This coming week, we will be experiencing the dog days of summer in southern Ontario. As the Humidex soars beyond 30 and even approaches 40, I find myself spending more time in air-conditioned comfort and less time preparing meals.
Not such a bad thing for a non-foodie, but I do have to eat. With one book released in June (A Season for Killing Blondes) and another to be released in August (The Coming of Arabella), I need to maintain optimum energy levels.
And to satisfy my Frugalista nature, I also wish to do it on a budget.
Here are some of my favorite go-to foods while I’m in the editing and promotion caves.
Super Easy
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Start the day with a super smoothie. Puree in a blender until smooth: one banana, 1 cup skim milk, 6 ice cubes, 1 scoop of chocolate whey protein (strawberry and vanilla also work) and 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds.
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Place a scoop (or two) of cottage cheese on a luncheon plate. Surround with cut-up fruit. My favorites include cantaloupe, pineapple and strawberries.
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Drop a Popsicle stick in a fresh cheese cup and freeze it for a cool snack.
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Mix one-half cup of plain yogurt with one mashed ripe avocado, one diced tomato, and chili powder (to your taste). Serve as a dip for tortilla chips.
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Pick your favorite berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) and wash them carefully. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and place the berries in a single layer. Freeze the fruit and then store in freezer bags or airtight containers.
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Add fresh grapes and toasted almonds to your favorite instant milk-based pudding.
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Place a scoop of frozen yogurt between two graham cracker squares. Roll the edges in chocolate chips and freeze until firm.
Recipes
Fruit and Ricotta Split
Ingredients
½ small banana
½ cup strawberries
½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
Sweetener (to taste)
Procedure
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Cut banana length-wise and open onto a plate.
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Top with ricotta cheese.
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Sweeten strawberries to taste and spoon over cheese.
Iced Coffee
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Brew a pot of fresh coffee using two tablespoons of dark-roasted ground coffee per cup. Add sugar or sweetener.
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Transfer the hot coffee to a carafe, and let it cool to room temperature.
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Refrigerate until cold, usually two to three hours.
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Pour the chilled coffee into glasses and stir.
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Optional: Add ½ cup of milk for increased calcium.
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Optional: Add crème de cacao or cinnamon schnapps for increased flavor.
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Note: I would not combine #5 and #6.
Funky Monkey Coffee Drink
This extra-special treat is chock full of calcium, potassium, and of course, caffeine. I found the recipe in Joy’s Life Diet by Joy Bauer [http://www.joybauer.com/]
Ingredients
¾ cup cold coffee
½ peeled medium banana, sliced and frozen
1 tbsp chocolate syrup
¼ cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
Procedure
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly. Makes one serving.
Where to find Joanne…
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks for reblogging, Viv 🙂
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Delicious-sounding recipes, Joanne. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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You’re very welcome, Tina. 🙂
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Barely have time for a “like,” as I’m out the door to buy some ingredients. Okay, okay, that’s not really true, but it might be, that’s how inviting many of these recipes are. Nice job.
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BON APETIT Joe 😃
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Thanks Joe! 🙂
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Thanks for hosting me, Chris 🙂
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Welcome Joanne 😃
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Funky Monkey sounds really good.
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It’s one of my favorite pick-me-uppers. And so delicious!
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