If left to my own devices, my natural “awake” time is 10am to 2am.
I blame my mother. It’s hereditary.
The only reason I get excited for morning to come is breakfast. It’s the most delicious important meal of the day, you know. With very little effort, it can also be the strangest meal of the day.
This weekend was the beginning of softball season. I received a 6:30am wake up text from our team captain Sunday morning. We had a tournament starting at 8. It’s a good thing I had breakfast planned, because I am pretty sure I was still asleep on the drive to the field.
You’ve all heard of overnight oats in a jar, I’m sure. I had an almost empty jar, but no oats! No matter – I remembered my TVP “Oatmeal” and made Overnight TVP in a Jar! Made just like a traditional recipe, but using TVP rather than oats. Strange… but good!
I was going to eat this in the car, but was too tired so I ate it at the field… and earned a couple of strange but good stares. That coffee was GONE by the time I got to the park though. ;)
Overnight TVP in a Jar
- 1/2 C TVP
- 3/4 C unsweetened almond milk (or other liquid)
- 2 T peanut flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- Almost empty nut butter jar
Mix everything together in your jar and place in refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, remove from fridge and devour!
Note: If you like your oats warm, you can pop it in the microwave for a minute. You may need to add more liquid though.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Enough of my strangeness… one of my favorite Instragrammers and new blogger, Alina, took my Oatmeal Cookie Shake and turned up the strangeness. She made Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes… with the nutritional yeast from my original recipe!
Alina was kind enough to send her recipe to me so I could share it with you all. Check this deliciousness out, and make sure to go to her blog – it’s full of creative, delicious dishes!
Fluffy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes
- 2 T coconut flour
- 2 T pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/3 C egg whites
- 1 T vanilla whey protein
- 2 T mashed banana
- 2 T almond milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp butter flavor/extract
- 2 stevia packets
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Dash salt
- 1 T mini Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (optional)
Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
Scoop onto griddle or heated pan sprayed with some coconut oil. Yes, the batter is super thick but just spread pancakes to desired thickness and be patient while they cook up!
Flip once until cooked through.
Optional toppings: 2 Tbsp cottage cheese + 1 Tbsp chocolate pb2 , and Walden Farms chocolate syrup.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What’s strange but good in your kitchen this week?
The link up 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 Instagrams of your creations. 
***
Another strange but good – going to have a gluttonous dinner with your trainer post-leg workout. That happened last night. #strangebutgoodshamelessness
When do you tend to make your strangest creations?
What is your favorite overnight oats combo?
68 comments
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Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
March 15, 2013 at 12:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am a little obsessed with overnight oats right now. I think because they are so easy and are ready and waiting for you in the morning! And those pancakes look delicious! I feel like there were a lot of random meals thrown together this week, basically just trying to use whatever was in the fridge. Nothing terribly strange though. I need to be more adventurous!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love those weeks – sometimes you get the best meals just trying to clean out the fridge!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
“Miquid” huh? Now WHO’S been licking their computer screen?! Bahaha!
Seriously though…I have a hard time believing that YOU were out of oats…be careful who you go sharing that treasonous activity with…you may be voted off the food blogger island!
And with THAT…you have officially been broccoli BOMBED…and I am officially delirious…off to dream about Alina’s pancakes!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
PS, strangest combos? When I’m starving AND I really really need to go grocery shopping…aka I’m done to shredded carrots and 20 jars of mustard…because when am I EVER out of mustard?
lindsay
March 15, 2013 at 7:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i live for mustard and horseradish! i’m on my way!
p.s.
I’m always out of oats these days. EEK!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I went to the grocery store and I STILL forgot oats. It was a TVP morning. #fail
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
March 15, 2013 at 5:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m like you – breakfast is the best meal of the day! I think I’ll attempt Alina’s pancakes. Holy amazing!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right?! It’s like a giant stack of breakfast food porn.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
March 15, 2013 at 5:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’ve got to refuel those legs, right?!?
Glad to know I’m not the only one that gets excited about breakfast–I love it! Happy Friday, Laura!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I start getting excited about breakfast the night before… is that weird?! LOL!
Khushboo
March 15, 2013 at 5:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOVE overnight oats..I make it with almond milk and chias and then in the morning, top ‘em with applesauce, chunky peanut butter and roasted almonds- yum!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:37 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Aplesauce! I never remember to add that but it’s soooo good!
Lift, Sleep, Eat
March 15, 2013 at 6:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh yum OIAJ are the best! Even better when they’re in a nearly empty peanut butter jar
. Yummieee!
I tried those cookie pancakes they tasted so good but when I made mine they nearly fell apart..phew lucky escape! Hehe.
