christmases’, and ‘Happy Hanukahs’, the only post-Auld Lang Syne thoughts you’ll be thinking will be about those extra ten pounds you packed on during the break.
Well, not really – but what is realistic is that an awful lot of people make the ol’ ‘be healthier’, ‘lose weight’, ‘work out more’ types of resolutions. And the easiest way to break these decrees of determination? Peer pressure. Especially a ‘peer’ who eats with you and encompasses your free time.
Last night, Bobby seemed like a great choice, and this morning, you smile as you wake up to the smell of breakfast cooking. As you make your way downstairs, he turns with a grin in front of the stove, frying up bacon and eggs, spreading thick slabs of butter on thickly sliced white bread, heaping sugar and cream into a cup of coffee, and heating up danishes in the oven. “I thought we’d munch on this and watch a couple of movies,” he says congenially.
There goes healthy eating. There goes exercise.
Don’t fool yourself that ‘it’s only one time’ and that you’ll ‘start tomorrow’. It could happen – but then again, maybe not. It’s time to get serious and get healthy. Once you’re on your way and in a habit, then the odd splurge or treat isn’t a big deal. Remember, moderation is the key.
Start your day off right with a sample of the recipes below.*
Easy Yogurt Parfait
A versatile recipe that’s healthier than opening a container of store-bought yogurt. Try any of the combinations below for a delicious treat. Makes 2 servings.
- 1 ½ c. plain, low-fat yogurt (dairy, soy, or rice)
- 2-3 tbsp. honey, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 c. fresh fruit, chopped (berries, pineapple, apples… anything you love!)
- 3 tbsp. chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans… again, anything goes!)
Place nuts in a skillet and bring to medium heat on the stove. Stir infrequently until nuts are toasted, about 5-6 minutes. You’ll smell them start to toast, and when you do, stir to avoid burning.
Meanwhile, in a bowl stir together yogurt and sweetener of choice. Sweeten to taste, but remember the natural sweetness of the fruit compliments the slightly tart taste of the plain yogurt. Stir in vanilla extract if desired.
Top with fresh fruit and nuts (once toasted), or layer, parfait style. Eat chilled.
“Sloppy Eggs”
Taken from my book “Mission in the Kitchen” (http://laurie.ecrater.com), this is a great recipe for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. These makeshift sandwiches are a great ‘hot turkey ‘n’ gravy-esque’ meal. Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 ½ c. homemade pasta sauce, or tomato sauce
- ¼ c. fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- salt, fresh ground pepper
- 4 eggs
- 8 slices of bread or four biscuits, split
In a large 8-9” skillet, combine all ingredients except for eggs and bread/biscuits. Bring to a boil, then let simmer until a sauce consistency is reached, about 8 minutes.
When ready, crack one egg into a small bowl. Using the back of a large spoon, form a well in the sauce, then pour egg into well. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat for remaining eggs.
Cover skillet and allow to simmer for 6-8 minutes, until eggs are poached to desired doneness.
Spoon eggs onto bread or biscuit half, then top with sauce, another piece of bread or top of biscuit, then more sauce.
Serve.
Crispy and Spicy Hash Browns
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, delicious all around… Play with the spice combinations for your favourite breakfast treat. Makes two servings.
- 2 baking potatoes, diced or shredded
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne (or more, if you like the heat)
Preheat oven to 400. Lightly oil a baking pan and set aside.
Toss potatoes with oil, then toss with spices.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and crispy.
Whole-Grain Peach Waffles
A favourite of mine that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Healthy, delicious, and perfect for a specialized diet (like mine) but NOT taste free. Feel free to use substitutions in brackets. Makes two large or three smaller servings.
- ½ c. brown rice, amaranth, or sorghum flour (also can use whole-wheat)
- ¼ c. buckwheat flour
- ¼ c. cornmeal
- ½ tsp. xantham gum (omit if you aren’t making them gluten-free)
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- ½ c. pureed silken tofu
- equivalent to 2 eggs (Ener-G egg replacer), or 4 egg whites (if not vegan)
- 2 tbsp. soy, almond, or rice milk
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. fresh, diced peaches
Preheat waffle iron.
Meanwhile, combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Add to dry ingredients. If the batter seems a little dry or too thick, add a dash (or two) of milk. Some flours need a little more than others. Stir in peaches.
Pour recommended amount into waffle iron.
Serve with pure maple syrup, and more fresh fruit, if desired.
*Editor’s note: Vigorous snuggling counts as cardio. Follow Laurie’s recipes for a delicious, healthy breakfast, as well as her “recipe” for a romantic Saturday morning, and you will not only eat well but bank yourself a weekend workout.