Beat the Heat: No-Cook, Cool Breakfast & Snack Recipes made Overnight with Quaker Oats

Overnight Oats, is a cool, delicious "grab & go" breakfast or snack. Photo courtesy of Quaker Oats

Quaker Oats is raising the breakfast bar with their innovative take on the day’s most important meal - along with their timeless, classic recipe that’s practically synonymous with oatmeal itself.

Say hello to oatmeal with a twist!

Now, when the sizzling summer heat makes the mere thought of cooking anything has you wilting, you can beat the heat faster than the mercury-popping thermostat soars past the 100 degree mark. Quaker Oats and that ever-smiling Larry - the Quaker Oats Man -- has come up with truly cool ways to enjoy nutritious oatmeal. And that cool factor extends to how these delicious recipes are made and how to enjoy them. Think of Quaker Oats Larry doing the work for you overnight while you’re sleeping! In the morning - it’s all about grab and go!

This is a fun treat to make with the kids, too; creating sweet or savory ways to have a complete, refreshing, and nutritious breakfast, even when you’re in a hurry. Soaking the Quaker Oats overnight - and adding seasonal berries from the Greenmarket or the garden, means it’s ready and waiting for you in the morning!

Raspberry Coconut Overnight Oats, photo courtesy of Quaker Oats

Check out Quaker Oats’ Overnight Oats website for tips, tricks, and a video of ways to pair your oats with yummy ingredients most likely found in your house pantry. The recipes are super easy and delicious! As a fruit and yogurt lover, I found that Quaker Oats has been the missing grain in my creations. Not only are the Overnight Oats a perfect summer breakfast, they make for a great snack or dessert as well.

Here are some quick and tasty recipes to make -- and get inspired to vary the ingredients to your own likes and seasonal bounty:

Banana Nut Overnight Oats (courtesy of Kimberly Sneed):  

Banana Nut Overnight Oats, photo courtesy of Quaker Oats

¾ cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats

1 cup vanilla almond milk

Dash cinnamon

Banana, sliced

Handful of pecans

* My Garden Glamour note: If you don’t want to use flavored milk, you can also use fresh, whole milk from the local dairy, add a ¼ teaspoon of almond flavor or almond butter and vanilla flavor.

Add Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, vanilla almond milk and dash of cinnamon to a jar. Stir and refrigerate, covered, overnight. In the morning, top the oats with sliced bananas and pecans. (Yes, it’s that easy!)

Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats (courtesy of Robyn Stone)

½ cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats + 1 tablespoon for serving (optional)

½ cup milk, coconut milk, or almond milk

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

½ fresh peach, cut into slices or chopped

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or coconut cream

* My Garden Glamour note: I’ve been testing out the organic coconut from Edward & Sons - the company that introduced the first organic coconut products to the US market and can highly recommend their Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and their brand new organic Heavy Coconut Cream. Both are a healthy, tasty partner ingredient to the Quaker Oats stone fruit overnight recipe.

Stir the Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, milk, and maple syrup in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid and store in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, top the oats with a tablespoon oats, peaches, and cream.

PB&J Overnight Oats (courtesy of Quaker Oats)

½ cup Quaker Oats

½ cup milk

½ cup strawberries

½ cup peanut butter

Add Quaker Oats and milk in a jar. Then add a layer of strawberries and top it off with a layer of peanut butter. Refrigerate and enjoy in the morning (or a few hours later)!

Pomegranate and Cocoa Nibs Overnight Oats (courtesy of Quaker Oats)

½ cup Quaker Oats

½ cup milk

½ cup pomegranate seeds

2 tablespoons cocoa nibs

2 teaspoons ground flax seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add Quaker Oats and milk to a container of your choice. Alternate between layers of pomegranate seeds and layers of cocoa nibs. Top off with flax seeds and a drizzle of vanilla extract. Place in fridge and enjoy in the morning (or a few hours later)!

All Quaker Overnight Oats recipes can be found on www.QuakerOvernightOats.com

Raspberry Coconut Overnight Oats, photo courtesy of Quaker Oats

This feature was prepared and written in conjunction with Shannon Ho, Garden Glamour guest reporter and intern.  Thank you. 

Celebrate National S’Mores Day: Sophisticated Recipes Profile Childhood Comfort Food We Crave

S'Mores & Bacon Pancakes - photo Colin McGauley, courtesy of BernzOmatic  

Bet you didn’t know it was National S’Mores Day August 10th. But really, every day is a kind of s’mores day when you love chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. Add in some bacon and whiskey (who says the kids have all the fun?!) and it’s a kind of tasty hat trick you can make at home to rave reviews. No need to build a campfire. 

