I’m a little late to the party this week because my server has been going through some technical difficulties all morning. I’m sorry if you tried to read earlier and couldn’t — hopefully things have sorted themselves out!
Hullo! Happy [What I Ate] Wednesday! 😀
I was seriously tempted to title this post “Food Combining 101,” but I thought it would be a little misleading seeing as today’s post has nothing to do with the proper rules of food combining and everything to do with delicious food combinations that probably break most of the rules but taste pretty darn amazing.
A little while ago, I put together a WIAW post that showcased some things that just taste better when they’re together, and I figured it was time to share a few more of my favourite foodie fusions (sucker for alliteration, right here) with you guys. So without further ado, may I present you with yesterday in eats…
Breakfast… [almond butter AND chocolate]
I call these ABC oats — Almond Butter and Chocolate 😉 Remember how I mentioned that I was dealing with a serious chocolate craving in last week’s WIAW? Yeaaaaaaah… it still hasn’t gone away. In fact, our beloved cocoa bean has been finding its way into more and more of my eats as of late, and it didn’t waste any time in making an appearance yesterday. I woke up craving something a little more earthy than my normal AB and honey combo, so I cooked up a batch of oats, whipped in half a banana, added a spoonful of cocoa powder, and topped the whole thing off with a nice glob of almond butter. Definitely not a bad way to start the day…
Morning snack… [bananas AND almond butter (AND chocolate)]
I’m sure many of you would agree that this is quite arguably one of the best combinations there is. Whether you enjoy it in oats, on toast, on its own, with AB, or with PB, the fact of the matter remains that bananas and nut butter were made for each other. I went with the hassle free dunk-and-devour approach, with Justin’s maple almond butter being my nut butter of choice. Oh, and if you’re wondering where the chocolate is… it’s in my coffee (Godiva chocolate crème) 😉
Lunch… [macaroni AND cheese]
This has been one of my favourite combinations for pretty much as long as I can remember. I couldn’t stand tomatoes as a kid, so the only “pasta” I’d eat was either buttered noodles buried under parmesan cheese, or good old mac ‘n’ cheese… and I distinctly remember going through a phase in my late teens where I was pretty much eating a box of KD on a daily basis. Good times. In any case, I was craving some comfort yesterday afternoon, so I whipped up a box of mac and cheese from Wild Harvest and threw in some frozen mixed veggies for good measure.
Afternoon snack… [kabocha AND caramel]
2.5 months later and I’m still eating kabocha on a pretty regular basis… and by pretty regular I mean daily. But how do you expect me to curb my obsession when the little orange bugger is just so.dang.good?!? On its own, with cinnamon, with almond butter, with coconut oil, with caramel pudding…
Eat ALL the squash! Also, has anyone ever noticed that there’s a huge texture disparity between individual kabochas? Some are a lot more… err… wet (sorry!), whereas others feel a lot more dry and starchy. I wish there was a way to tell just by looking at them, because I definitely prefer the dryer ones.
Dinner… [coconut milk AND rice]
After oats, [basmati] rice is probably my favourite grain; and my favourite way to cook it is by replacing some of the water with canned coconut milk — not only does it add a lovely hint of coconut flavour, but it makes the rice a lot creamier as well. I had my coconut rice alongside a baked chicken breast that I coated in coconut oil and herbs, with what is probably the saddest spit of veggies to grace the pages of Spoons in quite some time. Honestly, I just wasn’t feeling the veggies last night — I added them to my plate pretty much solely for visual appeal. And speaking of visual appeal… pitch black dinner times are putting a serious damper on my photo shoots. But I digress.
Evening snack… [chocolate AND my belly]
I may have mentioned a slight craving for chocolate? Mmmm hmmm. According to this site, my cravings could be caused by a number of reasons: low blood sugar, low serotonin levels, stress, PMS, or addiction… but my personal favourite is the final one — chocolate is just plain good 😆 Especially when it’s enjoyed alongside a cup of warm almond milk.
Aaaaand that concludes this week’s version of WIAW. Have a good one, friends! 😀
. – . – . – .
