Relief and Brunch

My friend Rachel came over for brunch this weekend. (link) She hates eggs and has been eating cookie dough and cold pizza for breakfast since her husband left for overseas work (or chocolate covered fruit recently). I spoke with my dietitian about breakfast alternatives that I could make/recommend to Rachel, and she gave me an assignment to try out Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt can be purchased with 0%, 2%, or full fat and tastes much more thick and rich than "regular" yogurt. It also has 20g of protein per cup. This is an unreal amount of protein in a food that is not meat. TE has been trying to get me to enjoy protein shakes with him for years and I refuse to even sip one because I swear that I HATE protein powder. Especially soy protein. I love veggie burgers, veggie sausages, veggie anything made with soy, but I will never, ever, ever eat any soy "dairy" products, protein powder included. Yes it is probably a mental block, but still it is a real aversion for me. So getting back to shakes. This is a perfect way for the two of us to enjoy shakes in the morning, all we need is to add Greek yogurt rather than regular yogurt or milk and no protein powder needed to get a large amount of protein! Happiness.

I have not done that yet but here is the recipe I did make with the Greek yogurt for Rachel:

Greek Yogurt with a Fig, Date, and Honey Swirl

(recipe from foodnetwork.com)

Serves 3

1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup almonds (nuts toasted in frying pan)
8 figs, dried, cut into quarters
8 dried dates, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup water

Juice of 1 lemon

2 cups Greek yogurt

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the figs, dates, honey, water, and lemon juice.

Cook for about 10 minutes until fruit is soft.

Set aside and let it cool slightly.

Place the yogurt into individual bowls

Spoon the warm fruit onto the yogurt and gently swirl the fruit through the yogurt.

Sprinkle on the nuts.

Serve immediately.

*I served this on top of 1/4c lowfat granola with raisins. The picture was taken after we mixed the yogurt so it looks sloppy, but it was totally yummy.

Must get moving so I will update the post with calorie info so check back in a few...

Also I will include the amazing cinnamon buns that accompanied the yogurt.