The recipes are courtesy of Chef Cory Morris, winner of Food Network’s Chopped, now chef at Rural Society, and BernzOmatic.

Recipes:

S'MORES AND BACON PANCAKES - Make this for the ultimate breakfast!
8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 
• 2 Tbsp. baking powder 
• 2 tsp. Kosher salt 
• 2 large grade "A" eggs, well beaten 
• 2 cups whole milk 
• 1 tsp. powdered ginger 
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 
• 2 tsp. cocoa powder

Toppings:

• 16 pieces of cooked bacon 
• 1 bag of mini marshmallows 
• 16 oz. of chocolate sauce 
• ½ cup powdered sugar 

Supplies:

• Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch 
• Bernzomatic 16 oz. Propane Camping Gas Cylinder 
• Standard campfire stove or open campfire with grill grate 
• Fork or whisk 
• Metal spatula 
• Cast iron skillet or large sauté pan 

Directions:

Preheat griddle over gas camping stove using Bernzomatic 16 oz. Propane Camping Gas Cylinder (medium heat) or over an open fire.

Combine dry ingredients (flour, graham cra

Whisk in milk, egg and butter.

Spray the cooking surface with pan spray, then place two pieces of bacon on the skillet and spoon pancake batter over them.

Let the pancakes cook until the edges are golden brown.

Flip the pancakes and finish cooking (1-2 minutes).

Remove from the skillet and top the pancakes with mini marshmallows, chocolate sauce, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Be still, my heart!

(PRO TIP – use the Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch to lightly torch the mini marshmallows to a golden brown before adding chocolate sauce and sugar.)

S'MORES TARTINE

S'Mores Tartine - photo Colin McGauley, courtesy of BernzOmatic 

10 Servings

Ingredients:

• 5 graham crackers crumbled into large pieces 
• 10 pieces of brioche sliced 1/4 inch thick 
• 1 bag of mini marshmallows 
• 3 high-quality chocolate bars roughly chopped 
• 2 cups mini pretzels 
• 2 Tbsp. sea salt 
• 2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped

Cinnamon Butter topping:

• 8 oz. unsalted butter 
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon 
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Supplies:

• Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch Bernzomatic 
• 16 oz. Propane Camping Gas Cylinder Sauté pan 
• Safety glasses and gloves

Directions:

Mix together butter, cinnamon and brown sugar topping.

Brush brioche on both sides with cinnamon butter.

Toast the bread over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

While the bread is still warm, top it with an even distribution of chocolate pieces and mini marshmallows.

Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bread.

Toast the marshmallows and melt the chocolate using the Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch.

While the tartine is still warm top it with pretzels, pecans and sea salt. Serve warm and enjoy.

Now that the family is “s-morely satisfied” now it’s time for you and friends to indulge in some adult s’more treats!

Whiskey S'Mores Lollipops - photo Colin McGauley, courtesy of BernzOmatic 

WHISKEY S’MORES LOLLIPOPS
40 Servings (may seem like a lot but they go fast)

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of jumbo marshmallows 
• 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs 
• Chocolate Ganache: 9 oz. bittersweet chocolate 
• 1 cup of heavy cream 
• 1 tablespoon of whiskey 

Supplies:

• Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch Bernzomatic 
• 16 oz. Propane Camping Gas Cylinder 
• Standard gas camping stove 
• 40 lollipop sticks 
• 2 quart sauce pot 
• Whisk Safety glasses and gloves 

Directions:

Begin by making the ganache. Place the saucepan over medium heat on a standard camping stove using fuel from Bernzomatic 16 oz. Propane Camping Gas Cylinder and bring heavy cream to a simmer.

Add the chocolate and mix until incorporated.

Whisk in the whiskey, and remove from the heat.

Keep warm (if it cools down too much the chocolate ganache will not coat the marshmallow). Skewer the marshmallows with the lollipop sticks. Dip them quickly in the ganache and roll them in graham cracker crumbs.

Let cool at room temperature.

Once the lollipops have cooled, lightly torch with the Bernzomatic WT2301C Campfire Torch (be careful not to burn the graham crackers).

Enjoy the varied recipes that offer a sophisticated indulgence to that childhood comfort treat dessert. Campfire optional.