My strangest concoctions are nearly always on a morning..or as snacks throughout the day.
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My pancakes are alwyas falling! I alwyas try to mess with them too much or flip too early – messes me up every time!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
March 15, 2013 at 6:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM! You know I love putting nutritional yeast in strange places.
DId that sound kind of kinky, or was it just me?
Definitely chug my coffee before I make it to school every day…and then reheat my magical travel ‘bugs’ (bowl/mug) in the facultly lounge. I don’t think there is anything particularly strange about them, per se, other than I bet a lot of people think I spend WAY too long creating them.
[Although once or twice I have been 'caught' with oats in a jar or the like..I just keep chatting like I don't notice their eyes focused on my food and not my face. Better there than my non-existent boobs, right?]
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! My first thought reading that was “that’s what she said.”
I love watching people stare at my food and just carrying on like nothing is odd. Eating out of jars is totally normal – preferable, in fact!
Kierston @candyfit
March 15, 2013 at 7:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love bananas in my pancakes…and chocolate too!
Overnight oats…I love having PB in there. So gooey. Yum!
Great recipes…as usual!
Jenny$1983
March 15, 2013 at 7:37 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just made Alina’s pancakes (eating while I type, heheh) and I’m really impressed! Very fluffy and – dare I say it? – moist, and utterly delicious! I had to use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla, and my nutritional yeast had expired, but otherwise I followed the recipe. Great nutritional stats too! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and thanks to Alina for creating it
My favourite overight oats combo is a recipe I found on Oh She Glows, which is 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp almond extract, and about 1/4 cup each chopped fresh mango and strawberries. Divine!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m so glad you liked them!!! Chocolate is always a good idea.
Nooch expires?!
Jenny$1983
March 18, 2013 at 11:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The chocolate definitely worked! I usually find most protein pancakes dry as hell but these were great
Well, the tub of nooch had dried up into one single hard, dry, dusty, funky-smelling glob, so…
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I’d say that had gone bad. Yup.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
March 15, 2013 at 7:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I definitely come up with some of my strangest meals when I’m close to running out of food and throwing together whatever I can find in my kitchen. As for overnight oats, is it blasphemous to admit that I’m not really a fan?
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nah… I hear that a lot. Have you tries re-heating them in the morning? Then it’s just like doughy oats.
Lindsay's List
March 15, 2013 at 8:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i wanna come see you play!!!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 10:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awww! It’s SO far away – but maybe we can get to a tournament north of hte city!!
I want to see you ACT!
Kat
March 15, 2013 at 9:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum, those pancakes look delicious! I’ve been using more protein powder in my breakfast to make it a lot easier to get It all in
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Protein is a great way to start the day so you’re not starving an hour later!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
March 15, 2013 at 9:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am so with you on morning. I am NOT a morning person at all, ever, never will be. I am a night owl by nature (get that from my dad and grandmother). I’ve had to train myself to get to bed early to get to work early. But I think that’s a huge part of my insomnia. Anyhoo….Breakfast makes me happy. but I’m not super creative. I eat the exact same thing every single morning. And I look forward to it
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I swear it really is genetic! I have yet to overcome… buuuut I can’t say I’ve given it a fair try.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
March 15, 2013 at 9:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Chocolate chip cookie pancakes…YES PLEASE!!! My strange but good creations are normally in the afternoon…when I have a little time to think. I still have one that I need to find time to post on. Next Friday! I will have it up. I hope you have a great weekend!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Does it involve squash?
Nadiya
March 15, 2013 at 9:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Woa the pancakes look amazing. The first time I saw the picture I thought it was a cake 0.0
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too!! I bet we could make it a cake… hmmm…
janet @ the taste space
March 15, 2013 at 9:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have 2 nut butter jars waiting to be filled with overnight oats! No TVP here for now… must. resist. buying. new. things.
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I have the same thing going with flour. Must use what I have!!! So hard.
Linz @ Itz Linz
March 15, 2013 at 9:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
wow those pancakes look AWESOME!! huge and fluffy just like the way i like em!!
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness
March 15, 2013 at 9:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Breakfast is without a doubt my favorite meal of the day! I have never tried TVP sounds strange and interesting!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have to let me know if you try them! TVP oatmeal is one of my favorites.
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
March 15, 2013 at 10:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Breakfast is MOST DEFINITELY the best meal of the day- which is why I often make it for lunch and dinner as well!
I can’t believe I haven’t tried overnight TVP. I’m on it!
The pancakes sound incredible. LOVE the nooch flavor!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Brinner is my favorite meal of the day!
Let me know how you like overnight TVP oats! I’m thinking some of your yogurt would be good in there too.
