The 'Super' Breakfast - Oatmeal

This post was originally featured on Listen To Lena!, when I was asked to make a Guest Post.  I jumped at the opportunity!

 
Total Prep Time: 1 - 60 minutes

Canada's Food Guide Servings:

1 Grain Products (3/4 cup cooked oatmeal)

Oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast food!  I grew up eating it and still love it to this day.  Big-A's response to Saturday morning oatmeal?  "Yes!", along with a little fist pump!  He'll even eat his Nana's steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast.

1 cup of uncooked rolled oats contains the following:

• 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat)
• 8g dietary fibre
• 10g protein
• Iron - 19% Daily Value for an adult

Heart-healthy oats are cholesterol free and have a low Glycemic Index, making them a perfect meal for diabetics.  In fact, one way that my father controls his type 2 diabetes is by eating a bowl of oatmeal daily.  Oatmeal is a superfood in my books, and deserves a permanent spot in everyone's diet.

My favourite oatmeal toppers:

• brown sugar (use in moderation)
• applesauce
• frozen blueberries (they'll thaw instantly when placed on top of hot oatmeal)
• fresh strawberries, raspberries or blackberries
• thinly sliced bananas & walnuts
• vanilla yogurt
• cinnamon

Try any of these items to flavour your oatmeal, or experiment with your own favourites.  Let your kids have fun choosing their own toppings.

Although oatmeal is an extremely healthy food for people of all ages, not all oats are made the same.  There are many different variations of oats to choose from.

Oat Groats (aka Whole Oats):  Oat groats are minimally processed, with only the outer hull removed.  Their most common uses are for animal feed and (ground into) oat flour.  They're extremely nutritious with a very low Glycemic Index, but they're chewy and need to be soaked and cooked for a long time.  The best way to cook oat groats is by using a slow cooker or pressure cooker.  Approximate stovetop cooking time: 1 hour.

 

Steel-cut Oats (aka Coarse-cut or Irish Oats):  Oat groats that have been chopped into small pieces.  They are chewier than rolled oats, and stand up well to liquid in their raw form (hot cereal or muesli).  Approximate stovetop cooking time: 30 minutes.

Rolled Oats (aka Old-Fashioned or Flaked Oats):  Oat groats that have been steamed, rolled, and flaked.  They cook quickly, and are most commonly used as a hot breakfast cereal, in granola or in

oatmeal cookies.  Approximate stovetop cooking time: 15 minutes.

 

Instant Oats:  Thin, precooked oats.  Usually found in pre-portioned packages, ideal for microwaving.  They are very convenient, but are not as chewy and flavourful as slower-cooking oats.  Packaged instant oats usually contain added salt, sugar and artificial flavouring, due to the lack of natural flavour.  Approximate cooking time: 1-2 minutes.

I keep a box of Quaker 100% Whole Grain Oats packets in my desk at work.  Ready in 1 minute, they're the perfect breakfast on a busy morning, or afternoon snack.  I simply fill a small container with frozen blueberries, and add them to the oatmeal for extra flavour.

On the weekend when I have more time, I cook rolled oats for our family breakfast.  Big-A loves oatmeal, Lil-J not so much.  But I know that in time he will learn to love oatmeal as well.

Try out oats in all of it's forms and base your choice on what fits your family best.  Slow-cooked groats is the most nutritious way of consuming oats.  But if 1-minute quick oats is all you & your children have time for, eat them as often as you can.  Your heart will thank you for it!  Set a positive example for your children and show them how enjoyable plain old oatmeal can be!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of oatmeal, check out Quaker Oats Canada at http://www.quakeroats.ca/.  You will find information about heart health, fitness & nutrition, along with delicious recipes.

A True Blessing...

Every day I am told by a different person that I am blessed.  My mother is helping to raise my boys.  She ran an at-home daycare for almost 30 years, raising dozens of "Meme's kids".  Although she retired last year, she still cares for Big-A and Lil-J five days a week while my husband and I are at work.  I don't need people to tell me that I'm blessed ...I remind myself every single day.  I do like hearing it from others, though J

The thought of returning to work after my first maternity leave was depressing.  I loved being home with my little guy, visiting my mother & sister (we were on mat leave together) and just hanging out, watching Big-A grow and develop.  For financial reasons, though, I had to return to work.  I had always known that my mom would take care of my children.  Her having an at-home daycare made this possible, and she placed 'dibs' on him early in my pregnancy.

I remember feeling nervous and nauseous leaving Big-A that first day.  Would he be good for her?  Would he sleep and eat well?  My mind was racing all day.  That night, I came home to a very happy baby.  I soon knew that he was in the best place he could be.  He was with family - my mother and father and a couple of my siblings.  And he had other "Meme's kids" looking out for him, welcoming him into their little family.  This positive experience made returning to work after my second maternity leave so much easier.

