I am 33 years old. And, my favourite cereal is Lucky Charms.

Oh, I know.

I’ve always been slightly obsessed with the brand, most likely because it was the first “treat”-like cereal I had the pleasure of tasting. After seeing endless commercials featuring the fun-loving Lucky the Leprechaun, I pleaded with my parents to let me sample the sugary goodness. My dad obliged, and the very next week I had a bowl to call my own. I’ll just come out and say it: it was the single best thing I had ever tasted in my life up to that point (no offense to my mom and her fabulous cooking).

And so my love affair with the cereal continued, and it was replenished in my home box after delicious box. Alas, after my eighth grade graduation, I decided it was no longer “cool” to eat food endorsed by a leprechaun, and so I stopped adding it to the weekly grocery list. And for the better part of 15 years, my obsession lay dormant.

Fast forward to my first pregnancy. My iron levels were consistently low, and my obstetrician counselled me to eat more iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Now I’m quite certain he had something like Cheerios in mind, but sitting there in his office, only one thought permeated my mind: Lucky Charms. And we all know what happens when a pregnant woman starts thinking of food.  (more…)

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday!

Breakfast in bed has never really caught on as a tradition in our home, mainly because both my husband and I despise crumbs of any kind. So on special occasions, we enjoy these tall, fluffy pancakes at our kitchen table as a family. I originally posted this recipe around the same time last year, but have since come across a few ridiculously good add-ins and toppings that I wanted to share (see end of post). Enjoy!

Original Post:

Aunt Jemima who? You’ll swear off the packaged mix once you try these irresistible tall, fluffy pancakes. I came across the recipe 3 months ago and they’ve been our staple Sunday breakfast ever since. You’ve most likely got all the ingredients on hand, so why pay more for the boxed variety which is loaded with stuff you can’t pronounce?

Note: The pancakes may start to “foam up” after you stir them. Resist the urge to stir them again. All those bubbles is what makes them so fluffy! If the batter is too thick and difficult to pour, lightly fold the batter to break it up.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
cooking spray

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour”.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side. Serves 4.

Update June 17, 2011:

We love experimenting with toppings! Here’s a list of easy, delicious add-ons you simply must try:

sliced bananas drizzled with melted Nutella
mashed berries and cream
thick Greek yogurt, honey and almond flakes
real maple syrup, not that sugary table stuff
sliced apples sautéed in butter and cinnamon
chopped pineapple with toasted coconut
warm raspberry jam
caramel sauce with chopped walnuts
chocolate chips and warmed mini marshmallows
stirred lemon yogurt with buckwheat honey

And, don’t forget you can fold blueberries or another soft, chopped fruit into pancake batter for a burst of flavour with every bite! Pancakes with fruit incorporated are best served with maple syrup, whipped cream or creme anglaise. YUM!

It’s Ryder’s 3rd Birthday – and I’ve promised him a day full of fun!

On the menu for breakfast: quick, yummy and kid-pleasing Apple Cinnamon Pancakes from Life Made Delicious. It’s just one of many easy recipes for breakfast that I know will have me out of the kitchen in no time. The ingredients are simple – Apple Cinnamon Cheerios (check), a few staples (check) and a hungry little birthday boy (check)!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup (175 mL) milk
2/3 cup (150 mL) applesauce
3 tbsp (45 mL) melted butter or margarine
1 egg
1 cup (250 mL) Apple Cinnamon Cheerios cereal, finely crushed
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk, applesauce, butter and egg. Stir in cereal, flour, baking powder and salt until just combined. Drop by spoonfuls onto a preheated non-stick griddle or skillet. Cook at medium heat.

Turn pancakes as they become fluffy and edges are dry. Turn over only once. Cook until golden. Serve with your favourite syrup, if desired. Makes 12 pancakes.

If you’re still recovering from a chocolate-filled Easter weekend, it’s probably time to refuel with some crunchy, wholesome, and delicious granola. I call this my Monday Morning Granola, as I always seem to crave it after two days of non-stop insanity. (It originally appeared on Allrecipes.com as Megan’s Granola.)