Your turn!!
a) Almond butter AND _____.
b) Bananas AND _____.
c) Noodles AND _____.
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?)
e) Coconut milk AND _____.
f) Chocolate AND _____.
That Mac n cheese looks awesome!! My last combo of yours is my favorite though 🙂 haha! I never would have thought to pair squash with caramel. Then again, I’ve never had kabocha
Noodles and pesto! That was always my favorite when I was younger
THERE you are! Glad that the issues got sorted out love…we do enjoy our technology, but it is a bitch sometimes 😉
a) Almond butter AND oatmeal. <— especially because the almond butter gets super melty that way.
b) Bananas AND peanut butter AND chocolate. The best combo ever.
c) Noodles AND marinara AND seafood. My favourite order at Italian restaurants.
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) Considering that I roasted one up this morning and ate half of it for lunch…pretty safe to assume that I'm still enjoying my (red) kabocha. I definitely notice the difference in textures though, and I'm with you on preferring the drier ones. And hey, at least you didn't say 'moist' 😉
e) Coconut milk AND curry powder/paste. Now I want curry…
f) Chocolate AND peanut butter. Banana. Caramel. Pretzels. Crispy rice. Cake. All thing things?
*all the things
I can’t even tell you how much the blogging blip threw off my whole day… Like, why couldn’t it happen yesterday when I didn’t have a post going up!? 😆
Yum!
a) almond butter and pumpkin on toast (with banana slices)
b) bananas and any nut butter
c) noodles and homemade red sauce and freshly grated parmesan
I have yet to try kabocha. I am positive I would like it but I am loathe to cut winter squash. I’ve nearly lost several fingers on multiple occasions.
d) coconut milk and … I hate coconut but I have enjoyed a couple of Thai dishes made with
coconut milk. I bought some coconut milk a while ago but have been afraid to try it in case the
coconut flavor is overwhelming. I hate wasting food!
e) chocolate and peanut butter
OOO fun you’re turn!
a) Almond butter AND _____. Banana
b) Bananas AND _____. bread or toast
c) Noodles AND _____. anything really… tomato sauce or cheese?
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) I went to the Dr. the other day and he noticed my hands were a little orange and asked if I liked squash and carrots… Guilty 😉
e) Coconut milk AND _____. curry sauce, rice, or soup!
f) Chocolate AND _____. ANYTHING! But my mind tends to wander towards cake.
Now I am craving peanut butter and banana rolled up in a tortilla.
Hey Amanda. Chocolate is just good. Simple 😉 I try not to worry why I might be craving it (that just creates more worries lol!) I adore Coconut rice- I was wondering what ratio of coconut milk to rice you use? I have been trying to perfect mine but haven’t food the right measures yet! Also wondering if you could do a post on when you felt like you were “recovered” (or if you feel recovered yet ;)?) I love hearing about your journey and you are always refreshingly honest and I appreciate an love that. I would love to know more about your amazing process darling girl. Xo
I use about 1 cup of water for every 1/4 cup of (dry) rice, and I’ll replace 1/4 – 1/3 cup of water with coconut milk when I’m using it. And I’m definitely planning on writing more about recovery, it’s just taking some time because it’s such a difficult thing to capture… but it’s in the works 😀
Must. Roast. Kabocha.
Still haven’t tried it and I’m ashamed. Although, I fear I’ll wind up just as addicted as the rest of you. (:
And how is that a bad thing? 😛
Peanut butter and ANYTHING. You had to know I would say that.
YES!! KABOCHA!!
a) Almond butter AND Kabocha.
b) Bananas AND Nut Butter (recent obsession with Chocolate NuttZo).
c) Noodles AND marinara sauce (I’m a sucker).
d) Um…I might just need you to refer to my WIAW post….we seem to be twinsies.
e) Coconut milk AND almond butter in a smoothie!
f) Chocolate AND Nut Butter.
Love you and your WIAW posts! xoxo
a) Almond butter AND kabocha.
b) Bananas AND kabocha.
c) Noodles AND kabocha (I assume. This one I haven’t tried).
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?)….
e) Coconut milk AND kabocha.
f) Chocolate AND kabocha.
