Strange doesn’t wait for 5 o’clock!
Neither does my mother… she’s in Mexico! 
Remember Kat’s “Amazing Kitchen Mistakes” post? We’ve been on the same wave-length eating similarly, so I apparently am also making happy accidents.
Have you ever under estimated how much is left in a bottle? I thought there was just a drop of butter extract left when I dumped it into my oatmeal… it was more like 1/2 a teaspoon. I thought I’d ruined it. Too much extract can be nauseating (and I don’t need more of that!). It turn out, too much butter extract in your oats is like eating cookie dough for breakfast. Strange, but unbelievably good.
Cookie Dough Oatmeal
- 1/2 C oatmeal
- 1 C water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp butter extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 5-6 drops liquid Stevia
- 1 T peanut flour (or nut butter, to taste)
- My toppings: pomegranate arils, Greek yogurt, more cinnamon
Cook oatmeal as usual, adding flavors in the last 2-3 mins (or when your microwave finishes). Stir in peanut flour when just done, adding addition liquid as needed.
Add toppings. Inhale.
________________________________________________________________________________________
I’m not the first person to do eat quinoa in the morning… but it’s still uncommon enough to be strange. And it’s good!
What took me so long it beyond me, but quinoa for breakfast is amazing. If you haven’t tried it, you must. Particularly this cinnamon-y version. The heaping scoop of cinnamon with the coconut butter had me dreaming of an airport treat that shall not be named.
I just realized this looks a lot like the oatmeal above. I had a lot of pomegranate.* Sorry.
*Did you hear the FTC found “POM Wonderful health claims to be deceptive?”
Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Quinoa
- 1/2 C quinoa, cooked with a cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp coconut butter
- 1 tsp ground flax
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 heaping tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- Milk, to taste (I used ~ 1/8 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
- My toppings: pomegranate arils, Morningstar maple breakfast sausage
Stir it all together, top with your favorites, and enjoy!
________________________________________________________________________________________
In order to kill two craving with one stone for Meal 2, I added a poached egg to the last of my mom’s Matzo Ball Soup. The strange part isn’t even the egg. It’s HOW I poached it. My lazy arse poached that thang in the microwave.
Let me be the first to tell you that runny, silky, yolk porn goodness streaming into a hot bowl of soup is heaven on a spoon. So good that I wanted to be spooned after it was over.
Microwave Poached Egg
- 1 egg
- 1/2 C water
- 1 T apple cider vinegar
Fill a small bowl (I used a cereal bowl) with water. Add 1 T of apple cider vinegar (this is important – it keeps the egg white intact). Microwave until boiling hot, about 2 mins.
Crack the egg and gently drop it into the water. Whites will begin to cook/thicken, and you may need to use a spoon to carefully direct them around the yolk.
Microwave for another 20-30 seconds. Remove immediately from water and place in soup, atop salad, on bread, etc.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Now for the link up! The rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above.
In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instragrams of your creations. 
***
This time tomorrow I'll be in a forest in FLA... in the midst of an 8-hour adventure race. Ahhhh! #strangebutcrazy
Also, I forgot to mention I was featured in FitFluential's Ambassador Spotlight yesterday! Check it out here.
Have you ever made breakfast quinoa? What are your favorite mix-ins?
What #strangebutgood creations have you enjoyed lately?
65 comments
3 pings
Skip to comment form ↓
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
January 18, 2013 at 12:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love quinoa but have not had it for breakfast. It looks delicious! And I had no idea you could poach an egg in the microwave. Good luck at your race and have fun!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! I had a runny egg after the race too… the people of Waffle House were fascinated.
Nadiya
January 18, 2013 at 1:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Kewl! I’ve never heard of butter extract 0.0 What is it? Interesting that you mention about the health claims relating to pomegranate. I’ve always heard that it protects against prostate cancer, I wonder if that still holds true :S
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s just another extract. Very good!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
January 18, 2013 at 5:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love quinoa for breakfast! I like to toast it in the oven so it gets nice in crispy. And in my opinion, cinnamon needs to be added to everything!
Good luck on your adventure race!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
January 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Again. Nothing strange here.
So, I like this whole ‘quinoa for breakfast’ idea in theory…but I also just love the way oats and oat bran (and yes, TVP) get all fluffy and volumized, and I’ve not had as much success with quinoa in that department. Bulgur, yes. Quinoa, no. Is there a trick?
Your pomegranate situation rivals mine from last week…this week I have been covering everything with blueberries. I think it’s just what happenes when you buy enough food- for a small family (but it’s just you eating….)