Money-wise, yes, the ingredients in this recipe can definitely add up. BUT, it yields over 30 servings, and can be stored for up to one month in an airtight container (that’s a serving a day of guaranteed yummy goodness). It’s excellent with yogurt and fruit, or on its own as a snack! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

8 cups rolled oats (read all about oats here)
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.

Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 15-20 minutes (granola burns quickly, so check after 15 minutes. Recipe will become crispy after cooling). Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins or cranberries before storing in an airtight container. Makes 30 half-cup servings.

Today’s guest post is courtesy of one of my very favourite bloggers: Shauna from Kindergarten Confidential. Whether you’re a mommy looking for well-balanced, nutritious (and delicious) snacks – or just trying to find inspiration to get out of a food rut – you’ll want to follow her blog for sage advice, tips, and meal ideas everyone can make. Her recipes for Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches, Baby Bok Choy and Mini Cheesecakes are in heavy rotation chez moi!

Blog Blurb: “When my son came home from Kindergarten with a list of nut-free snack ideas suggested by the school, I was disgusted by the amount of junk food listed. Do hot dogs really belong in a young child’s lunch bag? If the thought of preparing healthy, nut-free school snacks makes you cringe, worry not! I’m here to help with snack & lunch ideas, easy recipes, and tips to simplify this part of your busy life. Open your mind to delicious, healthy food that will stay with your busy bees throughout the day!”

Click here to visit Kindergarten Confidential.

Today Shauna takes us through Oatmeal 101. Sit back and learn all about oats – and how you can incorporate their heart-healthy benefits into your daily routine. A special thank you to Shauna for taking the time to share this info with Listen to Lena! readers… ENJOY!

Total Prep Time: 1 minute – 60 minutes

Canada’s Food Guide Servings:
1 Grain Products (3/4 cup cooked oatmeal)

Oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast food! I grew up eating it and still love it to this day. Aidan’s response to Saturday morning oatmeal? “Yes!”, along with a little fist pump! He’ll even eat his Nana’s steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast.

1 cup of uncooked rolled oats contains the following:
• 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat)
• 8g dietary fibre
• 10g protein
• Iron – 19% Daily Value for an adult

Heart-healthy oats are cholesterol free and have a low Glycemic Index, making them a perfect meal for diabetics. In fact, one way that my father controls his type 2 diabetes is by eating a bowl of oatmeal daily. Oatmeal is a superfood in my books, and deserves a permanent spot in everyone’s diet.

Oatmeal on it’s own is a bit boring. Get creative with different toppings. My favourite oatmeal toppers are:

• brown sugar (use in moderation)
• applesauce
• frozen blueberries (they’ll thaw instantly when placed on top of hot oatmeal)
• fresh strawberries, raspberries or blackberries
• thinly sliced bananas & walnuts
• vanilla yogurt
• cinnamon

Try any of these items to flavour your oatmeal, or experiment with your own favourites. Let your kids have fun choosing their own toppings.

Although oatmeal is an extremely healthy food for people of all ages, not all oats are made the same. There are many different variations of oats to choose from.

Oat Groats (aka Whole Oats): Oat groats are minimally processed, with only the outer hull removed. Their most common uses are for animal feed and (ground into) oat flour. They’re extremely nutritious with a very low Glycemic Index, but they’re chewy and need to be soaked and cooked for a long time. The best way to cook oat groats is by using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Approximate stovetop cooking time: 1 hour.

Steel-cut Oats (aka Coarse-cut or Irish Oats): Oat groats that have been chopped into small pieces. They are chewier than rolled oats, and stand up well to liquid in their raw form (hot cereal or muesli). Approximate stovetop cooking time: 30 minutes.

Rolled Oats (aka Old-Fashioned or Flaked Oats): Oat groats that have been steamed, rolled, and flaked. They cook quickly, and are most commonly used as a hot breakfast cereal, in granola or in oatmeal cookies. Approximate stovetop cooking time: 15 minutes.

Instant Oats: Thin, precooked oats. Usually found in pre-portioned packages, ideal for microwaving. They are very convenient, but are not as chewy and flavourful as slower-cooking oats. Packaged instant oats usually contain added salt, sugar and artificial flavouring, due to the lack of natural flavour. Approximate cooking time: 1-2 minutes.