Big-A is a really good kid.  I mean, a REALLY good kid.  Discipline is rarely used in our home - it’s not needed.  He eats what we put in front of him, goes to bed without a fight and is an incredibly loving big brother to Lil-J.  He’s reading and writing and is doing amazing in school.  I know that this is a reflection of Hubby & I, and the way that we raised him.  But it is also a clear reflection of being raised by family, and I will always be thankful for that.  I look forward to watching Lil-J grow up with such a strong family influence as well.

Growing up, I was close to both my Grandmothers.  I looked up to them, and still do.  Everytime I bake, I know that my Nanny Orange is with me in spirit.  And I can’t control my excitement when my Nanny Green comes to visit from New Brunswick.  But I did miss out on this closeness when it came to my Grandfathers.  I wish that they were as interested in their grandkids as we were of them.  Things couldn’t be more different with my father and his relationship with his grandchildren.  He adores his two grandsons and three granddaughters, and the feeling is definitely mutual!  The highlight of Lil-J’s day is seeing his Papa in the morning.  As a parent, it is such a pleasure watching these special relationships grow.

I'm sure most people don't believe me, but I really do thank God (or whomever is up there listening) every day for this true blessing.  My husband and I have an amazing and supportive family.  And my boys have the best Nana & Papa, Gramma & Grampa, Aunts & Uncles and cousins that any parent could wish for.  To know that they are receiving unconditional love while we’re away from them each week is the most comforting feeling in the world.

It truly is a blessing...

Bike Helmet Safety

Spring is here...or is it?  With the snowy, slushy weather in the GTA this past weekend, it's easy to forget that May is just around the corner.  With spring weather comes more outdoor play.  My boys have already been out playing on bikes, scooters and skateboards.  I want them to have as much fun as possible, but safety always comes first.  They never ride without wearing bike helmets.

In 2007, Transport Canada reported that over 1000 children under the age of 15 were injured while riding their bikes, with more than 60% of the children injured being 11-14 years of age.  Injuries during wheeled activities occur due to a combination of factors, including (lack of) experience, high speed, stunts and tricks, and loss of control.

Big-A & Lil-J geared up at the cottage.

Public Health Agency of Canada stats:

• 8% of emergency room visits are for bicycle related traumatic brain injuries.
• 6% of emergency room visits are for scooter related traumatic brain injuries.
• 4% of emergency room visits are for skateboard and in-line skating related traumatic brain injuries.
• Other common injuries related to the activities listed above include broken bones, facial injuries and serious skin abrasions.

A child's skull is only one centimeter thick and can be fractured by an impact of 7-10 km/hr.  Children usually exceed this speed on a bicycle.  Approximately 3/4 of all cycling fatalities involve head injuries.

In Ontario, all children under 18 years old are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet when travelling on a public road.  The average fine for not doing so is $75.00.

The MTO advises that when purchasing a helmet, be sure that it fits comfortably and meets safety standards.  They suggest checking the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations:

• Canadian Standard Association: CAN/CSA D113.2-M89
• Snell Memorial Foundation: Snell B90, Snell B90S, or Snell N94
• American National Standard Institute: ANSI Z90.4-1984
• American Society For Testing and Materials: ASTMF1447-94
• British Standards Institute: BS6863:1989
• Standards Association of Australia: AS2063.2-1990

You can find helmets ranging from $15 to $30 at Toys R Us, Walmart and Canadian Tire.  Combo packs (helmet plus knee and elbow pads) will cost you $24.99 at Canadian Tire.  Standard helmets are suitable for bicycle and scooter riding, as well as in-line skating.  Skateboarders need a helmet with more coverage at the back of the head.

Put your child's safety first and avoid an unnecessary trip to the ER this spring and summer.  Accidents happen to the most cautious people, but wearing a helmet will reduce the extent of an injury during wheeled activities.  And set a good example, mom & dad, by wearing a helmet yourself!

Lunch & Dinner - Creamy Broccoli Soup

Bought broccoli on Tuesday.  Bought broccoli on Thursday.  Bought broccoli on Saturday!?

My recent (house) move has often left me feeling like I've lost my mind.  I'm behind on laundry, forget what I went upstairs to get, and don't yet have my grocery groove back.  I'm buying too much of one thing, not enough (or any at all) of another.  Hence the 8 bunches of broccoli that I found in my refrigerator on Sunday morning!

We love broccoli, as a side dish or in pasta.  But 8 bunches of broccoli is even to much for us!  What could I possibly do with all of this broccoli?  Broccoli Soup!  I called my mom, wrote down her recipe and got to work.

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

4 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

4 bunches broccoli, cut into florets, stalks peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

900 ml reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock

salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add onion, season with salt.  Cook, stirring occasionally until softened.  Approx 10 minutes.
2. Add broccoli, potato, broth and enough water to cover to the pot.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.  Simmer until broccoli and potatoes are fork-tender, approx 30 minutes.
3. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree vegetables and broth until smooth.  Adjust soup's consistency with water if needed.  Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  Serve with crusty bread.
4. Serves 8.

