Buenos días, my inteligente español scholars.
In the event that you need a little ayuda translating this post’s título:
“y el ganador es…” means “and the winner is…”
¡Sí! The time has come to reveal the winner of my sopa giveaway! Well, not quite yet. I’m obviously going to make you endure my recap of yesterday’s eats before getting to the good stuff.
(“Make you” is quite a relative expression considering you have full capability to scroll to the bottom of this post. If you do this, por favor, make your way back up here for some good eats 
.)
Tuesday morning began with a cup of sugar cookie sleigh ride tea and…
Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Oat Bran!
I’ve been meaning to try cooking oats in flavored tea—and as soon as I tried this flavor, I knew it’d be the perfect tea constituent. It was!
To expose and enhance the sugar cookie flavor, I cooked 1/2 cup oat bran in 1 1/4 cup brewed tea. I stirred in a little vanilla extract, brown sugar, Truvia and cinnamon—and topped with a spoonful of raspberry preserves.
Come a bit closer.
Closer…
See the Truvia crystals? They made the bowl. This was actually my first experience with Truvia, or any stevia sweetener. I’ve been meaning to try stevia in my efforts to scale back on the Splenda front, so when Truvia offered to send me a sample—you know I obliged.
I’ve yet to try it in my coffee—but it worked its sweet magic in this bowl of oat bran. Because I was trying to capture the essence of a sugar cookie, I thought both brown and “white” sugar were necessary. The preserves were just added because I thought the bowl was lacking aesthetic panache; but they, too, worked some serious sugary magic.
I will definitely be re-creating and further experimenting with sugar cookie oats; I’m thinking a raisin addition would work splendidly. Any suggestions?
Alongside my sugary oats, I has another sweet component.
HUGE Honeycrisp!
Since I haven’t been putting much effort into my manzana consumption, I opted for a photography-friendly change from my current chomp-to-the-core approach.
Massive manzana con PB. Delicioso, como siempre.
Lunch continued down the sweet route.
Honey-licious wrap.
In a whole wheat wrap: Garlic & Herb Laughing Cow, Honey Maple Turkey, 1/2 honeycrisp apple, spinach and honey mustard.
Boar’s Head honey maple turkey > any other brand. I think I’m experiencing a mild case of honey maple obsession—because it’s all I’ve been craving. Also, I’m sort of weird with meat, and I’ll only eat it within several days of its purchase. So, honey maple obsession + meat eating idiosyncrasy=expect a lot of turkey in the next few days. Lo siento, vegetarian and vegan amigas. 
Con another bigger-than-the-wrap half-sour pickle.
This obsession is full-fledged, and always in effect. Me encantan pickles.
(Go on, say it…)
Soon after, Mr. Postman delivered this:
The sticky yoga mat I won from Erica! I’ve not been doing yoga, but perhaps this new goodie will motivate me. Any at-home recommendations?
I took it out and laid on it without any yoga intentions—simply because I’m a child and can’t not open a new toy. However, this faux yoga session reminded me that I had a Yogi tea to try out!
Mi amiga received this when she got a massage this weekend, and she thoughtfully offered it to moi because she knows I’m a tea fiend.
This was my first experience with Yogi tea, and I loved it!
I love flavored variations of green tea, and blub always works.
But the whole “suppresses appetite” thing?
Yea, I don’t know about that…
Food Should Taste Good lime tortilla chips, inconsiderately stuck right into the communal Sabra.
Love this FSTG flavor! Again, none of the flavors have been as good as the Multigrain or The Works, in my opinion; but I loved the hint of lime. (PS: I only have one more flavor to try ‘til I can give you a full FSTG review!)
The bag remained by my side during this blogging-from-bed Sabra session—so, needless to say, I did a bit more FSTG damage than what’s pictured here.
Dinner started with a simple ensalada.
3 cups baby spinach; shrooms, 1/2 honeycrisp, baby peppers, red onion, celery salt, honey balsamic dressing and habanero lime salsa.
Best flavor melding of the night goes to the sweet honeycrisp/spicy salsa combo.
I knew dinner’s main event was going to involve brown rice—because I had a ton left over from way too much Chinese take out this weekend.
In an attempt to not just re-heat the never-ending stash of sesame chicken, I made a Thai Peanut Rice Bowl.
1.5 cups brown rice; 2 cups broccoli; 1 cup pineapple. Douses in my homemade peanut sauce.
If you haven’t noticed, I really like the peanut + pineapple combo.
Since the sauce wasn’t really showing in the pictures, I added an extra spoonful.
For picture purposes only. I, of course, hated the peanut-y addition…
I dug into my Newman’s Own Champion Chip Cookies for dessert. I have to preface this opinion by reminding you that I’m not a big chocolate person; I wasn’t crazy about these. They were sort of hard, and very average.