I keep a box of Quaker 100% Whole Grain Oats packets in my desk at work. Ready in 1 minute, they’re the perfect busy morning breakfast or afternoon snack. I simply fill a small container with frozen blueberries, and add them to the oatmeal for extra flavour.

On the weekend when I have more time, I cook rolled oats for our family breakfast. Aidan loves oatmeal; Josh not so much. But I know that in time he will learn to love it as well. If you offer your child healthy food repeatedly, they will eventually give it a try.

Try out oats in all of it’s forms and base your choice on what fits your family best. Slow-cooked groats is the most nutritious way of consuming oats. But if 1-minute quick oats is all you & your children have time for, eat them as often as you can. Your heart will thank you for it! Set a positive example for your children and show them how enjoyable plain old oatmeal can be!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of oatmeal, check out Quaker Oats Canada. You will find information about heart health, fitness & nutrition, along with delicious recipes.

Thanks Shauna! Be sure to check out Kindergarten Confidential – and do let me know if you make her scrumptious Mini Cheesecakes :)

… the Number 6. That’s how many times, on average, I re-heat my morning cup of coffee. I’ve realized that between getting Ryder’s breakfast ready and plated, breastfeeding Reid, feeding Reid his morning cereal, and squeezing in a slice of toast for myself… plus a few blog posts… it takes me about 1.5 hours to finish a cup of joe.

What would I do without my microwave?

I have the awesome privilege of being a Life Made Delicious Connector – through Mom Central, I’m part of a wonderful team of bloggers who have the opportunity to review General Mills products, trade recipes and meal ideas, participate in foodie-themed discussion, and, of course, share some of our cooking successes with you!

Now I know you’ve heard of LifeMadeDelicious.ca, THE spot for easy recipes and more, but for those who have yet to discover this awesome site, register today for FREE, and you can start living the delicious life!

When you register for the Life Made Delicious website and email program, you open the door to exclusive recipes, offers and perks from your favourite General Mills brands. You’ll also get tips and tools to help you save time inside and outside of the kitchen. Join now and you can:

- Store all your favourite recipes in your Recipe Box to find them quickly and easily
- Find out about the latest promotions and coupons from General Mills brands
- Get ideas for easy entertaining, dinnertime dilemmas and family activities

I LOVE their Top 10 Recipe Collections – quite frankly the easiest way to uncover the BEST of Life Made Delicious in just a few clicks.

Now I know a lot of mamas are constantly searching for easy, healthy and satisfying recipes for kids. Life Made Delicious makes it a snap to find meals you can cook with your children; meals the whole family will enjoy; and kid friendly (and parent approved!) desserts!

I’m loving:

Cereal Fun Cookies – A yummy snack mix made of kid-friendly ingredients.
Fruity Cereal Bars – Great-tasting, chewy bars made with your choice of dried fruit.
Fruit Pizza – Pizza gets a fruity twist in this easier-than-pie recipe. Just heat and eat!

This morning, I treated Ryder to a sweet breakfast wrap! I found a recipe for Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps on the website, but I gave it my own spin; instead of adding honey, I caramelized the bananas – and I substituted dark chocolate shavings for chocolate chips.

Ryder got in on the action and helped put it together, which dramatically increased his desire to eat it, ha! I had Old El Paso Smart Fiesta Whole Grain Tortillas on hand; these tortillas are a great source of fibre and, as the name suggests, are made with whole grains. (You can grab a coupon to save $1 on Smart Fiesta products by visiting SmartFiesta.ca)

You’ll need:

1 large Old El Paso Smart Fiesta Whole Grain Tortilla
1 small, ripe banana
2 tsp creamy peanut butter
cooking spray
dark chocolate shavings, if desired

Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray on medium heat (Canola oil only; no olive oil sprays or your bananas will taste like olives! If you’re not watching fat/calories you can alternatively melt a tablespoon of butter.)

Cut banana in fours as shown below (cute kid in background optional).

