Most days I take a protein shake to work, but today I tried something different. I saw an add for a company that makes Protein Overnight Oats. Serving price wasn't horrible (about $3-$5 a piece). But I am cheap and I have all the ingredients at home. So I tried making my own this morning. I am really liking it. Here is what I used. Now I will say that this made enough for 2 servings. But since I am working all day and forgot a lunch, I am hoping this will sustain me through. So with that said you can cut this recipe in half, or just divide it into 2 jars.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (7g of protein)
4 tbsp peanut butter powder (12g of protein)
1 tsp chia seeds (.7g of protein)
1 cup water
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (1g of protein)
1 scoop protein powder (22g of protein)
1/3 cup Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt - Vanilla (8.5g of protein)
1.5 tbsp organic cocoa powder (1.5g of protein

*for a total of 573 calories & 52.7g of protein for the whole recipe.
  Or 286.5 calories & 26.35g of protein per serving

DIRECTIONS
this makes 2 servings

1. Divide ingredients into 2 pint jars.
2. Shake ingredients well and put in fridge for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight.
3. When going to consume, if it's too thick for your liking, you can add more almond milk (or what ever liquid you used)

Ingredients
3 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
3 tbsp Dutch Process Baking Cocoa
1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Melted Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
3/4 cup Freeze Dried Raspberries or Freeze Dried Strawberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a rimmed baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned rolled oats, sliced toasted almonds, cocoa powder, In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together - oil, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Combine wet ingredients with oat mixture and stir until all of the ingredients are incorporated and coated evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to the lined sheet pan. Using a spatula or spoon, spread into an even thin layer.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing the granola halfway through, until the granola is lightly toasted and very fragrant.
5. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cooled stir in the chocolate chips and dried raspberries or strawberries. Transfer the granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.

INGREDIENTS
2 Boxes of Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Recipe Chocolate Cake Mix
1 - 9 oz Bag Heath Pieces (found in the candy isle)
1 cup (or half a bag) Special Dark Chocolate Chips
2 sticks room temp butter
4 eggs

DIRECTIONS
- Pre-heat oven to 350* - shelf on middle. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Combine both boxes of Cake Mix and both sticks of butter in your mixer bowl. Mix on low until butter is fully incorporated into the mix.
- While mixer is on, one at a time, add the eggs, making sure each egg has been incorporated before adding the next egg.
- Add pieces and dark chocolate chips, mix with spoon and not with mixer so the heath pieces don't break up.
- Spread dough evenly on the parchment lined jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

If you would rather make these as drop cookies instead of bar cookies, then space the dough 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Center will be slightly gooey (like a brownie).

Tis the time of year when you've gotta make sure your house, car, and anything else is locked up tight or you might get your neighbors extra squash and zucchini! Well I am here to tell you, now you can open your doors and welcome the bounty with open arms! Because we are taking that zucchini and squash and turning it into CHOCOLATE CAKE!!

Chocolate Cake - Taste Tester's Consensus
Husband: Liked it, but could tell that it was zucchini flour
Friend, Natalie who is Gluten Free: Liked it and would totally make it.
Natalie's 9-year old daughter who is also Gluten Free:
Really liked it, wondering what else we can try!
Are you local and want to be a taste tester? Email me and let me know!