Pumpkin Pasta Review and Breakfast Ideas

We finally had the creamy pumpkin pasta with peas and toasted walnuts this week. I thought it was quite tasty (heated up well as leftovers too), but I will make a few changes next time. Marshall felt it was too "gooey" (that makes it sound really unappetizing!...there was just a bit too much sauce). I am making it again soon, but I am changing up the spice set, will use less sauce per the amount of pasta, and I am also adding chicken. I didn't use nutritional yeast either. I put about a cup of monterey jack cheese on top and will do the same next time. I also decided to bake it in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes to melt the cheese. It was fast, easy, and a fun change from the usual sweet pumpkin dishes. This will continue to be on our menu through the pumpkin season and beyond!....Assuming that I am able to get my hands on many more pumpkins to cook and freeze.

Now to breakfast.

Did you know you can eat oats?...In a bowl with milk....Without cooking them. Had them for breakfast this morning with raisins and pecans. Yum! You may be wondering if they're tough. I suppose the first few bites before the milk has had a chance to soak in are a bit tough, but it's nothing teeth can't handle. Raisins are my normal add-in because I like the texture with the oats and they add sweetness. You could also leave those out and use something else such as berries, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, dried apricots or figs, etc.

Ever heard of breakfast quinoa? It's all the rage these days! But don't be fooled, you can eat it for lunch too! Here is my new, easy favorite:

• 1/4 cup rinsed quinoa
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

-Toast walnuts in a small pot for a few minutes. Place them in your bowl, along with the chocolate chips. Add quinoa, water, and milk to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and MOST of the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Pour all contents of the pot into your bowl with the walnuts and chocolate. Stir and serve! 

If you desire more sweetness a bit of honey or maple syrup should do the job. You could also use only milk or only water, but I prefer the combination. And if you use only water I would recommend waiting until all of it is absorbed. This is another great place to use unsweetened almond milk if you are a fan.