Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake – Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Hello, and welcome to possibly to the one millionth flavor combination of my beloved morning meal — Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake. While it’s a traditional flavor pairing with apples, pecans, raisins, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla, the baked oatmeal base is a bit unique as it co-mingles with the ancient “grain,” quinoa.

apple pecan quinoa oat bake tray meal prep

About 10 years ago, when I discovered that steel cut oats and quinoa cook up to the perfect, soft but slightly toothsome texture in the SAME amount of time, I started making these healthy grain breakfast bakes like an starved and obsessed woman. With every batch, a different combination of flavors (like the last was Pumpkin Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake) – always delicious and great to cook ahead to have a balanced breakfast on had for busy mornings. Continue reading

My (Mostly) Make-Ahead Holiday Brunch Menu

Oh, I’ve held a holiday brunch or two in my day . . . in fact, it’s what I bring to the collective family celebrating. My parents host a big Christmas eve dinner, and then on Christmas morning, everyone wakes up, checks out what Santa left in the stockings and then heads to my house for more season’s feasting!  My Favorite Holiday Brunch Ideas (mostly make-ahead!)

I’m not a graceful waker-upper, and on Christmas morn have historically had to manage the chaos and excitement from my little elves  – who are now older and would quite likely sleep through stockings and brunch if you let them, oof! However, despite the luxury of sleeping in a bit, I still like to prep as many of the menu items a day or two ahead. This way, I’m not running around like the Grinch on the most wonderful day of the year. I’m sharing some of my most requested Christmas brunch and holiday breakfast ideas, many of which can be meal-prepped and kept in the fridge or freezer for no-stress holiday entertaining.  Continue reading

Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancakes (Gluten-free, Vegan, No Added Sugar)

This post is sponsored by Lifeway Kefir as part of a Blogger Recipe Challenge. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancakes (Gluten-free, Vegan, No Added Sugar) are a quick and easy breakfast idea for the busy fall season and holiday entertaining. Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancake - gluten free, vegan, no added sugar. Great for meal prep and make-ahead breakfast for a large group.

Sheet Pan Pancakes are ideal for meal-prep, just grab-reheat-and-go or for serving breakfast and brunch crowds when company’s over – there is no standing over a hot skillet, filling pancakes one by one! Read on to get this easy gluten-free and vegan sheet pan pancake recipe: Continue reading

Steak & Waffles with Mango Mint Sauce

Waffles are the way to herald in a really epic weekend. Let’s just say that the details of dozens upon dozens of memory-making weekends are seared into my brain – the ones that started with waffles always ended up beyond wonderful. Steak and Waffles with Mango Mint Syrup

Now my recipe for Steak & Waffles with Mango Mint Sauce sounds incredibly crazy, but it’s amazingly delicious – trust me! Just imagine fluffy-slash-crunchy waffles topped with an unexpectedly exotic sweet-and-savory spin. Read on to get this creative waffle recipe that’s perfect for Mother’s Day brunch.    Continue reading

Upside-Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake ( Gluten Free )

Wow, it’s December 1st, time for my (Gluten Free) Upside Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake. Keeping it super simple and sweet today as  I have a 26.2 mile road race on Sunday and a chore list that’s even longer than the marathon!Upside Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake

Read on the get this yummy breakfast, brunch or dessert recipe and a great tip on storing fresh cranberries: Continue reading