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Berry Vanilla Quinoa Bowl

July 23, 2016

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-35Berry Vanilla Quinoa Bowl //

Hello, friends! It sure has been a long time since Nicole and I have posted a recipe here on our sweet blog! We’ve missed you all… and are excited to be back in our creative space! 

So, my family and I recently took a summer road trip to Colorado. Driving from Southern California was going to be quite a long time in the car for our four kids — so we decided to spend one night outside of Zion National Park in Utah. (What a grand adventure that turned out to be! In fact, it was so amazing, that I think I will do a separate post on our travels sometime in the near future.) While staying in the darling town of Springdale, my husband found the most wonderful coffee shop with tasty organic treats for breakfast. He picked up a quinoa breakfast bowl, which I’ve been craving ever since!

This Berry Vanilla Quinoa Bowl was inspired by the one we shared this summer! It’s simple to make, healthy, and insanely delicious! 

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-18

Just like making your favorite batch of soup… this quinoa breakfast bowl allows you the freedom to add a pinch of this, a little of that, and whatever fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds you have on hand. The key to making it extra decadent, is infusing the quinoa with hints of vanilla and topping it with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-15

For this particular variation, I topped my prepared quinoa with fresh blueberries, sweet blackberries, roasted coconut, and slivered almonds. I then poured a drizzle of pure maple syrup with a splash of vanilla almond milk, to sweeten things up naturally… and to keep it moist. The end result was absolutely scrumptious! My four kids even approved!;)

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-26

TIP // Quinoa will stay fresh in your fridge for up to a week. I recommend placing the cooked quinoa in individual mason jars with lids. This will create a quick, on-the-go, healthy breakfast option for you and the kids! Simply mix in your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-32

Print Recipe

Berry Vanilla Quinoa Bowl

This Berry Vanilla Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is infused with hints of vanilla and topped with fresh seasonal berries, roasted coconut, slivered almonds, a splash of almond milk, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Not only is it irresistibly delicious, but is a clean and healthy way to start the day! It's also kid approved!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 4
Author: Simply Happenstance

Ingredients

  • QUINOA:
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or sliced vanilla bean
  • pinch of sea salt
  • TOPPINGS:
  • fresh berries I used blueberries & blackberries
  • roasted coconut I used these
  • slivered almonds
  • splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • pure maple syrup

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain the quinoa.
  • Place the quinoa in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean split), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a high simmer, cover, and reduce heat to a low simmer for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the quinoa sit for 5 more minutes or until the almond milk is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked. (If you used the vanilla bean -- remove now and discard.) Depending on how you like the consistency and flavor -- stir in a splash of almond milk (to increase moisture), and some maple syrup to sweeten (if desired).
  • Scoop the quinoa into four bowls. Top with rinsed berries, roasted coconut, and slivered almonds. Serve with a splash of vanilla almond milk poured on top and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Notes

- This dish can be served chilled or warm. To serve chilled, simply place the cooked quinoa in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before topping with fruit, nuts, etc.
- The cooked quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Serve at room temperature or heat it as you're ready to serve. If it's dry, simply add some more almond milk until you reach a consistency you're happy with.
- Get creative and add any seasonal fruit you like. Other optional toppings are: chia seeds, almond butter (or other nut butters), raw honey, cocoa nibs or chocolate chips, and crunchy granola.

 

Berry Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Coconut and Slivered Almonds-36

I hope you enjoy the recipe, friends! Let us know in the comments how you like to prepare your breakfast bowls!

For more of our favorite healthy breakfast bowl ideas, see these recipes from our archives: 

  • Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

vanilla chia seed pudding {recipe via simplyhappenstance.com}

  • Energizing Smoothie Bowl

energizing smoothie bowl

  • Breakfast Power Bowl

Gluten-Free Breakfast Power Bowl || Simply Happenstance

  • Apple Pie Breakfast Bowl

Apple Pie Breakfast Bowl - a thick vanilla chia seed pudding topped with fall favorites!

sarasignature3 copy

Filed Under: Food, food

Rustic Summer Fruit Pie

July 30, 2015

Rustic Summer Fruit PieRUSTIC SUMMER FRUIT PIE //

Hi guys! It’s been a while! Nicole and I have both been soaking up the summer with our families! We promise to give an update soon on our summer travels and adventures… but for now, we are sharing this favorite summertime dessert over at Simple As That Blog! We hope that you’ll pop on over to Rebecca’s lovely site to sneak a peek! This Rustic Summer Fruit Pie, served with fresh vanilla ice cream is the most perfect warm weather dessert! We hope you’ll make it, and let us know what you think of the recipe! xoxo

Rustic Summer Fruit Pie

Rustic Summer Fruit Pie

Filed Under: Food

Watermelon Salsa

June 30, 2015

Watermelon Salsa - a simple, yet flavorful appetizer for your summer festivities! (recipe on simplyhappenstance.com)Watermelon Salsa //

There’s nothing better than a quick and simple homemade salsa! The flavors are robust and so fresh with a medley of vegetables, cilantro, and…. WATERMELON (the secret ingredient that has made this my new summertime favorite)! 

Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-23

This Watermelon Salsa is delicious served as an appetizer with some salty tortilla chips … or it can be used as a fresh topping on poultry or fish. (I even love eating it completely plain — straight out of the bowl with a spoon!) You can even add a heaping spoonful into the center of a sliced avocado and eat it for lunch. (YUM!)

Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-12

The salsa will remind you of your favorite pico de gallo, only better! The sweet bites of watermelon… combined with chopped bell peppers, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro balance the amazing flavors present in the dish!

Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-32

Not only is it clean and healthy… it’s pretty to look at, too! Don’t you think? 

Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-35

This Watermelon Salsa would taste fabulous with roasted corn, black beans, chunks of fresh avocado, or sliced cherry tomatoes thrown in the mix. (I love a recipe that’s easy to customize according to what you have on hand!) It’s the perfect appetizer to bring to an upcoming Fourth of July Party or summertime soiree! Enjoy, friends!
Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-55

Watermelon Salsa - a deliciously simple appetizer perfect for all of your summer festivities! (Recipe on simplyhappenstance.com)! #FourthofJuly #HomemadeSalsa #Watermelon
Print Recipe

Watermelon Salsa

This tasty Watermelon Salsa is filled with healthy, fresh ingredients! It's a simple Fourth of July appetizer or summer potluck dish!
Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 8 -12
Author: Simply Happenstance adapted from Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

  • 1/2 whole Small Seedless Watermelon Diced
  • 1/2 whole Red Onion Diced
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper Seeded and Diced
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper Seeded and Diced
  • 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper Seeded and Diced
  • 2 whole Jalapeños Seeded and Diced
  • 1 whole Bunch Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • 1-2 whole Limes Juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt

Instructions

  • Combine all prepared ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Give it a good stir and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Keeps for one day, so get those chips ready!
  • *Optional ingredients // sliced avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes, black beans, and/or roasted corn.

Notes

Serve fresh salsa with tortilla chips for an appetizer, or scoop into one half of an avocado and eat for lunch! Also delicious as a topping for poultry and fish.
Original recipe from The Pioneer Woman // https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/06/watermelon-pico-de-gallo/

 

Watermelon Salsa - a summertime favorite (recipe via simplyhappenstance.com)-81

sarasignature3 copy

Filed Under: Food

Breakfast Power Bowl

March 31, 2015

Breakfast Power Bowl  Simply Happenstance-105Gluten-Free // Breakfast Power Bowl

Breakfast… it’s hands-down, my favorite meal of the day. I honestly wake up each morning, excited for my cup of coffee and ready to eat! I typically start my day with a healthy protein shake or smoothie. However, if I have a little more time, or if it’s the weekend, I get a bit more creative. Thank goodness for those days! They’re truly my favorite!

Breakfast Power Bowl  Simply Happenstance-21

This satisfying dish is one you can whip up the night before. (Sure… that takes a little more planning, but some days just call for a special morning treat!) If you are already having quinoa for dinner… make a little extra! When the kids go off to bed, add some chia seeds and almond milk to it, give it a stir, and place it in the refrigerator until morning. Simple, right?

Breakfast Power Bowl  Simply Happenstance-43

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Cucumber Mint Green Juice

March 17, 2015

First off, HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY, friends! To be completely honest, I was posting this green juice today — without thought of the holiday! How perfectly fitting! (I love when that happens!) Now on to the recipe!

Green Juice  cucumber + mint {simply happenstance}Cucumber Mint Green Juice //

A few months ago, I bought my first juicer (after watching the fabulous documentary… Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead). I did my online research, as I wanted a juicer that got the job done well, without a huge mess to clean up afterwards. I also didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on my first one (in case my new found obsession became short lived). I ended up purchasing the Breville Compact Juice Fountain, after reading some excellent reviews. (For sure do some price comparison shopping because I found a site that offered 10% off your first purchase + free shipping, so I only spent around $85! I think I got a huge bargain!) I am happy to report that I’ve been using my juicer a few times per week ever since it arrived! 

refreshing and energizing cucumber mint green juice  simply happenstance

I put a lot of consideration into whether or not I should post a ‘juicing’ recipe on here, as I understand owning a juicer is somewhat of a luxury. For those of you that already own one… this is a delicious green juice recipe to add to your mix. For those of you that are considering a juicer… I say GO FOR IT! (It is such an excellent way to add fruits and vegetables into your diet!) For those of you wondering why you may want to juice, check out this lovely post on the site, Simple Green Smoothies, for information on the difference between juicing and blending. What I personally love most about juicing, is the instant boost of energy I feel after drinking a glass! It really helps in the afternoon when I am in the mid-day slump (which for me, is around 3 p.m. when the kids come home from school).  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

Tasty Halloween Treats

October 27, 2014

Tasty Halloween Treat Recipes {simplyhappenstance.com} #halloween #kidfriendly #treats:: Tasty Halloween Treats ::

Hey, friends! Life is busy… so in case you’ve missed a post here-or-there, we decided to do a mini-roundup of our most recent Halloween Treats! These are all kid-approved… so they’re sure to be a hit amongst your little ones! Enjoy the fun week ahead! We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating! 

Spooky Orange Carrot Smoothie // Halloween Rice Krispie Treats // Vanilla Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze // Easy Halloween Pudding Cups [Read more…]

Filed Under: Food

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About

bioSara and Nicole are sorority sisters that simply “happened” to end up in the same small town. They have many things in common, which have set the tone of their blog. They hope that you will join them in their journey of motherhood, dreams that may be, the daily life, and their passion for cooking, yoga, fashion, and design!

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