Old Photo Friday: Happy Birthday, Kenny!

WHO: Kenneth Richard Hanselman
WHERE: Eugene, OR (Fenster Street Townhouse)
WHEN: 1980-81

Happy 60th Birthday to second Dad, Kenny...who celebrates a birthday today! You still have that sweet smile! We love you.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Fat Tuesday Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberry Citrus Sauce

The day before Ash Wednesday is known by many names: Mardi Gras, Carnival, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Paczki Day, and Pancake Day.

As many turn to the penitential season of Lent, they enjoy one last day of feasting. On this day, medieval Christians used up their eggs, butter, and milk--all of which were forbidden during their Lenten abstinence by making pancakes and pastries. Yum!

I made these yummy pancakes a few weeks ago and we loved them (I've since made them again). The blueberry sauce is very good....so good you won't need pancake syrup...promise!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Oatmeal Pancakes with Blueberry Citrus Sauce

Ingredients:

Serves 2

SAUCE

3/4 cup(s) fresh blueberries, fresh or thawed frozen

2 Tbsp powdered sugar

1 Tbsp water

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, or to taste

1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

PANCAKES

1 cup(s) uncooked rolled oats, old-fashioned

1 Tbsp packed brown sugar

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste

1/2 cup(s) low-fat plain yogurt, Greek or regular style

1/3 cup(s) apple or orange juice

1 large egg(s), lightly beaten

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• To make the blueberry sauce, combine blueberries, confectioners’ sugar, water, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Keep warm.
  
  
• Place the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a food processor; pulse until the oats are finely ground. Transfer to a bowl and add the yogurt, juice, egg, and vanilla; stir until just blended. Let the batter stand 5 minutes.
  
  
• Spray a nonstick griddle or large skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium heat. Pour the batter by four 1⁄4 cupfuls onto the griddle, and cook until the bubbles that form on the top have burst and the undersides are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes longer. Repeat with the remaining batter making a total of 8 pancakes, using more nonstick spray if necessary. Serve the pancakes with the blueberry sauce.
  

Yields 4 pancakes and 1⁄4 cup blueberry sauce per serving.

Note: Normally I cook pancakes on fairly high heat, but these cook extremely fast so keep your eye on them....the can burn easily!

Recipe courtesy of Weight Watchers
Photo courtesy of Moi; wonderful pancakes that I will totally make again and again and again!

Walking around Greenlake

Last Saturday, Brian and I took a stroll around Greenlake (2.8 miles). We've not been in ages and despite the gray and overcast day (sorry the pictures came out so dark) we made it around the entire lake in about an hour.

Green Lake is a freshwater lake in north central Seattle. It is a glacial lake, its basin having been dug 50,000 years ago by the Vashon glacier, which also created Lake Washington and Lake Union.

Green Lake was named by David Phillips, who surveyed the area in September 1855 for the United States Surveyor General. His first notes referred to it as "Lake Green" because even in its natural state the lake is prone to algae blooms.

The area was originally homesteaded by various pioneers, the first being Erhart Sarfried, "Green Lake John." Sarfried subdivided his homestead in 1888 and sold the land to various entrepreneurs. W.D. Wood built an "amusement park" on the west side of the lake (which never amounted to more than a glorified lawn for picnics).

Red Carnations hanging from fishing line

Green Lake is surrounded entirely by a very popular paved path. The 2.8 mile path is divided into two lanes — one for walkers and one for wheels!

We came upon this interesting artistic display hanging from a tree on the path...perhaps a Valentine's Day arrangement for lovers?

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Valentine's Week

Happy Valentine's Week!

Since there are so many hearts in the air this week, it's a good week to remember to be heart healthy. Here are some key tips:

• If you smoke, stop....please! About 30% of all heart disease deaths are directly related to cigarette smoking.
• Load up on heart friendly foods. Eat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains & legumes (beans)
• Eat smaller but more meals throughout the day (5 - 6 mini-meals).
• Drink 32 to 64 oz. of water daily (unless fluid restricted).
• Move your body! 30 - 60 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Check with your doctor before starting a new workout program.

Here is this week's heart healthy menu!

Enjoy!

Stacy

Monday: Meatless Monday! Garden Burgers perhaps even a few tater tots!

Tuesday: Happy Valentine's Day! Taking my sweetheart out for dinner to Mama Mia

Wednesday: Greek Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Salad

Thursday: Best Ever BLT

Along the Puget Sound

Last Friday, I took the early Amtrak train from Portland to Seattle. Luckily, we arrived along the Puget Sound just south of Tacoma as the sun was setting.


I managed to capture a few photos with my cell phone (which takes amazing pictures especially on a moving train). Brian told me they reminded him of Ansel Adams so I decided to post a few.


Enjoy!
Stacy