Warm start to a chilly morning - Figgy Oatmeal

Ummm, excuse me please but have you noticed that it is getting to be just a little bit chilly outside? The daytime climate is breezy and a bit cool at times, but still sunny and warm enough to fool me into thinking that summer might stick around a bit longer. Oh but every morning as I crawl out of bed, I am reminded by the nip in the air that Autumn is just about here. It's exactly this kind of in-between weather that lends itself to breakfasts that are spiced, warm and nourishing. Some slices of sweet summer fruit make me feel like I can hang on to the sunshine of summer just a little longer.

The Super-simple, Super-delicious Bowl of Figgy Oatmeal
Preparation time: 5-10 minutes

Oatmeal

• Prepare a serving of oatmeal in a pot with water
• Keep the oats on medium heat for 5 minutes/until the water is absorbed 
• Stir occasionally...you know the drill!
• Add a little soymilk/ricemilk/milk (1/4 cup) 
• Keep stirring until all of the liquid is absorbed
• Place in bowl

Figs

• Slice up 2-3 ripe Black Mission Figs
• Add to bowl with oatmeal

Finishing touches

• Spice it up with ground Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger and Nutmeg
• Sweeten it up by sprinkling on brown sugar or adding on a swirl of agave nectar 
• Eat it up and love every second of having captured Summer and Autumn in a single breakfast bowl! 

Light meal idea #1, or more aptly put, my Apple-icious sandwich

After being holed up in the library studying the majority of the day away, I decided to make a break for it and go home for some "me" time. That's right, I went home with the aim to paint my nails and watch "Oprah". Unfortunately, Oprah did not get my memo...Oprah's special guest today was teen pop star Justin Bieber. Seeing as how I am no longer a 12 year old girl, I was not impressed and this was not the relaxing point in my day for which I was hoping. This minor kink led to me making a return to my "yoga on the beach" class which I had been meaning to go to for a few weeks.

Before class, I felt like such a slug due to my schlumping in front of a desk for 5 hours reading about the wonders of matrix algebra and ocean circulation. After 45 minutes of being warmed by the sun, soothed by the bay breeze and gently stretching out every muscle in my stiff body, I felt...light as a feather and completely relaxed (mission accomplished - take that Oprah!). However, this new and improved me soooo did not feel like cooking. Or eating anything heavy for that matter. That brings us to tonight's entry...a light and delicious sandwich that is satisfying. Avocado and vegan cheese make it velvety while the alfalfa sprouts provide more texture and drama than mere lettuce can provide. As the name suggests, there is an apple in there too for a fun crunch and taste. Wait no more, here is the Apple-icious sandwich.

p.s. For those of you wondering, don't worry I eventually painted my nails after dinner ;>)

the Apple-icious Sandwich
(Total time: ~10 minutes)

Ingredients
    - 2 slices of whole wheat bread
    - Granny Smith apple
    - 1/4 of an Avocado (way better than mayo and filled with good fats)
    - Alfalfa sprouts
    - Veganrella cheese (or Mozzarella. Whatever catches your fancy!)
    - Peanut butter

Preparation


Sandwich - side one

• Avocado 
• Halve an avocado and remove about 1/4 of the fruit 
• Spread this on to one side of 1 slice of bread 
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Wash alfalfa sprouts and pat dry with paper towel 
• Place on side of bread with avocado spread

Sandwich - side two

• Granny Smith Apple
• Wash apple and slice circles of apple
• Place apple slices on 1 slice of plain bread
• Vegan Cheese
• Slice and arrange on top of apple slices
• Place this arrangement (bread with apple and cheese slices) in toaster oven 
• Toast at 450 F for 2 minutes and then broil for 3 minutes
• Note: vegan cheese melts...better than you might imagine. Be careful that it doesn't bubble over the edges of the bread and onto the oven coils. 

Assemble sandwich and enjoy remaining bits of unused apple with peanut butter!