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. :)
Great idea! We have used plates with tin foil wrapped around them, but it gets difficult when my boyfriend isn’t home… can’t hold a plate and shoot at the same time! Great idea.
Thanks for another great photography tip! I’m making good use of the lightbox I bought off of e-bay and your ideas for lighting it. Boy is this winter going on and on and on and on!
Your breakfast looks so tasty and refreshing. It’s nice to see strawberries for breakfast in the middle of February! Thanks for the tips on using a light reflector….looks like it is a pretty easy trick to try ~ I just started my own blog and my photography skills will definitely benefit from your tricks and tips! Hope you are feeling better….& warmer really soon!!
I actually have the opposite problem – my place gets too stuffy at times. The landlords control the heat in their main house…it does cool down in the evening though. Makes me never want to go out though!…and I don’t…
Do you mind if I ask what the chia seeds do? Do you add them because they are healthy mostly? Or do they actually do something to make the oats taste better or pump them up more? Also, I know you live in Canada right – where do you do most of your shopping? The stores around me are NOT great with organics and stuff. But I can’t afford “those cute, hippy organic” stores and they are far driving distance.
I love when you give photography tips Ange! I had no idea that a light reflector would make such a difference. The oats look delicious – never would have thought to combine strawberries and PB but yours looks gorgeous!
That oatmeal looks splendid! light reflector is a good idea, I must say:)
What a great idea about the binder! I think I may have to give that a shot! :)
Isn’t that an awesome oat combination? I regularly eat a combo of PB, banana, stawberries and walnuts! Actually had it this am! mmmmm
I’ve been thinking about combining your green monster with your VOO to make the ultimate breakfast. I was thinking I’d make a classic green monster with a non-frozen banana then pour that over oats & chia seeds & let it set overnight. Thoughts? I think it would be a great way to add some veggies to my oats :)
As a college student taking photography class I really appreciate all your tips and tricks for taking good photographs. Your photos have continued to be an inspiration. Do you have any favorite photography blogs either featuring various photographers or basic techniques? Currently I enjoy LENSCRATCH and the NYT Lens blog…Thanks!
And that oatmeal looks amazing. I have oatmeal every morning because my hands and feet are always cold ( got to love my Reynaud’s ) and I have to go out at the crack of dawn to collect eggs and give water to my chickens -but I love my hens anyways :)
Super ripe bananas in my oats is my favorite ever! I love the smell of warm ripe bananas too.
Thanks for the tip about the light refractor!
I’ve been meaning to try one of your oat recipes! My boyfriend and I are a huge fan of overnight oatmeal with apples and cinnamon:) Thanks! Stay warm and feel better:)
Looking good! Next thing I need Is more counter space!
Haha! What a great idea!!
I am lucky my white tile in the kitchen works well with Ryan’s movie recording lights ;) I have tried many, many things, but not a binder! Great tip!
Hope you warm up a bit doll
xxoo
I prefer real peanut butter too. Besides, I need those healthy fats!
Mmm your oatmeal looks delicious! I love putting banana in my oats!
Light reflector tip…have seen that other places. But just like with a lightbox, I havent actually made one. But this…is simpler than a lightbox. I think i can handle this one :)
I would have never noticed the binder in your shot in the last pic, btw. You are too honest :)
And Murhphy’s Law with the furnace…the coldest week of the year in early Jan our furnace went out, too! We wore lots of layers that week!
Can’t wait for the PROPS post. THAT is one i really want to see!
I love these diy photography tips. You make taking good food photographs seem do-able. (I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it!)
This is a great idea- thanks for sharing!
Those strawberries look amazing–they’re so red! Yum. I can’t wait until the summer farmer’s market!
oh that breakfast…I am lost for words! It is stunning!