So, I channeled one of my favorite cereals from my childhood to salvage them.
Cooooooookie Crisps! I simply dumped some Newman’s cookies in a bowl and doused them in almond milk; I let them marinate for a few minutes ‘til they were perfectly soggy. And devoured,
Problemo solved.
Ok, so who won my Campbell’s sopa giveaway? The random integer generator spewed out #64; that’d be…
Katie from A Joy in Class!
One of my favorite new bloggers! Felicidades, chica! E-mail me at thefoodiediaries@gmail.com with your address—and I’ll get your goodies on their way!
While we’re on the topic of giveaways and, more importantly, favorite bloggers, check out my taste bud gemela Katharina’s 101st post giveaway!
Hope your Wednesday night is absolutely GLEEFUL .
-Sarah
43 Comments
October 28, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The tea sounds wonderful, I’m on the look out for some new herabl teas.
October 28, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Beautiful plates, as always
Do you have vanilla powder? I bet that would rock those oats. It’s a bit expensive, but a shakerful goes a long way so it might be worth the moola
October 28, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I drink Yogi berry detox every night. I love it.
Is the peanut sauce in this post the one you mentioned to me? Because if so, it sounds like something I need to try. Thanks!
October 28, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I want to find that tea so badly!
October 28, 2009 at 6:06 pm
mmm I have been craving sugar cookie sleigh ride tea oats since last Christmas.. this post is pure torture!
I like your version of cookie crisp – General Mills better watch their backs.
hasta la vista bebe!
October 28, 2009 at 6:13 pm
i loved those newman cookies, but hey you made it work right, loved how you put them in milk!
You make me want to go buy sabra hummus so bad. i’m cravin it like mad! (how’s that for rhyming!) haha
http://saladdiva.wordpress.com
October 28, 2009 at 6:34 pm
All this food is making me hungry! That wrap looks delish. And that oatmeal… Oh dear.
October 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I’ve always been curious about trying that tea-method of making oats.. I have a pumpkin spice tea that would be killer!
I am the same way with deli meat.. when I buy turkey, I always end up having turkey sandwiches for like 5 days in a row haha.
( http://www.joelygolightly.wordpress.com )
October 28, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Sarah, you’re my foodie hero… seriously. I think I may have to try this tea oatmeal out. Green tea oats… oh yum!
That thai peanut rice bowl looks incredible too!
October 28, 2009 at 7:16 pm
OH MY GOSH! I can’t believe I won!!!! I was secretly hoping like a MADWOMAN that my number would pop up because it would be an HONOR to win anything from you…let alone an amazing prize PACKAGE!!!! whhaaaaaattt….
Can you tell I’m excited?
Also, I LOVE using tea instead of straight water when cooking. Try Good Earth Original tea in your oats and in your hot cocoa or coffee…oh my god. Heavenly.
I love huge pickles.
That’s what she said.
I’m sending you an email right now girlie. xoxo
October 28, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I’ve never heard of the tea/oats method…so good! Yet another astonishing *sweet* breakfast from someone who claims to not like breakfast or sweets. Only kidding, I’ve only got love for you and your sweet experiments.
October 28, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Wow.
I NEVER thought of making oats with flavored tea. What a unique idea. You seem to love that tea! I think I need to try it out. I’m sold : )
xo
Jocelyn
October 28, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Thai peanut rice bowl=drooling. Your food looks fab as usual!!
October 28, 2009 at 8:15 pm
That’s one of my favorite tea’s! I’ve never thought to use it when cooking hot cereal! What a great idea!
October 28, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I have yet to try Truvia. I used to be semi-addicted to Splenda and have gotten myself off of it. But I think I should give Truvia a shot.
And that honeycrisp looks divine chica.
October 28, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I love the idea of cooking oats in tea – I can’t wait to try it!
October 28, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Those oats sound splendid!! I’m a big fan of Truvia – Splenda gave me massive headaches so I had to kick that sucker to the curb.
We didn’t get Glee tonight! Stupid baseball is on instead – boo to that.
October 28, 2009 at 8:47 pm
they still do not have that tea in stock in AZ grocery’s yet for the season. I have been to four on the hunt for it. Apparently Nov 1st.
Yoga mat and yogi tea? Damn girl, you’re a lucky one!
Truvia…did it have *any* fake taste whatsoever? I do like stevia but I have to be careful otherwise I can ruin an entire batch of something or beverage if I accidentally put too much in b/c it gets really chemically tasting even though it’s a “natural product”. Gimme the 411 on Truvia. I’ve seen Jenny (PBJ) use it too. Story please!
October 28, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Big honeycrisps are so luscious, no? Love them!