Fry the banana until just caramelized, flipping once or twice. Be gentle so that the pieces don’t break apart. Browning the banana brings out its natural sugar and almost triples the sweetness.

While the banana is browning, have your helper spread 2 tsp of peanut butter on the large tortilla. Ryder uses the back of a spoon – and takes a taste or two when I’m not looking.

I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

… And, HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY to Eggo Waffles!

I think it’s safe to say that everyone has enjoyed an Eggo waffle. Quick, convenient and perfect for breakfast on the go (I’ve nixed the syrup many times and carries Eggos out to the car), they’re a staple in many household freezers. Plus, they come in awesome varieties (Blueberry, Buttermilk and FiberPlus – to name a few) and appeal to many tastes.

To celebrate International Waffle Day, Top Chef Heinrich of Marben restaurant in Toronto has paired up with Eggo to offer a healthy and hearty birthday creation using Eggo waffles! Now I realized that today, being a weekday, may not be the best time to create a breakfast masterpiece – but why not grab a few ingredients and try it out this weekend? I know I will!

You can also begin your own birthday breakfast tradition with a special Eggo delight to start the “big day”. This recipe combines the familiar taste of maple with the tartness of applesauce and a splash of yogurt. The combination of flavours is surprisingly delectable, and a great way to start celebrating a birthday in delicious style. Makes 1 serving.

INGREDIENTS

2 Eggo Waffles
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp apple sauce
¼ cup of your favourite yogurt
2 tbsp granola mix

DIRECTIONS

Toast the waffles in a toaster. Mix the maple syrup and apple sauce together.

Layer the waffles with a spoon of the apple sauce mix and a spoon of the yogurt, alternating sides: Waffle, yogurt, syrup, waffle, yogurt, syrup…after the last layer sprinkle generously with the granola.

DID YOU KNOW?

- If laid end-to-end, there are enough Eggo waffles sold every year in Canada to reach the entire distance across Canada more than three times.

- You can play games and create your own waffle characters at www.eggo.ca.

- The online Urban Dictionary says Leggo my Eggo, “can be used when someone attempts to take anything of personal importance from you but will rarely succeed in helping you retrieve your possession.”

- One of the first commercials for Eggo featured Gordon Jump who later went on to star in WKRP in Cincinnati.

- International Waffle Day – March 25, 2011 – originated in Sweden where it is called Våffeldagen. It occurs nine months to the day before Christmas and celebrates the coming of Spring.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Kashi Honey Sunshine giveaway. I hope many of you have had the chance to try this yummy cereal – it’s DELISH!

Remember to join the Kashi Community – you’ll receive newsletters in your inbox that are filled with tasty and good-for-you tidbits.

As a reminder, up for grabs is a Kashi Prize Pack, including a branded Kashi vest, a branded Kashi water bottle, and of course, a box of Honey Sunshine Cereal and a box of Dark Mocha Almond Bars!

And the winner is… Debbie! (mommakoala)

Please send me an e-mail so that I can have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Kashi!

Great news! If you read my review earlier this week, you’ll know that I LOVE the New Kashi Honey Sunshine. And now you can win some fabulous Kashi goodies too! Simply read on and enter to win!

As I disclosed last month, I’ve been trying my best to make wiser meal choices. By swapping white bread for whole grains, cutting the amount of saturated fat in my diet and going easy on sugar-laden drinks, I’m taking small steps to improve my overall health and the health of my family.

Kashi cereals have long been considered a exemplary way to start your day; with seven whole grains and just the right amount of sweetness, they come with real goodness that you can see (and taste). So I was exceptionally pleased to try their new Honey Sunshine Cereal -

Wake up to tasty goodness with a new cereal, Kashi Honey Sunshine! These bite-size, puffy delights are loved by both parents and children and baked so they are toasty and golden with a burst of happiness in every bite. Sure to brighten your whole family’s day this cereal is full of wholesome ingredients including Kashi’s heritage Seven Whole Grains and a sweet honey flavour that will make you smile. The wholesome ingredients and fantastic taste make Kashi Honey Sunshine a staple in every family’s kitchen to lead a bright and healthy life.

