Blueberry Pie Stovetop Oats

Does it get much better than warm pie straight out of the oven with fresh fruit inside and a nice crumble on top? I didn't think so. So when breakfasting (is that a word? Definitely making it one) earlier this week, something in me was just craving the satisfaction that comes only after fresh baked pie. So I figured why not try to bring all of that goodness to my morning oatmeal? 

I also saw that I had some blueberry Lifeway kefir on hand, and I thought that would not only add the perfect flavor but really bring a delicious, rich consistency to the oats. And trust me, it does. I warmed up a nice, quick, and easy crumble to add on top, plus some extra blueberries, and a cashew butter drizzle, and we were good to go! It was so comforting and satisfying and the perfect way to get that pie fix early in the morning.

Here's What You'll Need:

For the Oats:
-1.5 cups rolled oats
-8 oz blueberry Lifeway kefir
-1.5 cups water
-1/2 cup frozen blueberries (fresh also works)
-2 tbsp maple syrup
-1/2 tsp vanilla
-1/2 tsp cinnamon
-Pinch of sea salt

For the Crumble:
-1/4 cup rolled oats
-1 tbsp almond flour (I use this one)
-3 tbsp coconut butter (I use this one)
-1 tsp coconut sugar
-Pinch of sea salt

Serves 3

Instructions:

1) Mix together the 1.5 cups rolled oats, water, and kefir in a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
2) Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and add in the remaining oats ingredients.
3) Continue to cook the oats, stirring regularly, until they thicken to your desired consistency (about 5-8 minutes).
4) Remove them from the heat and split between bowls.
5) In the meantime, heat up the remaining 1/4 cup oats in a pain over medium heat to toast them just a bit (2-3 minutes).
6) Add in the coconut butter and cook the two until the coconut butter is fully melted.
7) Add in the remaining crumble ingredients, stirring to combine well. Remove from heat.
8) Split the crumble to top each bowl.
6) Add any extra desired toppings, serve, and enjoy!

As I mentioned earlier, I topped mine with a extra frozen blueberries and cashew butter which I'd highly recommend, but feel free to play around! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Sweet Potato Blueberry Waffles with Lifeway Kefir (GF)

I first stumbled upon kefir just over a year ago. That's probably a bit embarrassing to admit, but I honestly had no idea what it was. I pretty much just thought it was yogurt that was a little less thick and a little more liquid-y. The general consistency isn't that far off, but kefir itself is SO much more than that! It is packed with probiotics which are great for gut health and immunity. You may have heard these terms a lot recently, but that is because they are truly so important. Gut health is everything! It literally effects your entire body and is so important when it comes to digestion. Beyond the probiotic aspect, kefir is also high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D just to name a few. 

I was recently introduced to Lifeway Kefir, a brand of a variety of different, delicious kefir, cheeses, and other probiotic products. They have everything from flavored kefir to frozen (dessert-like) kefir to supplements and obviously your standard, plain kefir which I just love! With all of these options, I knew that I needed to have some fun playing around in the kitchen.

I'm starting it off with a sweet potato and blueberry gluten free waffle using Lifeway's blueberry kefir. I know the combo might sound a little weird, but it is SO good! Seriously, you can't knock it until you try it. And the flavor of this kefir is so delicious, you'll never know that there aren't actual blueberries in it.

Here's What You'll Need:

-1/2 of a large sweet potato (or 1 small one)
-1/2 cup Blueberry Lifeway Kefir
-1/4 cup water
-1/4 cup quinoa flour
-1 tsp baking powder
-1 egg

Instructions:

1) Cook you sweet potato until it softens by either roasting it in the oven or poking holes in it with a fork and microwaving . I generally microwave it for about 2-3 minutes per side.
2) Remove the skin, and place the softened sweet potato in a mixing bowl.
3) Mash the sweet potato with a fork until smooth.
4) Add in the remaining ingredients and mix together thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5) Preheat and spray your waffle maker. Add in the mixture, and cook according to your waffle maker's instructions.
6) Remove from the waffle maker, serve, and enjoy!

I topped mine with some chopped walnuts for a little crunch and a drizzle of maple syrup. I'd definitely recommend the combination but would also love hear how you enjoyed yours! Let me know what you think in the comments below!