Gin Mare is a Hand-Crafted, Light Botanical new Gin Perfect for Summer - Plus Cocktail Recipes

Gin Mare 

I’d heard the common stereotypes about gin: it’s a man’s drink, it’s a classy “old school” drink, and the devilish old adage, “gin makes you sin.” For whatever reason, gin was never even on my radar during a night out. In fact, I don’t think I’d ever ordered any type of gin drink. 

But then I discovered Gin Mare.

Distilled in a small fishing town near Barcelona, Spain, Gin Mare is a Mediterranean drink with a barley base and light botanical tones. The name itself, “Mare,” is derived from the Italian word for sea (“mar”). Gin Mare’s name reflects back to the Roman Empire’s Latin phrase “Mare Nostrum,” which means our sea, since the Romans relied on the Mediterranean Sea during their conquests. Gin Mare pays homage to the region’s rich resources, beginning with its moniker.

The Mediterranean spirit contains traditional gin ingredients such as juniper and citrus fruits. What sets Gin Mare apart, though, are unique ingredients -- all sourced from the Mediterranean region: basil from Italy, thyme from Greece, rosemary from Turkey, and Arbequina olives from Spain.

Another unique attribute of Gin Mare is that it is entirely hand-crafted. Each of the botanicals are distilled separately, which allows for a greater harmony in the taste. After three years of testing and refining the taste, Gin Mare released its first batch in 2010.



Guest blogger Shannon Ho at Gin Mare rooftop tasting event

Gin Mare made me recalibrate the way that I think about gin. My first sampling of Gin Mare was during a city rooftop party hosted by the distilled spirit. It was all first love romance … My drink was as light and breezy as my surroundings. The taste was versatile and refreshing. That first flirty cocktail lead to my crush on the beverage, an inevitable part of drinking this smooth, botanical gin. So, toss your preconceived notions about gin off the roof! Sit back and relax with a Gin Mare drink in hand.




    

JBF Award-winning Chef Michael White & Garden Glamour guest blogger Shannon Ho at Rooftop Gin Mare event


Here are some recipes that pair perfectly with a sunny, summer day.

(Side Note, Gin Mare’s cap is approximately 50 ml, and an ideal measuring tool for the below recipes.)

Summer

A contemporary revisit of a classic cocktail, such as it’s Tequila Sunrise, with a own twist to celebrate the season that you’re always dreaming of and you never want to end up.

40 ml. Gin Mare

15 ml. Aperol & Grenadine (pre mix at 50-50%)

10 ml. Gomme

15 ml. Limoncello

75 ml. Orange Juice

20 ml. 1724 Tonic Water

Method: Shake all the 4 first ingredients and double strain in a Collins glass filled with ice cubes. Let it settle and then add the Top it with 1724 tonic water and decorate with a half slice of orange, a slice of lemon and fresh thyme sprigs.

Perfect Martini

Or a Martini that is perfect...Using an advanced chemical analysis tool called “Gas Chromatography,” Gin Mare investigated the perfect vermouth for Gin Mare, and found the metric -- as well as a garnish that can compliment this mixture.

50 ml. Gin Mare

25 ml. Lillet Blanc vermouth

0.5 ml. of salt solution (25 g. sea salt dissolved in 100 ml.

Method: Stir over ice for 20-30 seconds until chilled and diluted properly and serve into a cold Martini glass and garnish with half strawberry.

Red Tonic

This drink is another great recipe innovation that pays homage to the classic Gin & Tonic. This is a refreshing drink with gentle spicy notes and because of its hot red color, you’ll want a beautiful glass to show it off. Think balloon glass, snifter, red wine glass...

60 ml. Gin Mare

10 ml. tomato juice

2 slices of fresh ginger

1 piece of rosemary

200 ml. 1724 Tonic Water

Method: Muddle lightly the Ginger, the Tomato Juice and the Rosemary at the base of the glass and then build your G&T in a normal fashion and garnish with a fresh basil leaf.





Nothing beats a Gotham rooftop event - capture the sunset - with Gin Mare



Chef Michael White's Gin Mare menu pairs with the lighter, more botanical Gin Mare. Chef Michael White is the head chef and owner of the Altamarea Group. Especially love his Ai Fiori restaurant. (Check out his the others in chef's culinary constellation.)










Me/Leeann with superstar/super-nice Chef Michael White at Gin Mare event

This feature was prepared and written in conjunction with Shannon Ho, Garden Glamour guest reporter and intern.  Thank you!