Maybe that’s just me.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just cook it according to the package – 1 C quinoa to 2 C liquid. I bring it to a boil, reduce to simmer, put a lid on it , and cook ~15 mins, remove from heat and let it sit for another 5 before taking the lid off and fluffing it with a fork. It’s doubles in volume. Dunno…
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
January 21, 2013 at 1:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think instead of fluffy the word I was looking for was creamy. Totally different. Let’s blame it on the fact that it is usually early when I comment on your blog.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 5:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have heard you can boil already cooked quinoa it in milk and spices for a porriage. Haven’t tried it though. I like it on top of Greek!
Amelia
January 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha, your strange is definitely my ‘normal’. I thought you were going to say that you poached your egg directly in the matzo ball soup when you heated it up. Now that would have been interesting.
I made my own version of a bimbop bowl the other night for dinner with some delicious runny goodness on top. Nothing like a good yolk! Then last night I had your crabcake benedict for dinner (Can you have too many yolks in a week? I think not! ) My husband thinks its strange when I pile a poached egg on top of avocado toast. What does he know?
Good luck this weekend with the 8 hour event! I can’t wait to see pics/ read all of the stories.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I thought about it but didn’t want to over-cook my matzo trying to get the egg right.
Never too many yolks! Did you like thebenedict? I need to do bimbop again soon.
Amelia
January 21, 2013 at 10:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good point. Like the benedict? I, err….liked my plate clean…
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count
January 18, 2013 at 7:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Just found a WW recipe for breakfast quinoa. Hoping to try it, maybe over the weekend. It could be next week’s SBG. Have fun in Fla. I’m heading there in a few weeks. I’m sure we’ll be doing Exactly the same things there…
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! Well I did get a sunburn… hope you don’t copy me on that one.
Heather (Where's the Beach)
January 18, 2013 at 7:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve not done a breakfast quinoa either. My sister likes the quinoa flakes for breakfast though. I bet you could come up with a cool breakfast quinoa patty. MMMMM
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Do you read Healthful Pursuit? She has some awesome quinoa flake bakes!
Miz
January 18, 2013 at 7:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OH I HAD NO IDEA about the microwave poaching….
lindsay
January 18, 2013 at 8:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i have a secret… i use butter extract in a lot of my healthy bites. shhhh…
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 10:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your secret is safe with me…
Parita @ myinnershakti
January 18, 2013 at 8:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love it when I find a way to use the microwave vs. the stove! Such a time saver! Have a great weekend, Laura! Can’t wait to read about the adventure race.
Danielle
January 18, 2013 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never had breakfast quinoa but I think I need to try it. Nothing strange at all about cookie dough oats for breakfast! Sounds amazing to me!
Lee
January 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never poached an egg period. I do sometimes scramble them in the microwave though. Well, scramble is the wrong word, it kind of makes an egg patty.
Good luck with your race!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
If you stop it when it’s half cooked and stir it, the eggs are more scrambled that a patty.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
January 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Good luck Laura! I hope you have an incredible adventure.
I treat breakfast quinoa like I do my oatmeal, but I’m guilty of always doing oatmeal. What can I say, I’m a creature of habit. I need to get some butter extract! Sounds amazing!
Tiff (@LoveSweatBeers)
January 18, 2013 at 8:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmmm, cinnamon rolllllllll { insert Homer Simpson-like drool here }
Meg
January 18, 2013 at 8:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I told you quinoa for breakfast is good
It’s my favourite 
hehe <3
Thanks for giving it a try!
xoxo
Love u
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
January 18, 2013 at 8:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You can poach an egg in the microwave?!?
I’m pretty sure you just changed my life for the better.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yay! Let me know if you try it!
RavieNomNoms
January 18, 2013 at 8:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That cookie dough oatmeal is on my list now. That is DANGEROUS! haha
MCM Mama
January 18, 2013 at 9:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That all sounds yummy! And I am so poaching an egg in the microwave right now!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome! Let me know how you lilke it!
Kierston
January 18, 2013 at 9:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My strange but good didn’t quite turn out as I had hoped…sigh!
Great recipes as always
I’m an oatmeal lover and love it in every way!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
January 18, 2013 at 9:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I forgot about poaching eggs in the microwave- great tip! I’ll be thinking of you this weekend… have a blast! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
January 18, 2013 at 11:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Interesting about how to poach eggs in the microwave. I tried this once, where you crack the egg in first and microwave. It didn’t end well–explosion!!! I’ll have to try this method. Thanks!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’d heard that about microwave poaching… I think the water already being hot prevents the explosion.