Parita @ myinnershakti
March 15, 2013 at 10:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I made a #strangebutgood sauce last week and totally thought of you! I was planning on making Mmmm sauce but didn’t want to pull out the blender and have to wash a ton of dishes. So instead, I just combined honey mustard dressing, siracha, and Maggie sauce (an Indian hot and spicy sauce). It was SO good! Vishnu’s been using that combo as his sandwish spread this week and loves it!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That sounds delish! I love Magi.
Alex @ therunwithin
March 15, 2013 at 10:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
darn that looks good. I keep seeing more and more link ups to this and love them all
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Alex!!! You should join in !
Sarah (Shh...Fit Happens)
March 15, 2013 at 11:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow that is a pancake breakfast and a half! Yum, wish it was sitting in front of me right now!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You and me both!
morgan
March 15, 2013 at 11:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
hmm. lately I have been adding instant coffee granules to my protein ice cream for an extra kick- its also eaten pre- spin class when its only ten above outside (the weather here is brutal!) I also love steaming an apple in chunks & eating it on egg whites with nutritional yeast, tabasco chipolte (not the regular has to be the chipoltle!) & chia seeds. not sure why but the sweet/cheesy/egg/a little crunch goodness knocks my compression socks off! just started following your blog & you rock- love the food & the fitness!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh… that apple combo sounds great. I love the idea of using chipotle!!! Must try.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Morgan
March 18, 2013 at 12:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Well reading your training logs inspired me- I signed up for & started training this past week for my first triathlon. It’s 13 weeks out & a sprint level so nothing big but I am stoked! I meal prepped last night & I have 5 beautiful mason jars of pumpkin Proatmeal (your TVP oats in a jar!) for after workout breakfasts in the office! The egg apple combos are for lunch……my co workers love it when I use the microwave…..
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh wow… thank you SO much! Please keep me posted on your training. I’ve glad you’re liking the TVP oats!
Haley @ fullnfit
March 15, 2013 at 12:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes look ridiculous! … ridiculously delicious! I may need to make those this weekend.. BF is at a crazy bachelor party starting today until Sunday–just me and those pancakes!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – you should have thrown a crazy pancake-making bachelorette party!
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
March 15, 2013 at 12:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Anything with peanut butter tastes good to me. I’ll have to try TVP!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 11:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Same here! I could live off of it.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
March 15, 2013 at 12:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Whoa baby!!!!!! I am in love with that pancake picture, my mouth is WATERING!!!!!! I want to eat 18 million of those silver dollars! LOL!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would like to HAVE 18 million silver dollars…
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
March 15, 2013 at 12:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those pancakes look deeelicious!!! Nice job, Alina!
Grace @ PracticingGrace
March 15, 2013 at 2:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What does TVP taste like?? I love nutritional yeast on food but…it’s savory. I trust you though
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s just a soy protein… it doesn’t really taste like anything! It will take on whatever flavor you add to it.
Hannah
March 16, 2013 at 7:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Fellow night-owl here! Can never get to sleep before midnight, even now I have to be up early to commute for work. Just means I crash about once a fortnight.
Will definitely be making this! I’m having TVP almost daily at present. So gooood.
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The fact that you used the word “fotnight” makes me love you even more.
Hannah
March 18, 2013 at 12:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that this makes you love me because I had no idea this was an odd thing to say. Oh, language!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
March 17, 2013 at 2:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nutritional yeast in pancakes?? If you say so… You have never steered me wrong before!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Trust me! and in the Oatmeal Cookie Shake. It makes it. Really. I also like it in apple pie oatmeal. Nooch always wins.
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife
March 17, 2013 at 6:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love any breakfast in some type of peanut butter/almond butter jar! Thanks for joining in my linkup!
Laura
March 18, 2013 at 12:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I loved all the inspiration for my favorite meal of the day. Great idea!
Jenny (VintageSugarcube)
March 18, 2013 at 6:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That super club shenanigan sounds like a crazy-swell time. Glad you had a blast. And those Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes? I DIE!
Happy Happy Monday Laura.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
March 20, 2013 at 1:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh man, I love the idea of Overnight TVP in a Jar – I’m always in a rush for breakfast recently and that sounds perfect!
Springy Dippin’ |
March 15, 2013 at 1:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] ready for a little #strangebutgood spring picnic? Just be sure to make a plate and take it over to Laura at Sprint 2 the Table when you get ready to [...]
A Strange but Good Lunch | Cookie Dough Katzen
March 15, 2013 at 4:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] a weird meal it was. It definitely qualified for Strange but Good. (Check out Laura’s peanut butter no oats [...]