Lending a Helping Hand

As all of you know, Haiti is going through a devastating time right now. All of us have times in our lives where sometimes it’s just too hard to face something on our own. I thought it would helpful to list a couple of ways that you guys can help out because right now there are some friends that need a helping hand.

Stand with Haiti

Red Cross

The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:

SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts

SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts

SMS text “GIVE10″ to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

World Food Programme

If you all could spread the word about ways that we can help, that would be incredible!

Peppercorn-Encrusted Portobello Fillets with Yellow Tomato Béarnaise and Mashed Potatoes

“A classic béarnaise sauce begins with a hollandaise.” Yellow tomatoes were used (for their bright, yolky color) to make the béarnaise.”

The mashed potatoes also used Chef Tal’s cashew cream recipe.
Watercress and Cabbage Stir-Fry

I can’t remember the last time I ate green cabbage, but I had a head of it in my fridge begging me to make something delicious with it. The recipe can be found here.

Sweet and sour green cabbage with California "chicken" salad and some leftover béarnaise

It’s easy to make things sweet and sour. Just use vinegar and sugar when cooking.

My friend gave me a couple of these Sabra-to-go cups–genius!
Watercress and Cabbage Stir-fry + Sandwich
Hummus + Avocado + Sun-dried tomatoes + Horseradish sauce

This sandwich had quite the kick!

After dinner I got ready to go out with some friends. Aye aye captain!
I decided to wear my “samurai” jacket. It had been hiding in my closet for a couple years.
We went to a place where there are a bunch of bars and took the bus my school provides to lessen the chances of drinking and driving–what a great idea.

It was such a fun night. We all danced our hearts out till “Last Call” and got hit on by a few guys. It was really funny. At one point I was looking for my friends and some random guy told me they were “over there.” Well, he was right! The ride back was hilarious and loud. I’m pretty sure I could dance all night given the chance. Saturday rolled around and it was also my roommate’s birthday! It was her day to be treated like a princess, so we did whatever her little heart desired–necessary stop at Target and a few thriftstores!

Decided to go for a comfortable yet chic look.

Heritage fashion? I think I want to replace the buttons with wooden ones.

Another “The Conscious Cook” recipe: California “Chicken” Salad

I used seitan instead of Gardein chick’n, but it still turned out a-okay! Since I didn’t have grapes on hand I just soaked some raisins in water till they were plump. The toasted walnuts gave it an extra crunch and richness. And the lime and agave gave it a freshness that reminded me of summer.

A birthday dinner was in order!

We walked over to a southern food restaurant called Comfort. How’s that for a name? I also imagine it would be the perfect name for a breakfast joint with breakfasts we all dream of being served.

She was hungry!
More lovely company.
First came the water served in mason jars and the breads–cornbread!

I ordered a vegetarian friendly vegetable plate: fried okra, roasted beets, squash casserole, and sweet potato puree.

After I made my order the waiter said that he would’ve ordered the same exact thing! I just remembered these the last time I went to this place and I loved everything except for the beets. That’s weird! I love beets! So naturally I gave them another chance, and I’m glad I did. I also tried a pear cider beer that was so good! No funny face was made afterwards. After dinner we walked home and my roommate tried calling her boyfriend so he could pick up some birthday cake for her. Well his phone was off, but then he magically pulled up in front of us and exclaimed, “I have ice cream cake and lava cake!” What a wonderful coincidence.

A forest of baby’s breath for the birthday girl.
People came over and cake was served–two cakes!

On Sunday I woke up to the sound of rain and birds chirping. So I took it as a cue to make it a low-key day and pamper myself.

Matilda loved the sound of that.
Star-shaped Baked Oatmeal

I know many of you love baked oatmeal and I had never tried it before. That morning I had time and I had patience. I had seen a recipe for baked oatmeal on Eliza and Maya‘s blogs. I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand so I improvised.

Baked Oatmeal Recipe: Serves 1

1/2 cup quick cooking/old fashion oats

1 tbsp liquid egg whites (I used melted banana since I don’t have eggs)

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup vanilla hemp milk (I used soy)

1/4 tsp cinnamon + more on top (I used pumpkin pie spice)

*dash of clove and nutmeg and ginger

2 tbsp raisins

1 tbsp apple sauce (I used delicious mashed sweet potato)

Banana

1 tbsp. chopped walnuts (toasted)

Sweetener of choice

*I also added coconut oil when baking.

Preheat oven to 375. In two separate bowls combine the dry ingredients (oats, sweetener, baking powder, spices) and the wet ingredients(egg white, milk, apple sauce) combine the ingredients and stir. Add in the raisins, or any dried fruit of preference.

