puffed, chalky, rocky, progress, fun!
May 13, 2011 #1 – Puffed!
Popped amaranth is so delicious. It soaks up the milk and turns into a cold porridge, which I LOVE.
This morning I made a cocoa version.
This morning’s bowl included thawed frozen organic strawberries, banana, honey, cocoa, coconut + flax. When you thaw strawberries they leave a delicious, sweet sauce behind, that adds so much flavor to the bowl.
The sweetness of the honey, balances with the unsweetened cocoa, making the perfect combination.
Pour on the milk + let it soak in.
This bowl was HUGE and filled with flavor, crunch, chew + cream. Everything I love about breakfast!
Strawberry Chococlate Banana Puffmaranth [serves 1]
- 1/3c raw amaranth [follow popped amaranth directions for popping]
- 1.5T unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2T ground flax meal
- sprinkling of coconut
- 1 sliced banana
- 5 thawed frozen organic strawberries, or fresh
- ~1-1.5 milk of choice
- honey drizzle
- Pop amaranth and let cool for a few minutes in a bowl.
- Mix with cocoa + flax.
- Add toppings + pour on milk.
This breakfast comes together quicker than when I make a bowl of oats and it’s just as delicious. If you’re getting sick of oats, or it’s too hot in the morning to eat them, this is a fabulous change of pace. It will also keep you just as full as oats, if not more!
#2 – Chalky!
I got 2 sample packs of Sun Warrior protein powder and was really excited to give them a try. I have one pack of the “natural” and one of the “chocolate.”
Today, I mixed the “natural” pack with:
- 1c frozen organic cherries
- 1/2 banana
- 1c almond milk
- 1T chia seeds
- 1T cocoa powder
- 2c spinach
You could definitely taste the flavor of the protein powder, which I didn’t mind at all.
What I did mind though was the extreme chalkiness. I really was expecting more from this protein powder, but was let down by the texture.
I’m so glad I didn’t order this before trying the sample!
The nutrition stats + ingredient list are impressive, but not work the chalkiness. Blegh!
#3 – Rocky
Playing with rocks??
Yupp!! I headed over to Greyrock Concrete today to work on our last counter piece. It’s going to be placed above the stove, where the wall opening is. I am extremely excited about it and can’t wait until it’s done! I bought + glued down all of the rocks that will be set in the top of the counter. They’re doing a little something different with the color too. Fun!!
#4 – Progress
Part of my crazy organizing day on Thursday, was spent unpacking boxes from the 2nd bedroom. We were waiting to tackle them until the 3rd bedroom was ready for things to be moved in, but I just couldn’t wait any longer. The room full of boxes was eating me alive!!
I unpacked a lot of fun wedding glassware that we haven’t been able to use yet. I feel like a grown-up being able to have it all on display! Some of the things in here are random, like the cookbooks + green vase. I just needed to get them out of the way for now. :)
PreTTy glass!!
Not too many boxes left!! Most of them are filled with books, which we have no place for yet.
I also got our desk put together. It’s obviously from Ikea. :) This was a cinch to put together!! I just had to screw in 5 legs. Instant desk! I’m excited that there is enough room for 2 chairs + both laptops.
Like the kitchen, this room also feels like it grew overnight. I remember when we looked at the house and the current tenants had a bed, dresser, TV, etc. in it and it felt like a shoe box.
It feels nice + roomy now!! One day, we’ll put the doors on the closets too. One step at a time!! Clearing out this room [~70% of the way] was major progress!
Remember what it looked like before?? Eeek!
#5 – Fun!!
Biking to a brewery or two is turning into a Friday ritual, and it’s pretty great. For me, enjoying 1.5 beers is the perfect relaxing amount and for some lucky reason isn’t bothering my stomach at all! We hit up New Belgium + Equinox tonight and met up with Peter + Michelle.
After, we headed to Tasty Harmony for another knock-out dinner, and then to our house for game night. {we.are.so.cool.}
Heavy eyes. Off to bed!!
Ashley
Reader Comments (49)
i've heard SO many good things about sun warrior, so it's very interesting to hear a negative review! i've actually never had protein powder, so i'm trying to find one that would be the most delicious, and i was leaning towards sun warrior, but the chalkiness you described does NOT sound like something i'd be a fan of!
you're life is pretty awesome. Biking to breweries, designing a classy home, and eating fabulous bowls of cereal. I want to be you when I grow up!
I totally agree with you on the natural Sun Warrior. I am VERY picky when it comes to protein powders, and I've tried a bazillion different brands and flavors and hated every single one. Except? Chocolate Sun Warrior. You might want to give it a try before you write off Sun Warrior totally. I just blend 1 scoop with a cup of coconut or almond milk, some frozen raspberries (since they are not too sweet because the powder is--no need for banana at all!) and a couple handfuls of spinach. Yum. I hope you find one you like!
