Not a Recipe: Banana Creme brulee oatmeal

Oatmeal is yummy, but topped with sliced bananas, a bit of sugar and then hit with the kitchen torch.. it becomes a little more special. 

A quick and easy version of creme brulee that works for breakfast. A bowl of oatmeal, like you like.. and then top with sliced bananas.. sprinkle an even layer of sugar over them and then run the torch back and forth til the sugar starts to burn.  

I use a sprinkle of turbinado or raw sugar.. but white works just as well here.  The burnt glassy sugar on each banana gives that satisfying sugary crunch.. which is why we love brulees.  Super easy, super good.  

Find: Luggage rack impromptu table

A vintage luggage rack folds nicely in a closet when not in use in a guest room or around the house.  But when needed, they are great for an additional little table during a cocktail party.  I love to have several little tables .. that double as "stations".. set up and around for a party.  Each can host a different use or menu item and it's always good to keep guest circulating.  

Using a vintage cherry luggage rack here along with a framed vintage botanical print as a table top, (which the glass can easily be wiped with any spills).. voilá a really classy and chic table which looks really great when topped with some antique champagne glasses and brass dishes. 

pink marshmallows

homemade marshmallows

 

Valentine Lolli Card

Fun (cheap!) & Easy Photo Valentine Card

roasted beets and goat cheese

Roasted vegetables and beets are a staple in my kitchen, making at least one baking sheet of them each week. From it meals come and whole food menus.  One day or night devoted to roasting and then it's done for the week.

Toss veggies in a bowl with a glug of olive oil.. spread out on a roasting pan & sprinkle with S+P and some rosemary or thyme, if you like. Roast at 425º til tender.. 20 to 35min.   Prepare beets separately, as they will make all the other veggies pink hued. For beets, I quarter them with skins on and do the same, olive oil.. S+P.. and I love rosemary on them. Spread on baking sheet and roast til tender 45min to an hour.  If sharing a pan, like shown above.. the other veggies will be done sooner and need to be spatula-ed out of the oven.. that or peel the beets and cut into smaller cubes.  I like to keep them large and with skins on, as they tend to dry out. 

Once, done.. cool to room temp and easily peel with a paring knife. chop into bite size bits and toss with goat cheese in a bowl. Taste for seasoning..  so good. The roasted veggies and beets can keep in the fridge for the week.. having healthy, ready-made ingredients at hand during the week.. makes for a much easier time of cooking whole foods for your fam. 
Roasted beets, cold, are an amazing addition to a salad.  

 

Read more about why it's good to get beets in your diet and beet nutrition here...