Alex @ therunwithin
January 18, 2013 at 11:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
whoa what the heck is butter extract? I have never heard of that
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s just another extract like vanilla or almond… really tasty!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
January 18, 2013 at 12:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve tried a quinoa flake hot cereal blend for breakfast before, but I’ve never tried straight up quinoa for breakfast! I’m curious to try it but at the same time I’m not sure if I’ll like it!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Let me know if you do… I think I like it better, actually.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
January 18, 2013 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Who knew you could microwave-poach an egg?! You are so smart! My strange-but-good today was breakfast too!! I had sweet potato rounds and a few tbsp of peanut butter & honey. Strange (for breakfast), but soooo good. I couldn’t resist.
purelytwins
January 18, 2013 at 1:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Microwave Poached Egg – awesome! Have to try that out!!!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
January 18, 2013 at 9:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I tried quinoa for breakfast once after I found out that oats were causing me some stomach problems, but I didn’t really end up liking it – the texture just wasn’t something I enjoyed first thing in the morning. Nothing quite beats oatmeal
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
January 18, 2013 at 9:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Quinoa cooked with a cinnamon stick?! DUDE. I’m going to try that with my oatmeal tomorrow!!!!!
And, because this is how I roll, I’m going to be too excited to sleep thinking about it. #weirdo.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I heart cinnamon. And yeah… the thought of breakfast has kept me up many a night.
Karey @ Nutty About Health
January 18, 2013 at 10:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmm, I think those eats sound delicious!! I’d love to try the Cookie Dough Oats & the quinoa for breakfast some time. I really need to try a pomegranate too!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ok, if you haven’t tried pomegranate you MUST! It’s amazing. If you buy it whole, make sure you immerse it in water to peel and seed it. Otherwise red juice will be everywhere… and it stains.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
January 18, 2013 at 10:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
HELL YES! Gimme that Yolk Porn Goodness!!!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Girlllll… wait until I post what I had a Waffle House after this weekend’s race…
Choc Chip Uru
January 19, 2013 at 1:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I want this oatmeal. I want it NOW!
Good luck my friend!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! How did I know you’d like that?
Katy
January 19, 2013 at 4:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s almost 2am and I had to try your microwaved poached egg! Turned out perfect. Thanks for the recipe.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that!!! 2am really is the perfect time for eggs.
Jessie
January 19, 2013 at 6:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just want to come live you with for a week so you can cook me all of these amazing recipes that you come up with
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I say that to people all the time… we really just need to pool together and have a cooking commune.
Fit Missy
January 19, 2013 at 8:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Never tried quinoa instead of oatmeal but thanks for the idea – I am going to try it today.
Yours looks delicious.
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Let me know how you like it!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
January 19, 2013 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmm….I love cookie dough. Obviously I need that butter extract.
And quinoa for breakfast is fantastic – especially when you cheat and throw all the ingredients in the rice cooker because you can!
I know I’ve missed TWO #strangebutgood linkups in a row, but it’s been crazy. Sorry!!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
January 19, 2013 at 5:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
First I hope you are having a great time doing your endurance challenge.
Second, I don’t think you can have too much butter extract.
Allie
January 19, 2013 at 8:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Butter extract… I need to try that! Also, I’m jealous of your mom!!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m jealous of my mom too.
Olivia Hill
January 20, 2013 at 9:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I could definitely eat cookie dough in the morning
This recipe is going on my “must try” list!
Laura
January 21, 2013 at 11:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Cookie dough is appropriate at all times.
Please let me know if you try it!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
January 22, 2013 at 7:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dude! You know you already changed my life by teaching me the ACV trick, but now you’re telling me I can have runny drippy eggy goodness in my mouth in less than 4 minutes?! Ahhhhh! <- That's totally me pulling a Macaulay Culkin! I have GOT to try this!
And with the oats, I've been meaning to tell/ask you if you've tried this…I read on two different blogs a couple of weeks ago that if you add baking powder to a bowl of oatmeal, it makes it taste like cookie dough! I'm not sure how much baking powder, or if the sodium-free kind that we buy will have the same effect, but I really want to try it!
Love the breakfast quinoa…even more because you threw in some sausage! Mmm, sweet and savory!
Laura
January 22, 2013 at 7:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Whatever happened to Macaulay Culkin? Didn’t he get all weird?
I’ve never heard of this baking soda thing! I do’n get why it would work, but I’d give it a try. Anything for cookie dough. Did they add it whilecooking or stir it in after? I’d guess 1/4 tsp?
Kat
January 23, 2013 at 10:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
How did I miss your blogs all week?!?!? *yes – i was that busy* the yolk porn is just that – porn. OMG. also love the reference to my post *yippee!*
Strange But Good~Literary/Film Version | Broken Cookies Don't Count
January 18, 2013 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] that almost as soon as I decided to start participating in Strange But Good hostessed by Laura at Sprint 2 The Table I have cooked very little. Food funk I suppose but never let that keep me from eating strange or [...]
Kids Are Strange… |
January 18, 2013 at 11:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] that’s not a contender for #strangebutgood, then I don’t know what [...]
Savory BBQ Pumpkin Oats |
January 25, 2013 at 10:15 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Using your preferred method (I used Laura’s microwave method and it worked great!), poach or fry your egg and set aside. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, add oats, [...]