Pour in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or just spray a pan with cooking spray. Stick in hot oven and bake for 30 minutes, at about 20-25 minutes into the baking process, top with banana slices so they get all warm and sweet!

Plate and top with walnuts or desired nuts or toppings.

I topped mine with banana slices, Sunland's caramel peanut butter, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and a last minute decision: maple syrup

This was such a wonderful breakfast! Actually, it was the best breakfast I’ve had in awhile. There was just something so comforting about it. I will definitely be making this more often.

Lounging around in one of my favorite robes.

I decided to treat myself to a candle-lit detox bath, a deep-cleansing face mask, some waxing, and nail polishing. It all ended with a restorative and soothing lunar flow yoga practice. I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend and some of you get an extra day off too!

p.s. And don’t forget to check out Katie’s amazing Vita-mix Giveaway!

30 thoughts on “Lending a Helping Hand

  1. ohh yumm! :) love ur baked oatmeal, and the toppings! caramel PB!? what?! :) sounds so good, and looks delish!
    and i love that robe, love the idea of a spa day, i am in need of that!
    & looks like a great time at Comfort..yummmii foods! Aye aye captain! sooo cute :)

    and Haiti, so devastating what is happening. :/ i will be sure to spread the word on ways to help.
    xxxx
    maya

  2. Great pictures of some great times!

    And Sabra to go…wow…I think I just have to emigrate. Or take a plane to the US right now!;)

    xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

  3. Adorable robe!

    That portobello dish looks amazing, I love those big ol’mushrooms. Once my mom and I stuffed portos. with cous cous and cheese, they were delicious. I also love doing porto burgers! Ah so many great things you can do with mushrooms…

    Have a great day hun!

  4. hey katharina :) loving that baked oatmeal! im definitely going to try it soon. my mom used to make something like it! oh and that veggie dish at the restaurant- drool! i love just lounging around the house sometimes- its so nice and comforting. i feel so horrible about what happened in haiti- thank you for getting everyone to help. have a wonderful monday! xoxo soph

    PS- oh my gosh, your food makes me drool! :P

  5. LOVE that robe! and your flats.. i have some just like those! they are adorable.
    baked oatmeal? i gota try!!! is it still soft and mushy?
    i love what you ordered at the restaurant, all of your eats are so unique and delicious!
    so sad about Haiti, gah, breaks my heart. we are so blessed here.
    have a great day girl!

  6. thank you the bloggie shout out to haiti! we must try to support anyway possible.

    COMFORT! love your veggie plate. that looks amazing… and happy belated birthday to your friend!

    aw matilda baby, luff you. and i love you too. your samurai jacket is gorgeous! vintage?!

    happy MLK/no school day! mwah.
    XO brookie

  7. Oh my god, I love that samurai jacket! I have never seen anything like it ’round here. And I love those leopard slippers… *dying*

    The star-shaped baked oatmeal is so neat :) I know my mom has these Williams-Sonoma ice cream sandwich cutters in the shapes of a star, cow’s face, and pig’s face. If only I had them here, I could make some cute oats like you!

  8. Jaw dropping, both your food & fashion. Seriously, Katharina, if you compiled a little book of everything you find fascinating & fun, almost like a scrapbook with commentary, I would buy it in an instant…. and so would many many other girls.

    I’m going to follow your lead and pamper myself today. I haven’t painted my nails in far too long.

  9. Thank you for sharing this awareness to donate to Haiti. You are such a sweet and giving girl and your words are so inspirational.

    I LOVE baked Oatmeal, probably more than anything on this earth. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Love that it serves one ! :) Perfect for me.

    Take care love.

  10. What a cutie pie you are! Every outfit in this post makes me want to raid your wardrobe! Baked oatmeal sounds so delicious – I’ve never tried it either!
    Also, that watercress and cabbage stir fry sounds fabulous – you just always have a new idea up your sleeve!

  11. aha! a little samurai soldier lives inside you ;) i love your outfits meine suesse! i have shoes just like yours with the animal print. for me animal prints are alwasy in fashion for sure :)
    hmm and your baked oatmeal looks fantastic! well all your food alwways looks supa-lecker.
    aw my little soul mate why do you have to be so far from me??
    xoxo love u

  12. Wow, you have some of the most incredibly exotic and adventurous eats ever! I love the portobello “steak” idea, and YOUR BREADS! If I could find breads as delicious looking as the one you ate with hummus, I would be devouring them more often than I should…

  13. Great style, amazing food, lovely company. This post has it all! Well, it seems like EVERY of your post is like that, Katharina! Your blog is such a pleasure to read :-)

    I want that fried okra!! Wow!

  14. I’m in love with your apartment. I loove the brick walls! So classy and vintagey. Straight outta an Anthropologie ad! :) Love your eats as usual too.

    xoxo

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