I really appreciated your comments on yesterday’s post. It was wonderful the way you embraced my suggestions to mix things up with the addition of quinoa and chia. You are an open minded bunch – not limiting your love to sandwiches and salads. Today, I’d like to move beyond energy boosting bowls to help fuel your afternoon or evening workout – I hope you’ll enjoy these breakfast-for-dinner ideas.
First up is a recipe from Ashley of the edible perspective blog. Over the years she has tested and perfected the banana scramble (and has even created an apple scramble for those opposed to the texture of mashed bananas). Ashley’s recipe is a great base for a multitude of flavour variations. The only trouble is, she usually serves this delicious scramble warm from the sauté pan – making it a tough recipe to replicate at your desk.
But, I love a challenge. So, I did a test of my own and I’m pleased to report you can sauté these on the weekend, freeze them and then simply reheat in a toaster or toaster oven. Get ready for some serious banana bliss!
Ashley’s Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Scramble – makes 3 or 4
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 TBSP ground flax seed
2 TBSP almond milk
1 banana
2 tsp cinnamon
splash of vanilla extract
2 TBSP shredded coconut
1 tsp coconut oil (or whatever oil you like to saute with)
In a small bowl mash the banana with a fork until it becomes like applesauce in texture. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Pour about 2 TBSP of batter into a patty shape in the pan (about 1/2″ thick). Cook for about 3 minutes on each side – until it is nicely browned.
Desk-friendly Directions: After you cook the scramble patties, allow them to cool. Wrap each patty individually and toss them in the freezer. When you’re read to enjoy a patty, just warm it through in a toaster or toaster oven. Feel free to top with nut butter or maple syrup for extra energy.
Another one of my favourite work lunches is fruit-filled crêpes. Yes, I am very fancy!
This fantastic recipe (click the link above for all the directions) combines: 1 part ground flax, 1 part water, and 2 parts mashed banana. A pretty simple ingredient list for a very filling meal. The recipe suggests you dehydrate the crêpes for 4-6 hours – but you could also bake them (on a parchment-lined baking sheet) at a low temperature in your oven for 30-45 minutes. The texture should be dry but pliable.
Once cooked (or dried), cut the crêpes into small squares and store them in your freezer. For lunch, pack a couple from your freezer along with some fresh fruit and a nut butter (pictured above is homemade vegan nutella). The crêpes should be at room temperature by the time you’re ready to eat. Fill each one with a delicious combo of fruit and tsp of nut butter.
Take a big bite and imagine you’re on the shore of the Seine rather than the corner of your cubicle.
Now, that I’ve planted the seed – you may want to eat “cubicle crêpes” on a regular basis. If you do have a dehydrator then follow the link below to Matthew Kenney’s amazing raw recipe for
Banana-Coconut fruit crêpes from Everyday Raw DessertsThese have a much more extensive ingredient list – but the results are worth the investment.
Just like above, for an office-friendly meal, freeze your batch of crêpes. Before work, pack up a couple along with whatever fruit you have on hand. In the picture above you’ll see what looks like a luscious cream. Actually, it is the results of a banana blended with cinnamon, vanilla extract and a little water. You could whip the cream up in the morning and then keep it cold in the fridge at work until you’re ready to drizzle it inside your coconut crêpe.
I can’t imagine a better way to chase a budget meeting than a plate of fruit-filled crêpes or banana scramble. All of the element are easy to digest and will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on an afternoon yoga class or run in the park.
Keep in mind these meals are meant for consumption two hours before you exercise (as per Hazel’s request). These suggestions are a little more substantial than I would recommend as pre-workout snacks.
Have you ever enjoyed a cubicle crêpes?
