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Overnight Oats with Almond Nog

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Trader Joe's Almond Nog | Chow Vegan

Miss eggnog? Then get yourself over to Trader Joe’s posthaste for their Almond Nog. Non-dairy, egg free, soy free, gluten free, vegan and fantastic. Never been a huge eggnog fan, but the Almond Nog turned me around.

One serving size is a half cup for 50 calories, pictured above. It’s the perfect amount, not too creamy, just enough to enjoy the slight richness and sweetness without being overwhelmed. Drink as is (just not straight out of the carton) or make Overnight Oats with Almond Nog.

Overnight Oats with Almond Nog | Chow Vegan

On super hot days over the summer, I made overnight oats a few times as an easy no-cook breakfast. I would’ve had it more often except it was just okay, not my favorite by any means. But with nog instead of soy milk, its likeability increased a hundred fold.

Fresh local fruit from the height of summer would’ve made it even better. Alas, it’s Fall so I settled for pomegranate seeds instead. Now, if only the Almond Nog was available all year around…

Overnight Oats with Almond Nog

Makes 1 serving

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Almond Nog
Fresh fruit for garnish

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the oats and Almond Nog. Stir to combine, make sure to cover each and every oat with the nog. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and leave in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, take off the lid and garnish with fruit as desired (I like a lot of fruit, the more the better, to the point that instead of a little fruit with oats, it’s a little oats with fruit).

Related Breakfast Posts
Cinnamon Roll Bunny
Kabocha Squash Home Fries
Savory Oatmeal

Starbucks Vegan Eats

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Starbucks Vegan Bagel | Chow Vegan

With holiday travel upon us in a few short weeks, it’s best to prepare and plan ahead. Past road trip pit stops consisted of french fries at a fast food chain. Nowadays, it’s vegan eats at Starbucks all the way to grandma’s house.

Recently, I tried Starbucks new vegan offerings that came out with such fanfare not that long ago. Starbucks Sprouted Grain Vegan Bagel and Organic Avocado Spread: Hass avocado, sea salt, onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper and lime juice. A little like eating avocado toast but on a bagel, pretty good for on the road eating. Their other bagels: plain, cinnamon raisin and blueberry are vegan but for some reason doesn’t get the vegan label.

Just the right amount of avocado spread to eat with the bagel, no need to save for later. Super nice to have an alternative when getting a bagel at Starbucks where the order taker inevitably asks “would you like cream cheese with that?” Every single time.

Starbucks Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Bowl | Chow Vegan

Stopped by Starbucks last month to get a salad and spied a new vegan item – Lentils and Vegetable Protein Bowl with Brown Rice. For the most part it’s a lot like their old Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl that it replaces. Similar taste and texture only now it’s vegan certified (previously had honey in the dressing).

Starbucks Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Bowl | Chow Vegan

Only thing I’m not happy about is the wilted, yellow, riddled with bug holes kale leaves. I had to pick out all of the kale leaves except maybe three. And the best by date was still two days away. See photographic evidence. Packed full of other ingredients, I didn’t really miss the kale.

Starbucks Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Bowl | Chow Vegan

Had a chance to try the bowl again, this time the kale was totally fine. Now I can confidently say the lentil bowl is a definite improvement. I’ve always liked the harvest bowl. Glad they didn’t get rid of it, if anything, it’s better. Comes in a bowl shape rather than the previous square container for easier on the go eating. A great choice for a solid meal when traveling with Starbucks all over the place.