Each layer of these bars is a delicious treat on its own; together, they become the star of any goodie tray. To make them gluten-free, be sure to use oat flour that's labelled as such. If you choose not to use pasteurized egg whites, whisk a fresh egg white until frothy and measure out one tablespoon.
This recipe can be adapted to how ever many days you want to eat oatmeal for, as the ratio is 1/4 cup of steel cut oats to 1 cup of water. I make enough for the work week leaving the weekend open. This can be made at night to make your mornings easier. If you need a change add a teaspoon of your favourite spice. I serve it with covered in flax meal and honey, accompanied by a serving of fruit and a cold boiled egg.
Nothing says comfort food more than a piping hot slice of meat loaf served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Of course, the fat in a slice of meat loaf alone amounts to about 17 grams, even when you use lean ground beef. To lighten it, this uses extra-lean ground beef, rolled oats and vegetables for increased fibre plus a salsa topping instead of the usual high-sugar ketchup or chili sauce. Cooking the loaf free form on a baking sheet drains away the fat, which results in only 206 calories and 7 grams of fat per serving.
My inspiration for the recipe began with an amazing cheese course I had at a dinner party at my sister's house. Rosemary honey drizzled on sharp cheese on a gourmet cracker. Divine! I knew my recipe had to have a rosemary honey component (and lucky for me I had overwintered a rosemary plant from my garden.) Thyme honey, my alternate choice and made the same way, was also delicious. I also wanted to focus on local prairie ingredients...you can't find lemons or olive oil here so I didn't put any in my recipe! I love risotto and thought it a good way to bring the sharp cheese into the recipe. I don't like the constant stirring of the usually method so tried local grains baked instead. The oats are creamy and the barley still has slight bite so it is a great combination. A friend who was sampling my recipe stated, "the risotto was a real surprise, the star of the show." I choose pickerel because it is a local prairie fish, is quite mild, and blends nicely with the other flavours. Rainbow trout also works nicely. The carrots and parsnips were grown locally and the rosemary honey just brings out the flavours wonderfully. To serve: Scoop a generous portion of risotto onto plates. Place an array of vegetables to the side of risotto, then top with a half fillet of pickerel. Drizzle with remaining rosemary honey and garnish with sprig of parsley. Excellent with any British Columbia Meritage or Pinot Grigio Note: If you have any leftover risotto, it is delicious for breakfast with crispy bacon on the side!
These delectable pumpkin squares are sweetened with dates and spiced with nutmeg for that quintessential fall flavour combo we love!
This recipe is a favourite of the Mildmay Carrick Public School Morning Munchers Breakfast Program.
Morning, midday or afternoon, these squares are satisfying and delicious.