This soup is creamy without adding cream, making it low in fat.  It makes me feel less guilty about serving it with fresh bread.  The recipe is officially Big-A approved - he loved it! 

*TIPS*

1. Add frozen peas to the pot 5 minutes before removing from the heat.  This will add fibre and make a brighter green soup.

2. Add a cup of raw grated carrot to the onions and olive oil, adding flavour and vitamins to the soup.

3. Once the soup is pureed, season with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
4. Freeze in single-portion containers for up to a month.  Perfect for work lunches!

Springridge Farm Opening Day - Friday April 8 2011

Big-A & Lil-J at the 2010 Harvest Festival.

Those who know me well know that I love Springridge Farm!  We've been making family trips there since Big-A was a toddler.  It's our favourite go-to location for spring, summer and autumn outdoor fun!  Tomorrow, Friday April 8, is their Opening Day for 2011!


A Little History...

Located on Bell School Line just north of Derry Rd in Milton, Ontario, Springridge Farm was purchased by Mississauga farmers, the Hughes family, in 1960.  Originally a sour cherry farm, they added pick-your-own berry crops and baking & fruit preserves to the business in the 1970's.

Today, the farm includes:

Big-A & Lil-J on the Farm Yard Pipe Slide!

• Spiderweb Climber
• Farm Yard Pipe Slide
• A Giant Sandbox (filled with metal Tonka trucks and sand toys)
• Farm Animals (goats, chickens, wild turkeys and more!)
• Corn Trails
• Straw Play
• Escarpment Lookout
• 40" Windmill
• Antique Tractors
• Tractor drawn Wagon Ride
• Seasonal berry picking

Most of the activities above are part of their Fun Farm Yard.  The farm charges $4.00 (ages 2 & up) to access this part of the farm, and they also offer Seasons Passes for frequent visitors.

The farm also boasts a Gift Shop, Bakery and Cafe.  The Gift Shop is full of beautiful, unique items for inside and outside the home.  The Bakery has shelves stocked with jarred items such as fruit preserves and pickled vegetables, along with packaged scone mixes and delicious salad dressings.  Putting a gift basket together is easy at this place!  And a visit to Springridge is never complete without visiting the Cafe.  Thinking of the cheddar & chive scones, cinnamon pinwheel pastries, "Ontario's Best" butter tarts and strawberry custard tarts are making my mouth water!  All baked items are seasonal, but you can also buy frozen items off-season, like wild blueberry pie filling ready to pour into a pie shell.

The farm helps to celebrate the seasons with their Spring Easter Egg Hunt, Autumn Harvest Festival & Winter Christmas Open House.  They also book School Trips and Birthday Parties that are full of fun!

Visit their website at http://www.springridgefarm.com/ and Facebook page for more farm information, as well as contests and prizes.

The forecast this weekend in the GTA looks pretty good!  Saturday: 12 degrees with clouds.  Sunday: 15 degrees, chance of rain.  Take in some fresh, Canadian spring air and head to Springridge Farm this weekend.  Your kids will have a blast, and you will too!

Big-A, Lil-J & Daddy posing during a Corn Maze walk.

SDM - Lindt Gold Bunnies BONUS

I'm already thinking about Easter.  And not just because I am an extreme chocaholic.  I LOVE the Easter Egg Hunt process.  From finding the best hiding spots to watching my wide-eyed boys search for eggs, it's one of my favourite holidays.  Now don't get me wrong, I do also make sure to teach my boys about the religious aspect of Easter.  But I just can't help getting sucked into the Easter Bunny excitement, just like a little kid.

This weekend, why not get a head-start on your Easter shopping!  At participating Shoppers Drug Mart stores from April 2 to April 16, you will receive 500 bonus Optimum points plus a FREE Lindt Gold Bunny colouring book with Crayola crayons with the purchase of two 100g Lindt Gold Bunnies.  That sounds like a great deal to me!

I buy Big-A a Gold Bunny every year at Easter (and a Gold Reindeer in his stocking at Christmas).  And I'll begin this tradition with Lil-J this year.  They're also a great little Easter gift for co-workers or adult family & friends.  Who doesn't love Lindt chocolate???

Take advantage of this deal and get ahead of the Easter shopping lineups!

*TIP*

I collect little colouring books/pages & crayons that we receive at restaurants or as gifts with purchase.  I keep them stored in a large zip-lock bag with the boy's craft supplies.  They're great to take along when you're going out, and they take up almost no room in a diaper bag or in your purse.

Offer valid from Saturday, April 2, 2011 to Saturday, April 16, 2011.

* Points are issued according to the purchase of eligible products. Calculation excludes Shoppers Optimum Bonus Points® and Shoppers Optimum® MasterCard® points. Not to be used in conjunction with any other Shoppers Drug Mart® promotion or offer. Some conditions apply. See store for details.