Murphy’s Law: You will have troubles with your Furnace during a cold-snap.
Thank goodness for space heaters!
Our heat has been wonky last night and this morning and the house feels like an icy igloo. I woke up this morning feeling like I’m coming down with a cold too. My poor body is just trying to stay alive!
Right now, I have my space heater so close to me, I could melt, but I am willing to take that risk. Hopefully the technician will be able to make it today.
Of course, all I could think about this morning was getting WARM and it was the perfect morning for a hot bowl of oats that would warm me from the inside out.
Aside from making Rustic Banana Cake, another easy way to use up black bananas is by mashing them into oatmeal for a lovely Banana Bread effect. A really ripe banana makes for a sweet bowl of oats too, so I didn’t need any additional sweetener in this bowl which is always nice!
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Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Oats
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup regular oats
- 1 cup Almond Milk, or adjust to preference
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 ripe banana, mashed into oats
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp PB2 Peanut butter OR 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Toppings: 1/2 cup sliced strawberries + 2 tbsp chopped walnuts + sweetener if preferred
Directions: Whisk all ingredients except strawberries and walnut in a pot over medium heat. Whisk well until combined. Stir every minute or two for about 10 minutes until thickened. Before serving, stir in the strawberries and nuts. Makes 1 delicious serving.
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A reader sent me some PB2 to try out a while ago so I thought I would try stirring some into my oatmeal this morning. PB2 is basically powdered, defatted peanut butter with 85% less fat than traditional peanut butter. They also add in some sugar and salt to pump up the flavour. I have to admit, it does taste better than I thought it would, though, I still prefer using real peanut butter in moderation, extra calories and all. 
Eric surprised me with some organic strawberries the other day. We normally don’t buy the non-local berries in the Winter, but once and a while they are a nice treat. This pint was really flavourful for some reason.
After cooking the oats, stir in the toppings of your choice…
Oh, and try to avoid doing this…
[I blame my frozen, lifeless fingers…]
I added a splash of Almond Milk to my bowl. I really enjoy a bit of milk poured on top of my oats lately.
How To Make A Light Reflector In 1 Minute Flat
The main way I have learned more about food photography is by using online tutorials and then practicing these tips in my shoots. I thought it would be fun to occasionally share with you the tips and tricks that I learn along the way.
The other day I came across this easy tip on how to build a light reflector. Light reflectors are often used in photography to bounce the light and brighten up your shot. I’ll show you a before and after below.
Step 1) Grab a Binder
Step 2: Cover it with tin foil.
Step 3) Secure with tape.
A benefit of using a binder is that you can bend it forwards and backwards.
Before (not using light reflector)
After (using light reflector)
The difference is very subtle, but you can see how it brightens up and fills out some of the dark areas in the after shot!
Just try not to get the binder in your shot… ;)
My next tip has to do with using props in a photo. I have some fun progress pictures to show you from my first experiment.
You might also want to check out my ‘how to make a light box’ post from the other week.
I think more hot tea is in order. :)
a light reflector is such a good idea–sometimes I try to balance my camera while holding up a white paper towel to reflect light, doesn’t work too well :)
haha I just got the most hilarious visual of that. Ive tried using a white styrofoam board and it was a huge hassle and always fell.
Hello :)
I like your recipes and journal entries so much. Thank you for posting, Angela. You are a real inspiration. And the reflector is awesome!
I send you my best wishes from Hamburg (North-Germany).
Thanks Annie :) So fun to know I have a reader from Hamburg!
Yikes– I hope your heat comes back on!!!! Bundle up!!
I can definitely tell a difference– cool trick!!
Gorgeous pics and great tip on the light reflector!
There have been many days this winter (most days…) when I’m so cold that I drink tea continuously partly to hold a hot cup! Thanks for the light reflector tips, I might have to try that. I’ve only been blogging for a few weeks, but I’m learning a lot about which rooms in my house get good natural photography light. Are you just using the light reflector near natural light, or are you using it with artificial light, too?
I only use it when in natural light :) Sometimes I get a lot of shadows depending on the time of day and whether it is cloudy outside or sunny, so it can help bounce some light around.
My furnace was broken last night too! The technician came at 12:30 in the morning, a little too late but at least we weren’t cold anymore:)
And duh, why did I not think of that?! Now I can make a speedy light reflector!
Breakfast sounds delicious! Strawberries pretty much go with anything in my opinion :)
Thanks for the tips on the light reflector! Oh and by the way, yesterday I was at costco and found some of that marinara sauce you posted about the other day. I can’t wait to try it with spelt elbow pasta and some nutritional yeast on top in a baby le creuset look-alike I bought!!
I was thinking it would go lovely with some nutritional yeast. Enjoy!
Brilliant quick tip! I should really do this. Our lighting in our home is terrible. All overhead at weird angles that cast shadows.
wow such a great and useful tip!
our heating has been super wonky as well haha but we live in a huge old mansion haha (temporarily)
be glad it was just nuts! I once splattered pumpkin ALL over my kitchen! oops…
What a great trick! Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for the tip. I’m going to go try it now.
thanks for the tips! One day I will need this!
I really just want your breakfast…look at those strawberries!
I drop something on the floor at least once a day. :)
I love your strawberry/pb oats! Is there any reason why you add the chia seeds other than for nutritional value? Not sure if they add any different texture to the oats or if flax would be the same. :)
hey jenny!
i have never used flax in oatmeal,
but i do use and love chia seeds.
they seem to really fluff up
and bulk up the oats and add
a cool texture but no weird taste.
very VERY yum,
especially with a banana and pb
whipped in!
; )
I made a light box and it has really helped with my photos, especially on those non-sunny days. Now I’ll have to make a light reflector! :D
Breakfast looks amazing! I love my oats with a splash of milk too! :D
Yum! I want those oats now! I am in desperate need of more PB 2!
Thank you angela!!!! This is awesome! <3 Do you use the binder with natural light, a lamp, or in a light box? I'm super curious!
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
What a sweet idea! Off to find a binder now ;)
Thanks so much for the light reflector tip. It IS subtle, but the difference is impressive.
Have a great day, keep warm.
Brrr….and I thought it was bad when my hot water heater crapped out on me the other week, nevermind the furnace!
I hope that repair guy gets to you before you turn frosty on us!
Stay warm :)
Those warm oats look delicious!!!!