I've never tried amaranth but I have a bag sitting in our kitchen that I don't know how to use. I'm gonna try this!
I love that piece that all of your glass is in! It is really great!!
I've actually been searching for a protein powder that I like. I'm not so sure that I've found one that I love, though. I'd love to hear more reviews from you before I try any more!
so sad you don't like sun warrior :( hope you find a good protein soon! i just got a sample of tera protein made with goat milk instead of cows, interested to try it!
Puffmaranth = i love that word :)
Sun Warr in Natural is pretty nasty, IMO.
However, the chocolate is a diff story! It's my fave protein powder! I dont do dairy protein powders, hemp and pea are too gritty and "earthy" for me, and soy..meh, I dont use it. So for the little PP I do use, Sun Warr in Choc is the one! I hope you like it!
i LOVE those rocks!!!
Ashely, Oh My Gosh! I'm sitting here eating a breakfast bake (inspired by you of course) and I'm wondering why in the world it took me so long to make one of these. They are AMAZIng!!!! :)
Wow... you're the organization queen, officially. You've convinced me to have a big bowl of puffed cereal this morning. Thanks for your honesty about the chalkiness. It's always challenging to find a protein powder that isn't chalky
great progress on the 2nd bedroom! i'm looking forward to seeing that piece with the rocks. :-)
a few friendly suggestions - how about storing your glass upside down (to minimize dust collecting in them)? also, you and Chris did a beautiful job refinishing your floors, so why not put a mat or a towel below your hand weights to avoid scratching the floor?
i really enjoy looking at the progress you're making on your home. you're doing a phenomenal job! :-)
I'm surprised to hear your review of Sun Warrior because so many bloggers seem to love it. I'm curious to try it, but I probably wouldn't buy a whole package of it after reading this.
Hope you enjoyed the rest of your night! :)
Ugh I DESPISE Sun Warrior. I have no idea how so many bloggers actually love it. It tastes like absolute garbage. There are so many better protein powders!
Glad all is going well! You are making excellent progress! It looks great!
Ashley...where to start!?
I am so inspired by the pace of your reno and the gorgeousness of your kitchen that I have really picked up the pace to getting my own reno done! Thanks!!! I cannot wait to see the special counter piece! When I come to show my bf my plans for our kitchen, I may just show him some pics of yours ;-) Love it!
I am surprised that you hated the SW protein; it's one of the very few vegan ones that I really like in my smoothies/shakes (mostly the vanilla and choc). I just threw out some Vega Vanilla Chai, which hurt a little bit, but the stuff tastes sooo wrong and I just can't stomach it (and I am not a picky or fussy eater at all!). I really want to like it, but no. Yuck.
And now to the Puffmaranth...I want to give you a big virtual hug! Who knew I would get so excited about tiny little puffy things!? After a huge Amaranth popping fail months ago (burned half a pack of it, the methods I used just didn't work and the packet just hung out in the back of the cupboard ever since), I finally gave your method a go today. Oh my...I have been missing out! Your method worked a tread, no fails and I have a huuuge tupperware container full of Puffmaranth now!!! I will never buy muesli/cereal mixes again! I got so excited that I even made a quick compote from frozen blueberries to enjoy with a BIG portion of vanilla yoghurt and the amaranth! I even thought about layering it all up in a pretty glas to send you a pic, but was too impatient to that. Sooo delicious! hmm, writing about it makes me want another bowl full... the kitchen is calling :-)
Thanks for this super simple and super delicious idea!!!
You guys are working so hard- if anyone deserves a great Friday ritual like biking to the brewery it's you! x
What a great way to spend Friday evening :)
we still have so many boxes of great wedding presents that we can't yet unpack! I love the look of your glassware, so exciting! can't wait to see that last counter piece! :)
Huh, so many people seem to go nuts over Sun Warrior, so I appreciate this review. If it's THAT chalky and THAT expensive, it's totally not worth it.
Wow, surprised to hear your take on sun warrior after so many bloggers LOVE it. I'm finally running out of the protein powder that has been in my pantry forever and was going to buy sun warrior just based off everyone else's opinion. Glad you spoke up! I hate chalkiness so might have to look at other options.
The house is looking great! I remember feeling so "grown-up" when we got our china cabinet and I could put wedding stuff in it.
That puffed bowl looks so yummy! I'll definitely have to try it.
Thats a shame about the protein powder. I've heard such good things about Sun Warrior!
I can't wait to see how the rocky counter turns out! And going to breweries is so much fun. Ever since my husband and I did major breweries tours/samples in Bend we've been enjoying local breweries even more around our place. It's great because we can walk there when the weather is nice!
