For more recipes by Erin, visit www.campbrighton.com
The kids are out of school and now they want to eat three times a day! Or more! I love summer break more than anyone else I know, but the food situation can get out of control. In order to keep my sanity and not let the kitchen look like a total disaster, there are two super simple, but delicious, summer meal options that I rely on every summer – overnight oats and smoothie bowls. Both are great for breakfast, lunch, or snacktime.
Overnight Oats
Oats are so versatile! Kids and adults love overnight oats for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Find some jelly jars or recycled mason jars to create these in the perfect size for all ages. Start with oats and add your favorite toppings … honey, nuts, and coconut are my favorite. Add any milk – cow’s milk or any milk alternative works great. Top with your favorite fruits and store in the fridge overnight.
Yes. It really is that simple!
Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small mason jar
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (gluten-free)
- 1/4 c to 1/3 c almond milk (or your favorite milk)
- 1 t honey
- 1 medjool date , chopped
- 1 T unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 T chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a mason jar, add oats and then honey.
- Pour in milk until oats are covered.
- Top with dates, nuts and coconut.
- Cover.
- Put in fridge overnight. Eat the next morning!
- These overnight oats will last in the fridge a few days – make a few to save time later in the week.
Acai Smoothie Bowls
Acai is a little trendy but don’t let that deter you! A smoothie bowl is like a smoothie that you eat with a spoon. Genius, right?
Acai is a berry powerhouse – double the antioxidant power of blueberries and 10 times that of grapes. If you can find frozen packets of acai at your favorite grocery store, keep some in your freezer. If not, frozen berries work really well, too. Locally, Harris Teeter and Whole Foods sell packets of frozen acai.
Charlotte has a lot of options for smoothie bowls on the go, but if you are at home, make your own! Smoothie bowls are pricey and can contain way too much sugar (ahem, Nutella topping!) – so … make your own and you can save some money and calories.
Insert acai smoothie bowl photo 2
Easy Smoothie Bowl Recipes
Smoothie Bowl Recipe 1 … combine 1 small frozen banana (chopped) and 1 cup frozen berries in a blender. Blend. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until it’s smoothie consistency. Top with peanut butter or any other nut butters, coconut, granola, fresh sliced fruit, nuts, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
Smoothie Bowl Recipe 2 … combine 1 acai smoothie packet with ½ cup frozen berries, and 1 banana. Blend. Add ½ cup plain yogurt. Blend again. Top with favorite fruits or nuts.
Other smoothie bowl ideas: https://www.bakerita.com/acai-bowl/
