Back to the Basics: 3 Simple Family Recipes

In our family, we’re trying to use our time under quarantine as an opportunity to take it back to the basics. To remember that our lives don’t have to be so complicated or fussy and that we can still live quality lives with simplicity and affordability in mind.

 One way we’re doing this is through the foods we eat. These recipes require a few simple and cheap ingredients. They’re health-conscious, budget-friendly and perfect for a time where we have to make the most of kitchen essentials. Enjoy!

Banana Oat Pancakes

Admittedly, our whole family has a thing for sweets. What we love about these banana oat pancakes is they’re so simple to make, they satisfy a sweet tooth and they’re every bit as delicious as traditional pancakes. Our kids love them, and if you make enough to have leftovers, they’re an easy on-the-go snack.

Makes approx. 9 four-inch pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 c milk of choice
• 1  1/2 c oats
• 2 t baking powder
• 1/2 t salt
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1 t vanilla

Instructions:

1. Add everything to the blender and blend for 30 seconds or until the mixture is almost smooth.
2. Cook the pancakes in a traditional method over low to medium heat with a little butter or oil, flipping after 2-3 minutes or until browned.

Power Balls

These are perfect for quick snacking! You can make these in a big batch and have them ready in your refrigerator, easy to reach when you need something to nibble on.

Makes approx. 10 Power Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 c oats
• 1/2 c flaxseed meal
• 1/3 c mini chocolate chips
• 1 T chia seeds
• 1 T hemp seeds (optional)
• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1/3 c honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
2. Form into ping pong sized balls
3. Store in airtight container in the fridge

Overnight Oats

We love that our children can help prepare these. Overnight Oats can be prepped ahead of time and eaten all week long. We like to make ours in small 8 oz jars so they’re ready to grab and go every morning.

Makes 1 8 oz jar. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c oats
• 1 T chia seeds
• 1/2 T hemp seeds (optional)
• 1/2 c milk of choice
• 1/4 c plain Greek yogurt
• 1 T maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a jar and stir to combine.
2. Place lid on jar and store in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
3. When ready to eat, add toppings of your choice. We like to use peanut butter and strawberry jam, chocolate chips and coconut flakes or berries.
4. Will keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Brandon Smith is a husband, father of two (under 2) and the owner of Dwelling Table, a hospitality media studio specializing in food and interior photography, styling and art direction. View his work at dwellingtable.com and follow him on Instagram @dwellingtable.