Creamy Chai Spiced Overnight Oats

Breakfast is a very important meal.  Getting everyone out the door in the mornings can be a challenge and the last thing I want to do is skip breakfast or pick up an unhealthy option while I am out and about.

Chai Spice combines the flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and nutmeg.  It is the perfect way to add a boost of flavor to your morning oats.

Overnight Oats are a great addition to the grab & go lifestyle.  They are easy to assemble making it easy to prepare 4-5 servings at once.  They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  This is a huge time saver!

Most recipes just have you add your ingredients to a bowl or jar, stir and place in the fridge overnight.  Then the next day, you can add your toppings and get your day started.

Note:  Chia seeds have a gritty texture.  Use a spice grinder to grind the chia seeds with the oats and spices.  This process will to reduce the gritty texture and result in creamy Overnight Oats.

First, add 1/4 cup of Old Fashioned Oats to a spice grinder along with 1-1/2 teaspoons of Chia Seeds and 3/4 teaspoon of Chai Spice.  Then pulse the oat mixture in the spice grinder about 12 times until the mixture has a consistency of sand.

 

 

Next, transfer the oat mixture from the spice grinder to a small mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup Non-fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt, 1/3 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk, a pinch of Kosher Salt, 1 packet of Splenda and 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients.  The mixture will be very creamy.

Chai Spiced Oats Mixed Up

Transfer the ingredients to a jar or storage container and place your container in the fridge overnight.  The Oats will soften and the Chia Seeds will take on a chewy and gelatinous texture.

In the morning, grab your container and add your favorite toppings.  For this recipe, try topping your Overnight Oats with a thin layer of Non-Fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt, 1 teaspoon of No-Sugar Added Peach Preserves and a few Blueberries.

Creamy Chai Spiced Oats with Peach Blueberry Topping

Enjoy!

Creamy Chai Spiced Overnight Oats

  • Servings: 1
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Easy recipe to make Chai Spiced Overnight Oats that are creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Chia Seeds
  • 3/4 teaspoon Chai Spice
  • 1/3 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1/4 cup Non-fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 packet of Splenda
  • pinch Kosher Salt

If you choose to skip the step to grind the oats, chia seeds and spices, just place all ingredients in the bowl and reduce the amount of Unsweetened Almond Milk to 1/4 Cup.

Directions

  1. Add the Oats, Chia Seeds and Chai Spice to spice grinder. Pulse 12 times.
  2. Transfer oat mixture to a small mixing bowl.
  3. Add Unsweetened Almond Milk, Non-fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Splenda and Salt.
  4. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
  5. Transfer to a storage container and place in the fridge to chill overnight.
  6. Top with your toppings of choice. I recommend a thin layer of yogurt and low sugar fruit preserves.

Chai Spice

If you love Chai Spice, try this recipe to mix Chai Spice at home.  Add this flavorful spice mixture to add to tea, cocoa, oatmeal and baked goods.  Make it for yourself or give it to a friend as a thoughtful holiday gift.

Enjoy!

Chai Spice

  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Easy recipe to mix Chai Spice at home for baked goods or to give someone as a gift.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 4 teaspoons Ground Cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cloves
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Nutmeg

Directions

  1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until all ingredients are combined.
  2. Transfer to an air-tight jar.

Amazing Marble Cupcakes {with a twist…of course}

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This weekend, my 8-year-old son and I made these cupcakes together. The interesting ingredients resulted in probably the best cupcakes we’ve made. Yum!

Enjoy! Denise

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Amazing Marble Cupcakes

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
3 Eggs
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
8 oz. Pepsi
4 oz. Maraschino Cherry Juice
1/4 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground Cardamom
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
Maraschino Cherries

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line 2 cupcake pans with liners and set aside.
  • Add cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, Pepsi, maraschino cherry juice, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl.
  • Beat on low for 30 seconds then beat on med-high for 2-3 minutes.

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  • Pour 1/3 of cake batter to a small mixing bowl. Add the cocoa powder and mix well with a rubber spatula.
  • Divide the non-chocolate cake batter evenly between the 24 cupcake liners.

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  • Divide and dollop the chocolate batter evenly between the 24 cupcake liners.

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  • Using the dull end of a wooden skewer, marble the batter.

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  • Bake for 17-20 minutes.
  • Cool completely then frost with your favorite buttercream frosting and top with a maraschino cherry.20120826-135012.jpg

20 Clove Garlic Chicken with Lemon & Olives {slow cooker}

Garlic… You either live it or you hate it…..

I love it!

This recipe uses an entire bulb of garlic!

While it slow cooks, the garlic gets soft and mushy. The flavor mellows…resulting in an almost sweet flavor.

