Hmm, free tumbler in your oatmeal is, well, different. More impressive is this hearty, ready-in-minutes breakfast that challenger BarbC prepared.

Breakfast this morning wasn’t too inspiring except for the free tumbler that came in the box of oatmeal!

Quick cooked oatmeal, walnuts and a little bit of brown “sugar” Splenda was this morning’s easy and filling breakfast.

We’re not flinching, BarbC! We’re all for short-cuts, especially when, as you say, you can make a few alterations to make them healthier.

I confess I started out with a packaged mix, and although that might make the editors here at DIR flinch, it really wasn’t that bad when I added up the calories and made a few changes to the recipe.

The chicken tenders were browned in olive oil instead of butter and about two cups of steamed spinach was added to the wine-flavored sauce. According to nutritional information, it was a little high on the sodium, but calorie count for this portion was under 500 calories.

This is a great side dish suggestion from challenger barbc. It’s multi-functional, meaning it works with any meal, which is ideal for those of us who are time-crunched.

It seems as though every household has special challenges when it comes to cooking, recipes or eating at home. We have our share too. Because my DH works late, it’s important to keep our evening meal on the light side. Dinner typically will consist of a some type of stir fry meal and a salad. The salad is usually an easy fresh fruit salad that can also be used for breakfast or lunch.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Ingredients can include fresh fruits such as: apples, pears, oranges, grapes, canteloupe, honey dew or watermelon in season. Wash fruits, cutting into large chunks – do not peel apples and pears.

Peaches are used in season, when not available fresh, find a jar in the refrigerated area — they taste even better plus a little juice is a nice extra.

Frozen or fresh raspberries and blueberries, along with an occasional banana, are added right before eating.

Keep a plastic container with cut up fruit salad in the refrigerator and add more as necessary.