Couldn’t help myself 😉 But caramel pudding looks like the next think I need to smother the wonderful squash in!
HAHA “chocolate AND my belly.” I’m with you on that one.
Hi Love!:)
You have some GREAT taste in food combos! I have been loving slow cooked oats and almond milk the last two days in the morning for a nice change, and it’s been amazing, plus topped with a little cardamom and cinnamon- I’m in heaven! I’ll have to try the coconut milk with it!
My mother’s FAVE sandwich is nut butter and banana and if bananas didn’t mess with my belly, I’d eat them too:0 Sadly, kabocha has yet to grace SC’s markets here locally yet, and I’m pretty ticked! My acorn, butternut and delicata have done for now, but it’s just not the same:(
PS- Where did you get that Godiva coffee? I’m gonna try that! Best flavor to try please??:) Emailing you back today!!
I picked the coffee up in Winners, which is pretty much our Canadian equivalent of TJMaxx. And can’t wait to hear from you 😀
I bought Basmatai instead of brown rice this week and it’s so much better! And tastes much mroe authentic paired with a chinese stir fry. Sold.
a) Almond butter AND sweet potato! My favourite fall lunch combo.
b) Bananas AND raspberry smoothies. I actually dislike bananas (:O) in everything but banana bread and smoothies.
c) Noodles AND soup (pho!). I actually don’t really like pasta, either. I’m a weirdo. O.o
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) <– ME!
e) Coconut milk AND chicken curry! Mmm, I want a good thai curry now.. 🙂
f) Chocolate AND all the things. Except for pickles, ketchup, condiments… But if not then, then definitely after all the other things. ;D
Confession: I’m not a huge fan of pasta either… Mac ‘n’ cheese and buttered parmesan noodles are pretty much the only exceptions.
Mmmm all that chocolate looks fantastic! I think chocolate and nut butter is just a fabulous combination. I really want to get a frother so I can make my own almond milk lattés at home and eat them with fabulous chocolate of course 🙂
Oh goodness, I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s been having some major chocolate cravings recently. I can’t get enough of the stuff, and that’s strange even for me! Usually a little bite 1-2 times per day is enough but the past few weeks that hasn’t been nearly enough. At least I’m in good company 🙂
a) Almond butter, Turkish yoghurt, and honey…best combination ever.
b) Bananas and nothing (love them on their own!)
c) Noodles and – is noodles US for pasta? If so, with pesto, broccoli, pine nuts, and lots of cheese.
d) Never tried kabocha.
e) Coconut milk and Thai curry spice mix and veggies – to make a Thai green curry. 🙂
f) Chocolate and rooibos tea. Or just chocolate.
I was looking for you this morning! Was gonna text you to ask if everything was okay but didn’t want to pry…glad it was just server issues. But ugh I can imagine you were not pleased. Now since I know you are so eager for my answers, here you go:
a) Almond butter AND oats and banana.
b) Bananas AND almond butter and oats <–see what I did there? Tricky!
c) Noodles AND truffle oil and lots of garlic
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) Don't had me but I didn't love it that much and my stomach kind of freaked out…but it does that with most squash!
e) Coconut milk AND smoothies. Seriously if you do it with vanilla protein powder and vanilla extact it tastes like cake batter. Sprinkles included obviously 🙂
f) Chocolate AND _____.
I was slightly losing my mind, yup 😕 But as a result, my house is now spotless 😆
YUM. I love all of your food. I had practically the same exact breakfast this morning that you had yesterday, only PB instead of AB 😉
I love all of your combos, though I’ve never had kabocha in caramel, but I’m sure it’s awesome!!! Now I’m in the mood for chocolate oats and almond butter…. yum!
a) Almond butter AND chocolate.
b) Bananas AND peanut butter.
c) Noodles AND sauce.
d) I’ve actually never had kabocha squash… I know, I know, I’m crazy.
e) Coconut milk AND cinnamon.
f) Chocolate AND caramel.