I love the amarynth popping idea. I hbe used the micro version on salads a lot, but I never thought of the cereal. I will have to give your version a try. After my morning walk it will be just what I was looking for. As for the protein powder, my favorite brand is a bit pricey. I like AllMax isoNatural unflavored. The chalkiness is not to bad, it's low on carbs, and makes a great recovery smoothie!
I admire what you are doing in the house. Are you doing it by yourself, or is it contracted out?
Can't wait to see what you are up to with the coloured rocks! Big shopping day today to stock up for a few weeks and amaranth is one the list. Looking forward to doing some popping.
And you must be super tidy! That desk for 2 chairs and 2 laptops? Hah! I have taken up that size of a desk all for myself :)
Thanks for the review of Sun Warrior. I've thought about getting it since so many bloggesr rave about it, but I didn't want to drop that much money on it.
I can't wait to see your countertop! Looks like a very creative idea!
Hope you like it!! It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, but after it's a cinch! :) Well, we're at least going to try to make it work for both of us. hehe
Thanks so much Jason! My husband and I are doing a lot of it ourselves, but my uncle [home builder/developer] is also helping us with the construction parts. We haven't contracted anything out except some electrical + plumbing work!
I haven't seen many reviews of the SW, but can't believe it's so popular. I've heard good things about the flavored versions but it includes stevia + some other ingredients I'm not a fan of.
Yeah, I was a bit surprised myself!! I figured it would be chalky mixed just with milk, but even with the banana in there it was pretty bad!
Wow, thank you so much Nathalie!! You are too kind! I'm so so glad that the amaranth popping worked for you too! I love making it...SO quick + easy!! It's amazing how filling it is too!
OMG thank youuuuuuuu...I thought it was horrrrrible and I even like weird protein powders like hemp! It was literally like drinking CHALK. I don't get it at all!! I would love to hear some of your favorites. :)
It was honestly, terrible! haha
YAY!! I am so glad!! :)
I'm anxious to try the chocolate, but stevia is in it, which I never like in PP. We'll see!!
I have a few other reviews on here. It seems that the brown rice proteins are all pretty chalky but this has been the worst so far!
Takes a few tries, but is pretty easy. Hope you like it!!
I'll try the chocolate, but there is stevia in it which I hate. I can always detect it, even in small amounts. We shall see!! I liked that the natural flavor was only the protein and no added ingredients.
Aw, you're so sweet. ;)
I'm shocked about all the good reviews!!
How do you pop amaranth in the microwave? I've burnt so much amaranth on the stove! I just can't seem to get the temp right.
Plain rice protein powder is kinda chalky, it takes a couple of tries to actually get to like them. But definitely try the Chocolate Sun Warrior, it is good! I tried the natural, the vanilla, and the chocolate and the Chocolate was by far my favorite. I actually like the rice protein powder but not a lot of it. When I use rice protein I use it plain, but I don't add too much of it to a smoothie, or I add 1/2 tbsp of it and combine with another type protein powder I like (most of the time I combine it with whey protein, but I believe you don't want to do whey). A lot of people like pea + rice protein combo. I can't stand pea protein, so I go for the rice by itself or combined with either whey or hemp powders.
Ana
Wow, now you just build up an insane amount of cred in my books! I am slowly learning the process of DIY home repair. It is a lot of fun, for sure!
I so agree with that chalky comment about Sun Warrior protein powder. I actually bought it when it was buy one vanilla get a small chocolate free. I also couldn't tolerate them. NASTY!
I'm dying to try Tasty Harmony next time I'm in Fort Collins :)
I've heard really good things about Sun Warrior, but it's so expensive. Now I'm glad I've never bought any if it's chalky!
thank you for sharing the popped amaranth! it's so yummy!i have a question though, how much (popped) do you usually eat for breakfast? i popped a large batch so i'm not sure how much 1/3 c raw is popped. thanks :)
I feel the SAME exact way about Sun Warrior. Too much hype. I like Lifetime Basic's Vanilla.
I finally mastered amaranth popping! I like to mix it with nut butter, then pour milk on top. And of course toppings like coconut, flax, chia seeds, spices, and fruits are always welcome :)
I'm not sure exactly. I typically pop 1/3c when I make a breakfast bowl but don't measure it after popping...I would estimate 2c
That is good to know about the protein powder. I'm a bit surprised because Ive heard so much about it! I have not tried it though. I think my fav so far is the vega choc-o-lot...no stevia too.
It was seriously like mealy chalkdust...I don't get it!! The only thing I like is that it had 25g protein. However, the taste was not worth it!
[...] amaranth. Check out her site for more detailed instructions and beautiful shots of the little poppers. You can use a saucepan with a lid to avoid the mess which is a real headache to clean up, but I [...]