Green With Envy: New Sears Craftsman Mowers Drive Sculpted "Lawn Love"

Photo: elowskylawn 

Don’t let the guys have all the fun with the homecare tools and appliances. Move over, buddy! It’s time for “Lawnmower Ladies.” After all, a beautiful lawn is described as “manicured” - and who knows more about that beauty regime?

Boosting the “lawn love” are recent product introductions from Sears. In June, just in time for garden season, the company showcased their line of Craftsman® Zero Turn Steerable Riding Mowers and Front Wheel “Walk Behind” (aka push mowers) at a NYC press event. The muscular mowers are designed for ease of use, especially when mowing large yards - plus feature the very cool, wireless, Bluetooth technology-enabled Craftsman Smart Lawn app. Available from the iTunes App Store, the Smart Lawn app is like having a personal assistant to help power riders take care of their mowers with product care instructions, quick access to product information and parts replacement ordering. The easy-to-use app is operable from any mobile device and provides graphics and text updates as part of its Pre Start Checklist so you can readily manage the mower’s battery life, blade replacement, and schedule to change the air filter and oil. It also offers maintenance tips and alerts along with weather tracking to help determine the optimum mowing time. Now there’s no worry of it raining on your mowing moments!

Think that mowing the turf is nothing more than straight lines up and back? Think again. The Smart Lawn app provides mowing suggestions indicating ideal mowing times based on user preferences, weather, and more. You’ll have the most styled lawn in the neighborhood!

The App also includes do-it-yourself maintenance videos and step-by-step tutorials on changing blades, installing a mulch kit and bagger, how-to change the oil, as well as product information, owner’s manual, parts, and accessories list. See, every beauty has accessories.


The Riding Mower has a zero-degree turning radius enabling riders to cut with precision and save time navigating around obstacles and against edges. Just like a sleek car, the mower features a single steering wheel with four-wheel steering - no more tricky contortions just to drive the yard. Instead, here is steady control of front and rear wheels. Missed a spot? Don’t drive around in circles - this easy to use model allows for reverse mowing. The mower’s Consistent Cut Technology allows riding mowers to “excel in tall grass and hilly terrain,” thereby sending a design statement that will make your neighbors rather green with envy.

Craftsman riding mower, photo courtesy of Sears Craftsman

The Craftsman V-Twin Kohler® 7000 Series Smart Choke Engine eliminates the need for manual priming (three cheers!) and enables the rider to reach speeds of up to 7 MPH - and no worries about a speeding ticket!

The mower is available in either a 42” and a 50” cutting deck model. Go big or … well, you are home!

Is your lawn more on the petite size? The Craftsman® brand’s line of three propelled mowers are designed with you in mind, sweet pea: a front wheel drive gas mower, a wide deck gas mower and a rear wheel drive caster - with 7-inch front lockable caster wheels with front and back ball bearings. With less friction, there’s steady, easy driving -- and safety - but you knew that. Designed with innovative features, the push mowers, er, “walk behind” mowers are “reliable, high-quality and inventive,” says Sears Craftsman.

Pro Series Wheel Drive Caster Mower; photo courtesy Sears Craftsman.  Look at those wheels!

Let’s not overlook how noisy suburbia can be due to those “Mow, Blow, and Go guys" tearing up the quiet lawns and gardens there. Craftsman to the rescue! According to the company, their “Quiet Power Technology engine is 65 percent quieter than other mowers.” The quiet mowers may not insure a zen-like experience but they do offer a clutch of pro-like features that make it stress-free and easy to use, including a Briggs & Stratton® EXi Platinum Series Quiet Power TechnologyTM engines with plenty of torque. Plus, EXi engines never require an oil change, simply just use the Check and Add Oil as needed feature, making maintenance easier than ever. With its Ready Start® & Smooth Start recoil system, there is no need to choke or prime the engine before getting started -- you’ll have to rely on the gym weights for those arm-defining exercises. The mowers also variable speed options and include a Dustblocker bag and precision plus cutting system “delivering high performance bagging and mulching with a durable blade.” Good gardens depend on good, consistent mulching. The dual-point wheel height adjustment feature allows for a customized height to match your yard’s terrain.

The mower also has an EZ Store handle that provides a vertical position for storage and “three handle height positions for multiple users.” Come on - you can’t have all the fun. Share the “lawn love.”

All mowers are available at Sears, Sears Hometown Stores, Sears.com and Craftsman