You ARE crazy! You’re [formerly] VeggieGirl! No veggie left untouched! 😛
a) Almond butter AND banana or chocolate.
b) Bananas AND peanut butter.
c) Noodles AND garlic butter.
d) Coconut milk AND red curry
e) Chocolate AND everything 🙂
a) Almond butter AND chocolate.
b) Bananas AND Sun Butter!!!
c) Noodles AND Goat Cheeeese
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) Not me- I am embarrassed to say I’ve never had it…
e) Coconut milk AND whatever they use to turn it into ice cream… :).
f) Chocolate AND most things in the world. Frosting… too much?
🙂 Loved that.
AB and butternut squash
Banana and Peanut butter
Noodles and homemade tomato chutney
I sadly am yet to come across the infamous kabocha
Coconut milk IN overnight oats
Chocolate and coffee <3
Question..Is kabocha similar in taste/texture to butternut squash?
I’m sick home and you bet the only thing I eat is Kabocha with my choco-coconut-ab…..obsessed.
Coconut milk an rice is such a great idea! I think. I will try it with quinoa too. I love my fatty coconut milk in one of the decadent Davids Tea flavors. They’re coming to an end, but it definitely tastes like a dessert.
Nooo don’t be sick! Sending healing vibes your way, love <3
Bahaha chocolate and your belly. I love that. But seriously, agreed. Chocolate and my belly go together like birds of a feather. I have been having a major chocolate craving, too. I made chocolate oats for breakfast the other day, which I haven’t done in a while. GREAT idea right there. It hit the spot!
Do you realllyyyy want me to answer these questions?
a) Almond butter AND chocolate.
b) Bananas AND peanut butter.
c) Noodles AND cheese or tomato sauce.
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) ME!! And yes, I’ve also noticed the difference in textures…
e) Coconut milk AND curry.
f) Chocolate AND peanut butter 🙂
Gah – this posted twice – SORRY!
Does that just mean you love me twice as much? 😉 <3
Do you realllyyyy want me to answer these questions?
a) Almond butter AND chocolate.
b) Bananas AND peanut butter.
c) Noodles AND cheese or tomato sauce.
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) ME!! And yes, I’ve also noticed the difference in textures…
e) Coconut milk AND curry.
f) Chocolate AND peanut butter 🙂
I am so glad the site is working today! I just discovered you last week and I like reading your blog very much. I went to check it on my coffee break and there was a system error! So I am so happy that is sorted out.
Annnnd!
a) Still have yet to try almond butter!
b) Bananas AND strawberries, in a soy milk smoothie with powdered chia seeds and honey!
c) Noodles AND homemade marinara sauce….mmm!
d) I have never had it!
e) Coconut milk AND thai noodles! Thai coconut curry soup is so yum.
f) Chocolate AND coffee! Specifically, cocoa powder and coffee in overnight oats
I’m glad spoons is up again! Almond butter and everything!! This morning I snacked on ab right out of the jar while I impatiently waited for my oats to finish cooking. I haven’t tried cooking rice in coconut milk but it sounds good! I agree with you about the squash too, I don’t know why they are all so different.
Yayyyy I’m still enjoying kabocha too! It’s so versatile and easy to pair up with stuff. I’ve never ever tried caramel pudding and I’m not even a big fan of caramel, but now I want some! Your pictures tend to do that, ya know. 😀 And almond butter+oats or inside a grilled tortilla is amaaaazing!
Chocolate crème coffee?! I’d throw all my coffee dislikes over board if any of these amazing flavours were available over here. Would certainly be a good way to wake me up and (!) keep me awake during these dark mornings …
Aaah, I like playing those games:
a) Almond butter AND oat bran. Cocoa oat bran, to be exact. So yes: almond butter, cocoa and oats.
b) Bananas AND almond butter.
c) Noodles AND creamy sauces plus vegetables. Or can we go with lasagna right away?
d) Oooh yes, you better believe I’ll eat kabocha whenever I happen upon one. It’s become harder but I’m still on the lookout for them at all times.
e) Coconut milk AND chickpeas [savoury-style like in a curry – thanks, now craving just that!] OR oats [add in chocolate/cocoa and we’re talking food perfection].
f) Chocolate AND Chili. Or mint. These are the best chocolate combinations. With a mug of tea on the side.
