I got SO much done in the last 3 days. My to-do list is almost cleared out. The only things left are things like recipe + about me updates on the blog.

What did I do today? It would take too long to list! The main point is that I’m pretty much done and SO ready to get to Portland!! A few of you have asked about meeting up and given my place to check out while I’m in town. Unfortunately, there is going to be no time for meet-ups or sightseeing. The only sights I’ll be seeing is looking out of the Peas’ windows!!

If you missed the details of where I’m going, you can check here + here.

[so excited!!!!!!!!!!]

Before I go I thought I would leave you with a recipe.

Per your lovely suggestions, I used my vita-mix to grind farro this morning. It worked amazingly!! The noise was significantly lower and it took much less time, with a better result.

The texture you are looking for is very powdery with small pieces of farro mixed throughout.

Ahhhh, finally. Farro breakfast perfection!

Studded with raisins + topped with almonds, just like the wonderful breakfast at il Cane Rosso.

The texture was much better this morning. I used a mixture of almond milk + water. It was silkier and not quite as thick.

love.love.love.

creamy farro porridge

1/3c [slightly rounded] ground farro
3/4c unsweetened almond milk
1/2c water
pinch of salt
1/2T butter/earth balance
2t sucanat/brown sugar

Bring water, milk, and farro to a slow boil.
Let cook over medium heat, whisking every few minutes.
After it starts to thicken ~8-10min, whisk in salt, butter, and sucanat.
Total cook time is about 12-15min, or until desired consistency is met. If you let it cook a little too long, just add more milk or water.
Add mix-ins, pour in a bowl and add toppings.

I just had to add more toppings. :) Ahhh, this was delightful. The only problem is that it didn’t keep me full as long as oatmeal. I’m not sure why that is. The only thing I didn’t include in this bowl is my typical 1/2 banana. However, I added more nuts than usual, thinking the extra fat would help hold me over. I’ll have to try again when I get back from Oregon. Sometimes when I’m in go-go-go mode, nothing holds me over for more than 2hrs.

And now a lesson in being an efficient packer.

Actually, not a lesson because I am NOT an efficient packer. I don’t really over-pack, but I hate cramming things into a small suitcase and not having a few extra clothing options. For this trip, I’m not too concerned with what I’m wearing.

5 days worth of clothing + toiletries, is stuffed into this small rolling carryon bag. I’ve seen this clothes-rolling method before, as a way to save space, so I thought I would give it a try. At first I had everything stacked and then I rolled it to see the difference. Definitely helped!