A better recipe for overnight crockpot oatmeal (and a bonus!)

I followed the recipe of a heavily shared facebook post for overnight crockpot oatmeal, but it wasn’t clear enough, generating tons of questions. Reading through others results led me to this version. Yes, I peeled the apples, Yes, you HAVE to use steel cut oats. Everyone complaining about bland taste should realize that we have been conditioned to want double or triple the sugar in those little instant  packets. It’s an acquired taste to get past that.

So here goes...

Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal

Use liner or spray crock with cooking spray. Place 2 sliced apples, 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar-packed tight, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, & a pinch salt in the bottom of the crock pot.

Pour in 2 cups of steel-cut oats, 2 cups of almond or coconut milk and 2 cups water.

Do not stir.

Cook overnight for 8 hours maximum on low. (actually 5-6 hours would be enough) This makes a lot!  I recommend a liner for sure, to guarantee no sticking.  

NOTES: small diced apple pieces would be ok, they will hold form. I cannot stress enough to use the steel cut oats...they had a nutty natural flavor that really made this delicious. You can cut this recipe in half and pour into a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup---easy cleanup.

• ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

OK, so now here is the bonus. This stuff made 8 GENEROUS portions...No way will we go through all of that in a few days...so I made my own copycat recipe of Quaker Oatmeal To Go.

I broke up the big clumps and added some more cinnamon and pumpkin spice and a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. I shaped them into patties and baked (on parchment) as 'cookies' for breakfast on the go. It took at least 20 minutes at 350° so you should do a small batch and determine the time for your cookie size and oven behavior. Just poke one and see if it is taking a more solid form. I then turned oven off and let them dry out a tad longer. Remember, there are moist apples in there. I took a really small amount of powdered sugar and made a simple drizzle for on top. Looks and tastes similar to Quaker Oatmeal To Go, but mine is so much better for you. My picky teenager took one bite and loved em..Then took another one before leaving the kitchen. I guess it's a hit! Note: As they sit, they seem to want to go back to being moist, so only bake as many as will be eaten warm from the oven. I only baked 8.

Other delicious things to add...minced dates, raisins, almonds pieces, dark chocolate pieces, coconut--- just watch how much you do add or this becomes less healthy breakfast option.

My canister of Quaker Steel Cut Oats had just the ONE ingredient listed on the side. Now look at the bars they sell as Breakfast To Go. At least we can make a choice.

Recipe Makeover! Crab Topped Tilapia 2.0

I recently swapped out some bad cooking/eating habits for healthier ones. I have cleared out all the bad stuff from the pantry and fridge and replaced with lots of stuff for clean eating. I don't buy the stuff in boxes with 20 unpronouncable ingredients any more. There may be days when I rebound, but I am working hard finding good tasting alternatives that are easy to make too. I was craving a rich fish dish I made often in the past. Here is the remade recipe, followed by the original high fat/processed food version. (Just to see the swap outs!)

Sandy's Healthy Version Crab Topped Fish
Gluten free, lower sodium and low fat 
Place up to 1 lb fresh or thawed fish filets in baking dish sprayed with Pam. (I like tilapia)
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese, sprinkled on top

Crab Topping
1 can flaked crab, drained and cleaned
2 Tbsp plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp coconut milk
Dash crushed red pepper
2 shakes of Salt replacement
2 Tbsp capers

Mix well and spread over fish in glass dish. Bake 350º for 10 minutes, then at 425º for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes. Watch closely. This may have a small amount of clear looking liquid midway, but it will reduce and the crab topping will stay together.

Note: I made this version tonight for the first time and my daughter couldn't tell it apart from the old way. However, I think I will add more herbs to kick up the flavor next time. Have fun making it your own.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ •

Sandy's Original Crab Topped Fish
1 egg
1 Tbsp honey
dash salt (why added salt? no idea)
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, finely crushed
Up to 1 lb fresh or thawed fish filets (I like tilapia)

Mix egg and honey. In baggie mix crushed crackers and salt. Set aside 1/2 cup crackers for topping. Dip fish in egg mixture, then coat with cracker mix (shake in bag) Place in baking dish sprayed with Pam.

Crab Topping
1 can flaked crab, drained and cleaned
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Dash crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp capers
Reserved crushed crackers

Mix well and spread over fish in glass dish. Bake 350º for 10 minutes, then at 425º for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes and the crab topping puffs and browns. Watch closely.

Brand New Freebie Kit!

It's been a while since I made a digi kit. Life is busy, life is good. But even during those busy spurts, a girl's gotta have some creative outlet time...so with that said, I give you 
Tug My Heartstrings.

**Links expired**

I'd REALLY LOVE to see what you make with this... Share your gallery link or just pin it. Have fun with it! Til Next Time! 

Sandy

Final part of 'Days of Gold' Freebie!

Hello everyone...As promised, here is the 3rd installment of my free mini kit, Days of Gold. Be sure you go back 2 posts to grab the other two portions. I don't know how long I will keep them live.

I think the reasons I decided to try designing is first to challenge myself and second, to share with others as I learn how. But I think what would be the biggest thrill to me is to see pages you make. Don't be shy..I'd really like to see them. You can email gallery links to me at keylimedigidesign@gmail.com with LAYOUT in the subject line.

Updated- **Links expired**

October Freebie-part 2

As promised, here is part 2 of this Fall inspired mini kit. Thought I'd put it up early today before I run out the door. Enjoy!!! **Link expired**

October Freebie

I have something new for you! I am giving it away in 3 parts, starting tonight! Part 2 will be up for download right here on Monday, and Part 3 on Tuesday. Here is a look at the whole kit. I hope you like it. I'd really love it if you posted links to your layouts in the comments when you guys use these...;-)
**Link expired**

September Freebie

Happy Saturday! For my first post, I'd like to say hello and invite you into my blog including my attempts at designing digital scrap kits. I have been in CTs, done site CT work and have always wondered if I could 'hack it' in design. I am a graphic designer by trade, but 99% of my time is not doing this kind of fun design (don't I wish). I set a slow pace in the preceding months to learn a technique here and there whenever I had spare time. I am sure I will make lots of mistakes but learn from them. Until I have all the stuff I've learned committed to a speedy process, my freebies may be sporadic. I welcome constructive teachable critique.

I have a kit for you that I made for a contest at Digital Scrapbooking Studio...be sure to check it out. I didn't make it to Round 2, but that's OK. I had the idea to see if I could follow on a schedule and was hoping to make a couple rounds to test myself. Of course the others that passed through have been doing this for a while and know what they are doing.

So to launch this new blog, I give you "Moonrise." This one has a more shabby feel and is versatile whether you make a spooky page or not. I hope you like it.

**Link expired**