So the January Recipe Challenge was somewhat of a failure. I ended up making recipes from 4 of the 7 continents!
- South America: Peruvian Chickpea Stew
- Asia: Palak Paneer and Channa Masala
- Europe: Swedish Forest Mushroom Soup
- Africa: West African Peanut Stew
I missed Australia, Antactica (which doesn’t really have civilization) and North America (which basically should constitute everything I eat everyday).
Overall, this was a very fun challenge! Even though I didn’t make it through all the continents, I discovered some great recipes and had fun in the process!
I was pondering the idea of a February Challenge; however, I’ve decided against it. In February, I’m going to concentrate on healthy eating/living and getting back into the swing of school. That doesn’t mean I won’t try fantastic new recipes and share them with you all! Do you have a February Challenge?
But on to today… I started February off with some spice!
Not that kind of spice!
I give you, Mexican Chocolate Oats!
In the mix:
- 1/2 cup oats
- Chia seeds
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
- Dash of Cayenne
- 1 small banana
- 1 oz greek yogurt (for added creaminess and protein! stirred in at the end)
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
Pretty delicious! The cayenne gave it a nice kick to jump start my morning.
According to the World’s Healthiest Foods (anyone else love this site???), Cayenne has many health benefits!
Not only does is make your meals more exciting, but it also fights inflammation, reduces blood cholesterol, boosts immunity, helps prevent stomach ulcers and even helps in weight loss by raising your body temperature which uses more energy! (source)
Eat your Mexican Chocolate Oats! Basically any plain chocolate recipe can be made “Mexican” by adding cinnamon and cayenne. Try adding some to plain chocolate cupcakes! Sooo good!
Today is my first discussion section as a TA! Wish me luck!!
Hope your February is starting out well! Have a fantastic day!!
What’s your goal for February??
Foodologie 
Haha I saw your N’sync/Backstreet boys comment and then clicked over here and found the Spice Girls. My friends always made me be scary spice.
I love the WHF website! Except the creepy man on the homepage….gots to go.
I probably should have some sort of goal for February
OOoh, these look so yummy!
Is it bad that your oats is making me want Mexican hot chocolate?! 😀
Good luck with your discussion!!
Jenn
Cayenne in oats? Crazy! You already know what my Feb. challenge is 🙂
I’ve never seen that website before; thanks for sharing it!
cayenne pepper at early morning? woooo! that must have given you a big boost! 😉
february challenge? sleep more 😉
Oh my heavens, I need those oats in my life!
I’m trying to go dairy-free in February, less as a challenge and more as a way to fix some stomach and skin issues. It’s not a permanent move to veganism but who knows? If the month goes well…
I love WH foods. Such a great resource.
February goal: 4lb weightloss
Those oats look great! Added to my “to try” list for sure 😉
February Goal: Keep trying new foods! And get more creative with dinners…lol.
I hope your discussion as TA went amazingly well!
4 out of 7 is still not bad!
Mexican chocolate oats sound delicious!!
Hope today went well! I love this: Antactica (which doesn’t really have civilization) and North America (which basically should constitute everything I eat everyday). Haha, that’s great! No civilization = no recipe for you! : )
i am making those mexi chocolate oats immmmediately
Oh I love me some Spice Girls!
I’ve never thought of adding cayenne pepper to oats. What a great idea!
cinnamon + cayenne sounds fun! Now, if only I didn’t hate oats…