Guest Post: Nanaimo Bar Oatmeal by Char’s Kitchen

For my first guest poster, I am so excited to introduce you to Char of Char’s Kitchen! I’m sure many of you know her; she’s certainly been on my blogroll for a while :).

Char lives just a ferry ride away from me on Vancouver Island (big up BCers!) and is a fellow animal-friendly cat-lover like myself. Her spirit is adorable and I love reading her blog for delicious recipes that seriously impress. I actually made this oatmeal the morning after I received this post from Char and I can vouch for it – it is AWESOME. As you know I. Love. Oatmeal…and often post varieties of oatmeal flavours (I have a vacation-inspired tropical oatmeal recipe coming up for you on Friday!). This is being added to my breakfast rotation for sure (you don’t even have to know or have had a Nanaimo bar to enjoy this, I promise, but if you haven’t heard of a Nanaimo bar – seriously, Google it).

Enjoy and thank you Char!

Anna xxx

Hello foodies! I’m Char, and I blog over at Char’s Kitchen. I’m so excited to be blogging for Anna today (one of my fave bloggers) while she’s away on her trip! Hope you’re having fun, Anna! 🙂

Wanna know a lil bit about me? Like Anna, I’m a BC girl. I live on Vancouver Island with my boyfriend, Dallas and my krazy kitty, Mowzers.

Both Dallas & I are students at VIU, and I am currently working towards my B.A. with a major in Psychology. In my spare time, I like to make (and eat!) food!

I’ve been vegan for just over 4 years, and I love finding new ways to veganize old favourites. I grew up on fast food and packaged meals, pushing my veggies to the side of my plate. My family never thought I’d grow up to be someone who would willingly an entire plate of veggies 😉 But they’ve all been incredibly supportive along the way.

Since I have many obligations, I don’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen. My meals (and treats!) tend to be ready in 30 minutes or less, and are delicious enough to satisfy me and my man! I hope you’ll stop by my blog and poke around :).

So while I had planned to “wow” all of you with some amazing new recipe you’d all be dying to try, the 4 major assignments hanging over my head, lack of sleep, and pressure to finish of this semester with a bang has left me with little more to make than…wait for it…OATMEAL! Bahaha. I made a Nanaimo Bar Baked Oatmeal only a little while back, and it has been a HUGE hit! Since I realize not everyone has ramekins at home, I decided to take to my stovetop and create a creamy dreamy version of the same thing. Which is my favourite? Don’t ask me to choose! It depends on the texture I’m craving, but I promise you will love them both.

Thanks so much for reading, foodies! Enjoy, from my kitchen to yours <3

Stovetop Nanaimo Bar Oatmeal

INGREDIENTS (serves 1):

½ cup rolled oats
1 ½ cups almond mylk, unsweetened
2 tsp stevia leaf powder
1 tsp custard powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp cocoa powder
½ tsp shredded coconut
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tbsp chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small pot over high heat, bring oats and almond mylk to a boil; Stir.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low, continuing to stir every 2-3 minutes. Allow to cook until a thick, gooey oatmeal forms.

3. Stir in all remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Make sure to mix well.

4. Remove oatmeal from heat and stir in chocolate chips. Continue to stir, allowing chocolate to melt a little bit.

5. Pour oatmeal into bowl and serve! Best devoured warm. 🙂

Thanks again, Anna!  Enjoy your vacay!

peace, love, food <3

Char, xo