View nutritional information here.

I’ll be honest; while I like Kashi cereals, I normally don’t love them (put it this way – they likely wouldn’t be my last meal). But what I trade off in sugary goodness I usually gain in nutrition, so I’ve been enjoying the products with the mindset that I “should” eat them. Until I tried Honey Sunshine.

I LOVE this cereal! With my very first bite, my eyes lit up – a puffy, crunchy delight with just the right amount of sweetness (thanks to an authentic honey flavour, not a blast of over-processed corn syrup). I daresay the cereal resembled a healthy version a popular children’s cereal – and I’m not alone in my diagnosis – just check out the comments and reviews.

I’m also quite pleased that the whole family can enjoy this cereal – Ryder loves snacking on the puffs mid-morning, and I am reassured by the fact that it contains 6g of sugar per serving – well below the average sweet breakfast concoction.

Each serving of Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal is packed with:

High Fiber ~ 6g of Fiber from a combination of whole grains
Whole Grains ~ 20g of whole grain, over 1/3 of your daily needs
All Natural ~ No artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives

If you’re a former sugar-junkie, love healthy living or just in the mood for an all-round delicious cereal, I wholeheartedly recommend Kashi Honey Sunshine. These honey-kissed seven whole grain cereal pillows are a sunny way to start your day!

You also MUST try Kashi’s Dark Mocha Almond Granola Bars: A chewy granola bar that is made with dark chocolate chips and crunchy roasted almonds, and has a delicious mocha taste. Made with all-natural ingredients, each 35 g bar contains 7 whole grains and provides 4 g of fibre.

Yum! Is there a better combination than chocolate and almonds? (I know, I know – chocolate… and anything!) The bars are chewy and have just the right amount of sweetness; an awesome mid-afternoon snack.

BUY IT!

Kashi products are available at your favourite grocery store.

WIN IT!

Kashi has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a Kashi Prize Pack, including a branded Kashi vest, a branded Kashi water bottle, and of course, a box of Honey Sunshine Cereal and a box of Dark Mocha Almond Bars!

To enter, simply visit Kashi.ca and leave a comment here, telling us what your favourite Kashi product is, or what product you would like to try.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) Join the Kashi Community: Sign up to receive newsletters in your inbox that are filled with tasty and good-for-you tidbits!
(4) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/3a8vd82)
(5) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 31st. Good luck everybody!

Since Southern Ontario is in for a few days of glorious weather, today I’m baking Morning Glory Muffins!

These easy, tasty muffins provide a satisfying start to your day, and combine the great taste of carrots with the wonderful flavors of apple, raisins, coconut, walnuts, and cinnamon. The original recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, but I like to make them a bit healthier by substituting a 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also play with the additions – add some crushed pineapple, omit the coconut, be creative! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1 apple – peeled, cored and shredded
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the carrot, raisins, nuts, coconut, and apple.

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, applesauce and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the carrot/flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Makes 12 muffins.

They’re at it again! What are you doing this Friday morning? How about treating yourself to a Burger King Breakfast Sandwich – for FREE!

Word on the street (literally – the posters are all tacked up all over Toronto) is that this Friday, February 5th, you can grab a BK favourite such as the CROISSAN’ WICH or DOUBLE CROISSAN’ WICH on the house.

(Have you ever had a CROISSAN’ WICH with Sausage, Egg and Cheese after a night of drinking? It’s quite possibly the most perfect hangover food.)

Kashi, a company known for making healthy food (marginally) edible, is once again treating Canadians to a fabulous freebie. For a limited time, choose between Toasted Berry Crisp or Honey Almond Flax cereal, and they’ll send a sample to your door – FREE!

Can’t decide? Click “Surprise Me!”

Click here to request your free sample of Kashi Cereal.

It’s back! And not a moment too soon – I was looking for an excuse to enjoy a McDonald’s breakfast!

From November 16-29th, you’ll be able to kick start your morning with FREE small coffee from McDonald’s. During breakfast hours (5AM to 10:30AM, or 11AM on weekends), simply stop by your local McD’s for a fresh cup of their premium roast coffee.

Mark your calendar!