My typical Saturday morning is coffee (nothing happens before coffee) and a visit to the Old Town Temecula Farmer's Market. If you are ever in my 'hood or want to take a day trip from Los Angeles or San Diego (we're closer to SD), it's a lovely way to spend a Saturday. It's set-up Saturday morning on the corner of 6th and Front St. The market hours are 8-12:30 so you'll need to get an early start. Tons of veggies, fruits, flowers, food stands, baked goods, cheeses, soaps, olive oil, homemade gifts... it's a true Farmer's Market. You know how some "farmer's markets" are really just flea market, infomercial crap with some veggies on the side. The Old Town Temecula Market is really good about not letting the tube sock and knock-off purse vendors in and the "stuff" that is there are handmade, artisan creations. I love my Farmer's Market. They also have a Wednesday mall parking lot market but it's not the same, go on Saturday. Spend the day... lots to do in Temecula 40+ wineries, antique stores (you've seen my latest DIY coffee bar project), hot air balloons, a gorgeous remodeled Temecula Theater, Pechanga Casino, tons of restaurants. I don't work for the tourism bureau but I probably should.
Anyway back to the market and the delicious breakfast I made this morning with some of my Farmer's Market haul...
I got up bright and early, not by choice, some dog must have gotten sprayed by a skunk in my neighborhood, it was so strong, poor dog (and owner.) Not the best smell to wake up to. I needed to change that and quick. I made a batch of my Spiced Chai Protein Granola. It smells so awesome as it cooks and cools and thankfully it changed the atmosphere.
Shelly's Spiced Chai Protein Granola
1/4 cup Oatmeal, dry
1/4 cup Spiced Chai Protein Powder
1/4 cup chopped Nuts (any, I used Pecans & Red Walnuts)
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
Squeeze together with your hands till clumps form. You need to use your hands for this one. Place on a Pam sprayed, foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Cool. It crisps as it cools. Crumble. Store in an airtight container. This a great snack on a hike or topping for protein ice cream, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt.
While my granola cooled, I peeled and sliced the peaches I bought yesterday at the market and arranged them in 4 ramekins. I topped the sliced peaches with a spoon of crumbled Spiced Chai Protein Granola and a dollop of Fig Greek Yogurt (also from the Farmer's Market.) If you are heading out on a weekend adventure you could assemble these in reusable containers or even plastic cups with wrap.
This breakfast was HEAVEN. Soooo delicious and protein-packed too. Hope you give it a try and check out your farmer's market (or mine!)