Blueberry Maple Oatmeal Smoothie

Oatmeal Smoothies are the fastest way for me to give my husband Lulu a well balanced breakfast. It's also perfect for him when he's on the go. I already made an Oatmeal Vanilla Almond Protein Shake last week so I decided to change the flavor this week. I had blueberry preserves left in my pantry that I made last summer from the berries from our garden. Unfortunately, my blueberry bush hasn't produced any fruit yet, so I ran to my local market and got some fresh blueberries.

The smoothie turned out velvety and creamy, yet still very healthy. You can add your own twist to it by using different fruits and flavors (tropical fruits, berries, different syrups). Be creative.

It's always a great feeling to make something for the ones you love that they can appreciate.  I think that's why I love to cook. This is a perfect recipe to express your affection when you're pressed for time!

Oatmeal Vanilla Almond Protein Shake

This morning, I felt like bringing breakfast to my adorable husband Lulu. He is lactose-intolerant and he's a vegetarian. It's always a challenge for me to make a variety of foods that he can eat. This oatmeal vanilla almond shake is perfect for him, it's dairy-free and full of protein with almonds and whey protein powder, just like at Jamba Juice! It's also cholesterol free (if you don't add the dollop of whipped cream of course...)

After several tests with agave nectar in the past few weeks like my Broiled Agave Nectar and Honey Grapefruit , Agave blended Homemade Yogurt with Kumquat Preserves (without using a Yogurt Maker) and  Toasted Sesame Tofu Caramelized with Agave Nectar, Wasabi and Soy Sauce, I used the delicious nectar in my protein shake. 

So prepare a tray with freshly baked bagels, some cream cheese, a freshly cut rose from the garden, and of course your delicious oatmeal vanilla almond shake. Bring to your love with a big smile and say "Bonjour mon coeur, t'as bien dormi?" translation: Hi my love, did you sleep well?

Easy Olive and Cheese Pizza

The hard part of making pizza at home is preparing the dough, but with this recipe, you'll be making pizza all the time.  The toppings for this pizza are olives, tomatoes and basil, but you can use whatever you like.  That combination is popular at my home because my father is allergic to mushrooms. He can't eat the Mango Mushroom Pizza that I always prepare for our "pizza nights".  The little one is obsessed with olives, so this one is her favorite as well.

Broiled Agave Nectar and Honey Grapefruit

Broiling grapfruits is extremely easy, and it imparts an added sweetness to the fruit.  If you know someone who won't eat grapefruits and complains about the bitterness, this recipe might change their mind.

Just glaze the fruit with a sweetener and place under the broiler of your oven for a few minutes. The combination of the tart and slightly sweet glaze makes it a winner.

I serve it as a side for breakfast or during Sunday brunches. My hubby loves it. Or you can serve it as a first course as I used to get in my middle school cafeteria in France.

Laura's Home-Made Vinegar

Vinegar is such a commonly used ingredient in so many dishes that it needs no introduction.  But I've learned that it's often the simplest products that we know the least about. 

One of my husband's closest friends, Laura, makes wonderful jams and jellies. She recently gave us a delicious bottle of home-made vinegar, and I asked her for the recipe.  Enjoy!