a weekend morning ritual

I love the ritual of a weekend morning. It's Saturday…another frenetic week has come to a close, and the alarm did not make a peep at the usual hour of waking. We roll out of bed somewhat later than usual, and have caught up on hours lost during the week...we’re ready for the day!

A snapshot of our weekend morning ritual…

A strong cuppa, a glass of orange juice, the morning paper, and a bowl of ‘over the top oatmeal’ (OTTO) is how we generally start the day. We were introduced to OTTO during our September trip to Big Cedar with our friends Marilee and Paul (see 9/20/07 post). I’ve adapted Marilee's version of OTTO for winter (i.e., frozen rather than fresh berries), and made a few additions/substitutions to align with what is generally in our pantry…but the basic idea is:

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Over-the-Top Oatmeal (for two)

• Follow the directions on the oatmeal box for two portions (or two of the larger ‘heart-healthy’ portions) using milk rather than water.
• In a sauce pan, mix oatmeal, milk, a splash of vanilla, and cinnamon to taste.
• Thinly slice one granny smith apple and add to oatmeal mixture.
• Cook on medium heat until oatmeal thickens and apple softens, stirring constantly.
• While oatmeal is cooking, pour desired amount of frozen fruit into bowls (I use Hy-Vee [store brand] Berry Cherry Blend); thaw in microwave.
• When oatmeal is cooked, divide into two bowls, directly over berries.
• Top with sliced bananas, walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Yum!...good and good for you!

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In one other thought for the day…

Punxsutawney Phil (Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinairy) did see his shadow on the morning of this Groundhog Day.

Although Phil resides in Pennsylvania, his Kansas cousin saw her shadow, as well…so it appears that we, too, are in for six more weeks of winter. Bring it on. Bring - it - on!!!

.Happy Saturday!