Oh, and most definitely YES to kabocha varying in texture from squash to squash. It bugs me to get a ‘bad’ one that is – no other word – too wet and mushy. The best, starchiest [okay, that sounds odd] one came from my mum’s garden but it unfortunately was a very (!) poor havest this year. Three of them maybe.
I’m glad you got your server troubles worked out – I’d have seriously thrown the tantrums if that had happened.
Happy Wednesday!
ABC oats are pretty amazing 😉 And I couldn’t agree more about the mint-chocolate combo — one of my favourites for sure. Also, I’m conveniently overlooking the fact that you don’t like coffee 😛
It’s just the best season for chocolate! I am sure that is the reason for every single craving right now 😉 Everything sweet and indulgent just tastes so much better cuddled up under a warm blanket with a hot steaming cup. Vegetables on the other hand, naahh… just not a good fit for this scenery.
Also how great is the idea of adding coconut milk to basmati rice!? I am totally having this for dinner as soon as I get my hands on a can of coconut milk. Sounds heavenly.
Your eats look super yummy! Let’s see: Bananas and yogurt/cereal, Kabocha – all the time, so good! Chocolate and ice cream!
Almond Butter AND Banans
Bananas AND Chocolate
Noodles AND Butter
Coconutmilk AND mashed Avocado
Chocolate AND coffee
a) Almond butter AND ANYTHING! It’s the best!
b) Bananas AND the freezer…I like my bananas frozen.
c) Noodles AND salsa… don’t ask, sounds nasty, but it so darn yummy!
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?)ME!!!!
e) Coconut milk AND coffee with stevia
f) Chocolate AND ANYTHING, its tied with almond butter! (Have you tried Lily’s chocolates? They are made with stevia)
Frozen bananas are amazing, and girl… I never question anything when it comes to salsa — I will literally putt that on everything.
YAY!!! I saw that you responded in an alert (in my email inbox) and I literally jumped out of my seat! Haha, you’re like a virtual celebrity! 🙂
Coconut milk and rice?! OHHHHH YES. So delicious.
a) Almond butter AND honey.
b) Bananas AND bread.
c) Noodles AND cheese (so much cheese).
d) Still haven’t tried kabocha. It scares me.
e) Coconut milk AND black beans.
f) Chocolate AND my hungry face.
Oh yum, yum, yum! I’ve only made kabocha squash one time this season, but I’m think I really need to make it again and try dipping it in caramel sauce. Sounds like a fabulous combination!
a) Almond butter AND Oatmeal.
b) Bananas AND Peanut Butter.
c) Noodles AND Butter.
d) (who else is still enjoying kabocha?!?) Definitely need to make it again!
e) Coconut milk AND A Smoothie (I just love it in my breakfast smoothies!).
f) Chocolate AND Pumpkin.
Hi Gorgeous! I am so intrigued by the pudding combo. What brand of caramel pudding do you use? Thanks!
It’s from Belsoy http://www.alpro.com/caen/dessert
Girl – LOVE your breakfast and snacks! Oats, chocolate and nut butter have been a staple for me for awhile now! Since I upped my water intake, my appetite for all foods, with the exception of oats, chocolate and nutbutter, has taken a serious nosedive.
Almond butter AND a spoon.
Bananas AND any nutbutter
Noodles AND …sorry – not a big fan of noodles
MEEEE – I still do enjoy kabocha – with nutbutter/honey, though your caramel pudding looks so good!
Coconut milk AND chicken (with spices)
Chocolate AND most definitely “MY BELLY” for me too!
my fav: d) and f) chocolate & kabocha 🙂
and also, this week my weird craving has been dry roasted sweet potatoes (the light yellow ones not the orange) with tuna & spicy home made BBQ sauce, heated & then topped with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. weird! I freak my hubs out on a daily basis with my food combining but it is so satifying: fish & starchy carbs & sweet & spicy all in one cute red & green striped bowl (yep the christmas dishes are out in full swing now!)
I still haven’t given then kabocha and chocolate combo a try yet, but I hear it’s amazing — thanks for the reminder 😀