Enjoy! Denise

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Slow Cooked 20 Clove Garlic Chicken with Lemon & Olives

1 Garlic Bulb
1 cup White Wine
1 cup Chicken Broth
4 lbs. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, frozen
7 oz. jar Green Olives, drainers
2 Lemons, thinly sliced
1 Shallot, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon dried Thyme
Salt, Pepper & Hot Paprika (to taste)

  • Separate cloves of garlic. Peel & smash with the back of your knife. Set aside.

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  • In a large bowl, stir together wine, broth, thyme, salt, pepper and hot paprika. Set aside.

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  • Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
  • Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Pour broth/wine mixture over chicken.
  • Add olives and garlic. Top with sliced lemons and shallots.
  • Season top of lemons and shallots with salt and pepper to taste.

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  • Cook on low for 8 hours.

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  • Serve with rice or buttered noodles.

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Sweet & Salty Chocolate Toffee Cracker Candy

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I have thought about making this for a while. This recipe is not only easy, it is very rich and flavorful. My colleagues at work loved it…so I guess I need to make it again real soon!

My favorite thing about this recipe s that it is perfect for those last-minute “make & take” events because you can have the ingredients in your pantry….

Enjoy! Denise

Sweet & Salty Chocolate Toffee Cracker Candy

4 oz. Saltine Crackers (1/4 of avg. size box)
1 stick of Butter
1 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Powder (or extract)
2 teaspoons Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, divided
12 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Candies, Sprinkles, or Nuts

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and grease it with shortening.
  • Place the Saltines in a single layer on the lined cookie sheet; set aside.

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  • In a heavy saucepan, melt the dark brown sugar, butter along with 1 teaspoon of the pink salt, cinnamon and vanilla powder over medium heat.

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  • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Boil for 3 minutes.

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  • Carefully pour the mixture over the crackers. Use a metal spatula to spread the mixture evenly onto all the crackers.

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  • Place the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes (toffee will bubbly).
  • Transfer cookie sheet to a safe surface.
  • Pour the chocolate chips over the toffee; set aside until chocolate chips soften and look glossy.

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  • Use a metal spatula or scraper to smooth out the chocolate chips evenly to cover the toffee layer.

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  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of pink salt over the chocolate layer.

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  • Sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
  • Cool completely. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill. Cut or break into bite-size pieces.

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Caribbean Cooking Class – Grilled Jamaican Jerk Shrimp

Denise From GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com @ Savory Spice Shop of Raleigh

Below is the recipe for grilled Jamaican Jerk Shrimp that I shared during a Caribbean Cooking class that I presented at the Savory Spice Shop in Raleigh, NC.

The marinade for the shrimp features the Savory Spice Shop’s Jamaican Jerk Season Blend, Citrus Juice and Annatto Oil.

It is perfect for upcoming summer parties. You can grill outdoors or use your grill pan to grill indoors. It is easy and quick especially since you only need to marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes.

I also made this with turkey cutlets.

Yum!

Enjoy!
Denise

Banana Salsa

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Shrimp

2 lbs Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons Annatto Oil
Juice from 2 Limes
4 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Salt & Pepper to taste

    • Combine annatto oil, lime juice and Jamaican jerk seasoning in a shallow dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add shrimp to marinade. Toss to evenly coat.
    • Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

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Caribbean Cooking Class – Annatto Oil

Denise From GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com @ Savory Spice Shop of Raleigh

Below is the recipe for Annatto Oil that I shared during a Caribbean Cooking class that I presented at the Savory Spice Shop in Raleigh, NC.

Annatto is described as being “slightly peppery with a hint of nutmeg“. I use Annatto Oil for adding both color and flavor to my recipes. It adds a wonderful golden hue to rice, vegetables, seafood and poultry. In my family, it is a key ingredient for making Pastelillos.

Please note that Annatto Oil is a deep golden red. It does stain easily, so, be careful not get it on your clothing.

Annatto seeds have health benefits too!

Enjoy!

Denise

Annatto Oil
*Recipe Source: Miami Spice

1 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup Annatto Seeds

  • Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add annatto seeds. Cook until oil is reddish gold and the seeds begin to crackle (about 3 minutes).
  • Strain oil into a clean container with a lid.

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Caribbean Cooking Class – Black Bean & Mango Salad

Denise From GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com @ Savory Spice Shop of Raleigh

Last week, I taught my first cooking class at the Savory Spice Shop in Raleigh, NC. The theme for the class was Caribbean cooking.

We had a lot of fun cooking, talking and sharing information, stories….and laughs.

Below is the recipe for Black Bean & Mango Salad. I love this salad recipe because it is easy to make and perfect for spring/summer parties. The flavors are simple, fresh and versatile. It pairs well with chicken or seafood.

Enjoy!

Denise

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Black Bean & Mango Salad
*Recipe adapted from Miami Spice

3 ripe Mangos, chopped
3 15-oz cans Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1/4-1/2 cups fresh Cilantro, chopped
4 Scallions, trimmed and chopped
4 tablespoons Olive Oil
Juice of 2 Limes
Salt & Pepper to taste

  • Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  • Adjust seasoning as needed.