Cookies and milk, a childhood favorite. I used to pour a small cup of milk, and smoosh double stuffed oreos in, let it get all clumpy, then devour with a spoon-in-cup method. childhood freedom!
<3 have a good night!
October 28, 2009 at 9:12 pm
hooray for giant apples. LOVING them right now. And lime tortillas are just the best. I’ve never tried them with hummus. Thrilled to hear you got the mat- I hope you enjoy it
I know you will!
October 28, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I would love to try a sticky mat! How exciting
October 28, 2009 at 9:58 pm
i cannot find the celestial seasonings holiday flavors and its driving me nuts. like 8 grocery stores i have checked! but your oats look epic, love the new yoga mat and that oddly shaped apple needs to come to me right now.
ahhh i should have written this en espanol. lo siento. el tiempo proximo!!!!
October 28, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Tea cooked oats? Que bueno! I love the little bits of Spanish; I am very slowly trying to get better, and it helps me to read things that are of interest to me!
October 28, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Sugar cookie oats look/sound amazing!! Now I just have to get my hands on some of that tea…
- Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
October 28, 2009 at 10:27 pm
if you like cookies, you’ll love cookie crisp!!! brilliant.
October 28, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Great looking salad!
October 28, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Amazing looking lime tortilla chips! Yum! And that broccoli dish looks good too!
Jem
October 28, 2009 at 10:59 pm
that tea looks so good
And your plates all look so beautiful! Delicious, and well balanced! love it all!
and I love that big apple
October 29, 2009 at 12:13 am
Those tea oats sounds yummy – what a great idea!
October 29, 2009 at 1:10 am
COngrats to Katie! So envious! >.<
And ooh~ I have that tea, sugarcooke sleighride…Never thought to make oats with it though…genius!
October 29, 2009 at 8:49 am
DANGIT! i missed Glee! the world series was on, and we only have 1 tv in our place, so the boy got it for the night. shoooooooooot
October 29, 2009 at 10:18 am
such a creative idea w/ the oats. i bet there are a ton of different flavors that would taste amazing – like apple cinnamon!
October 29, 2009 at 10:25 am
Love the idea of tea in oats! I’ve been searching high and low for the Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride but it remains elusive.
All these eats look so fantistic!
October 29, 2009 at 10:38 am
That’s such a good idea with the tea and oats. Especially that flavor! I’m going to try that as soon as I get my hands on it.
And I absolutely looove rice bowls. I made them all the time at home. They’re never complete without peanut sauce! Which, by the way, I took your recommendation and made and it turned out AWESOME! I’m glad I didn’t go any longer thinking I couldn’t make any. Thank you!
October 29, 2009 at 10:51 am
The tortilla chips seem to be very tasty. I went on their website. So many flavors. Too bad it’s only in the US.
Congratulation to Katie for the Giveaway
October 29, 2009 at 11:32 am
I HAVE to get that sugar cookie tea. I was so sad when I missed out on it last year!
Watched my first episode of Glee yesterday… amazing.
October 29, 2009 at 2:22 pm
[...] Contact Y El Ganador Es… [...]
October 29, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Dousing plain-o cookies in almond milk is GENIUS!
And can I just sign something already and get a damn fridge in my room…just so that I can eat roasted red pep sabra with lime FSTG chips all day everyday! adore sabra, and need to try the lime flav! have you tried the olive yet?? if you’re a fan of olives…you will looooove.
Hope we chat soon (ABOUT SPAIN), amiga! xoxo
October 29, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I am drinking sugar cookie sleigh ride tea RIGHT NOW… love this stuff… mm mm good!!
October 30, 2009 at 1:16 am
I’ve never tried cooking my oats in flavored tea. What a muy fantastica idea! I’ll have to try that – thanks for the tip! I have trouble doing yoga at home. But then again, when you live in less than 800 sq. ft, there’s not much room for stretching and doing poses like Ardha Chandra (half moon). I would say just to make sure you have a place that’s quiet, warm and where you can relax. Love that ginormous pickle!
October 30, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I use SweetLeaf Sweetener Stevia–the first!
Where do you get your tea?
I trust Wisdom Natural Brands, the parent company of Wisdom of the Ancients. Whenever I have a cold I always only drink their Symfre tea (and sometimes a little vitamin C) and it always does the trick! They a have several different teas, too!(rooibos, honeybrush, yerba mate, etc, even stevia tea)
November 6, 2009 at 5:04 pm
[...] No, I don’t live in a cool padded room. (Though, I suppose that wouldn’t actually be cool because padded rooms usually translate to psych wards…) My coffee just happens to be sitting pretty atop my new sticky yoga mat. [...]
November 21, 2009 at 5:16 pm
i loveeee putting apples in with my turkey sandwich!
jenna