Terra Americana

After a weekend of traipsing through the fabric markets of Shanghai and eating nothing that was good for me I spent a 4 hour train ride reading Mark Bittman's VB6.  It had been a hot and steamy weekend that left me feeling drained by a lack of water and over consumption of junk food.  The book proposes a vegan lifestyle before 6 pm.  At night you can be a carnivore.  It is not a limited diet, more of a mindset change which has given me perspective on a better way of eating.  A change that would not hurt anyone to incorporate into their lives.

One of my takeaways was this breakfast parfait recipe.  It is a great make ahead meal that can sit in your fridge for days and double as dessert.  I have added a bit of yogurt for a better gut and nuts because a variety of texture in my meals always seems to leave me satiated.

• 1 apple, chopped (I love honey crisp for this)
• 1 tsp Russian Mulling Spice or cinnamon/nutmeg
• ½ cup Muesli or other low-sugar, high-fiber cereal 
• 2 ripe medium bananas
  
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 cup plain greek yogurt (optional)
• 1/8 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

Toss apple pieces with mulling spice and microwave for 1 minute.  Put the bananas in a medium bowl and squeeze the lemon juice over all.  Mash and stir the mixture with a fork or potato masher until it’s as smooth or lumpy as you like.

Assemble parfaits in short, wide glasses in alternating layers of spiced apple, cereal and mashed banana/tofu until you use everything up.  Top with nuts.  Serve immediately.

More simple and healthy breakfasts;

• Savory Breakfast Cupcakes
• Protein Packed Carrot Muffins
• Mixed Fruit Power Bars
• Pumpkin and Pecan Biscuits, healthy sustenance

Photo Credit: Julie Cecchini