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Caribbean Cooking Class – Banana Salsa Recipe

Denise From GypsyWorldSpiceCafe.com @ Savory Spice Shop of RaleighLast week, I taught my first cooking class at the Savory Spice Shop in Raleigh, NC.   The theme for the class was Caribbean cooking.  

Below is the recipe for Banana Salsa.  I chose to present this recipe because it is simple, flavorful and colorful. 

Banana?

Yes!

If you like mango or pineapple salsa, you will love it. Also, bananas are SO much easier to chop than both mangos & pineapple. 

Try serving it with blue corn tortilla chips or serve alongside of either chicken or fish.

It was a big hit at the class too. Enjoy!

Denise

Banana Salsa

Banana Salsa
*Recipe adapted from Miami Spice

8 Finger Bananas, diced
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Jalapeño Pepper, diced
1 Serrano Pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Cardamom
4 Scallions, trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup fresh Mint, chopped
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Juice from 2 Limes
Salt & Pepper

  • Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  • Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve with blue corn tortilla chips, fish or chicken

Banana Salsa

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Easy as 3-2-1 -> Chocolate Coconut Water Martini

Chocolate Coconut Water? Absolutely! It is amazing.

I am a huge fan of coconut water and have it often with my lunch or after my work out. Recently, I discovered chocolate coconut water. Yum!

Below is my take one of my favorite cocktails…the Chocolate Martini.

Enjoy!

Denise

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Chocolate Coconut Water Martini

3 oz. Chocolate Coconut Water

2 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Kahlua

  • Fill your shaker halfway with ice.
  • Pour the ingredients into the shaker.
  • Cover and shake it good.

Serves 2

Note: I decided to rim my glass with equal parts unsweetened dark cocoa and splenda.

Polish Easter Bread Rolls

Putting A Twist on Tradition – Polish Easter Bread Rolls

It’s that time of year..  Spring is in full bloom and the Easter celebrations are in full force.  

Even with the hustle and bustle of the “everyday” routine, making time to maintain traditions is really important to my family.  

Making Polish Easter Bread is a family favorite.  It’s an all day event because we make several batches. 

Last year I posted my take on the “family recipe”, “Embracing In-Law Family Traditions = Polish Easter Bread”

This year I decided to put a twist on tradition and make Polish Easter Bread Rolls.     They were so cute….I  wish I had thought of this sooner!

Enjoy!

Denise

Polish Easter Bread Rolls

Polish Easter Bread Rolls

1 Batch of Polish Easter Bread Dough

Follow instructions for the making the bread with the following exceptions:

  • Spray cupcake pans with cooking spray.  Set aside.
  • Follow instructions for Polish Easter Bread Recipe.
  • Instead of dividing dough into 6 mini-loaves, divide into 48 rolls.
  • Place rolls into the cupcake pans for the second rise.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Spiced Hibiscus Granita {Spiked}

On the weekends, my husband and I like to take time to watch a movie together. This past weekend I made a dessert  cocktail for our “movie time”.

Granita is easy to make and the variations are only limited by your imagination.   Be sure to check out some suggested flavor combinations at the end of the recipe.

Enjoy!

Denise

Spiced Hibiscus Granita - Spiked

Spiced Hibiscus Granita {Spiked}

Vodka, Tea Bags, Cinnamon Stick

1-1/2 cups Water
1 two-inch Cinnamon Stick
3 Red Zinger Tea Bags
pinch of Salt
1/8 teaspoon ground Cardamom
1 cup Vodka
3-4 tablespoons Lemon Juice
3-4 tablespoons Vanilla Agave Syrup or Honey

  • Add water and cinnamon stick to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  • Remove pot from heat and add tea bags, cardamom and tiny pinch of salt to the boiling water.
  • Cover and let steep for five minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the vodka, agave syrup and lemon juice to a bowl. Stir to combine.
  • When tea is done steeping, remove tea bags and cinnamon stick.
  • Add tea to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Spiced Hibiscus Granita - Ready to Freeze

  • Transfer tea mixture to a 8×8 baking pan.

Spiced Hibiscus Granita - Ready to Freeze in Baking Pan

  • Place in the freezer for 4-6 hours. Scrape with a fork every hour to break up the ice crystals.

Spiced Hibiscus Tea Granita - Ready to Serve

  • Serve straight up (or add ice cream/fresh fruit).

Spiced Hibiscus Tea Granita - Ready to Eat

Variations

  • Coffee & Kahlua & Cardamom
  • Lemon Zinger Tea & Vodka & Basil
  • Diet Coke & Captain Morgan & Cinnamon (Note:  Just use 2 cans of soda … do not warm the soda!)

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