Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon discussion

Food is a huge part of the readathon. I don't know about the rest of you all, but I like to make the meals easy and the snacks... well I like to treat myself. Buy that fancy ice cream that I usually can't justify buying, or those cookies I normally don't bake.

Over the last several readathons, I have formed my own tradition to have a crockpot bean soup. It is so yummy and easy and there to be eaten throughout the day. So I am going to kick off this thread with the recipe for that:

Crockpot Bean Soup:
1 can of each of the following: Cannellini white kidney beans, pinto beans, red beans, and black beans (to be honest, I usually do more than one can of some of these and just mix and match as I want. I probably double the recipe)
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 onion chopped (or you can do 1/4 cup dried minced onion)
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth (because I do more beans, I usually do a lot more liquid than this)

Drain the beans and then combine all ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).


Easy peasy. Let us know what recipes you recommend for the readathon!

Anyone can make it granola bars...

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup jelly (can replace with honey)
3 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 tsp salt (I omit the salt)

Add what you want...
1/2 cup nuts
1/2 cup dried fruit
1/2 cup seeds

Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over low heat add peanut butter, jelly (or honey), water, salt (optional) and any of the other nuts, dried fruit, seeds... Stir until smooth, about 2 minutes.

In a big bowl add the oats and then pour the mixture over top and mix until everything is a sticky mass.

Pour onto the baking sheet and press down until the whole area is covered. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are brown and toasty.

Cool completely then cut into bars! I keep it in an airtight container and munch on it. It's softer than store bought ones and of course taste better. :)

Those sound great, especially with the honey!

Those do sound good! I have some apricot preserves that I imagine would be tasty in granola bar form...

Yum! I'd like to try both of these recipes.

I've done so many of these read-a-thons, I'm kind of locked into what I eat. I get everything ready the night before because my start time is 6:00 a.m. For breakfast, it's an omelette (re-heated), lunch is a salad, and dinner is pizza (Take-n-bake). Snacks include cut-up fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers, and trail-mix. I have to leave the sugary things alone because they make me sleepy (ok, I may have to succumb to a few peanut M&M's!) I'll have a few cups of tea throughout the day and a Cherry Coke Zero around midnight to keep me going a bit longer.

Peanut M&Ms are an excellent snack! I find them helpful for staying alert during my five straight hours of class on Monday nights (4:20-9:30, woo), so I'm sure they'd be good for a readathon

Zara wrote: "Peanut M&Ms are an excellent snack! I find them helpful for staying alert during my five straight hours of class on Monday nights (4:20-9:30, woo), so I'm sure they'd be good for a readathon"

Peanut Butter M&Ms are my preference. But excellent advice!

You can never go wrong with M&Ms!

I've also found this to be true with mints of any kind, Andees, Peppermint Patties, Starlight Mints, etc. It seems like that little minty burst in your mouth helps to refresh the rest of you.

Another thing that really helps me when I am just about on the brink of passing out is sucking on ice. The coldness won't let you go to sleep

My fave read a thon snacks are dip-able. So here's a idea for the scoopers.

Black bean dip and corn chips (I'm looking at you Doritos)

1 small onion
2 cans of black beans
1 clove of garlic
cilantro
juice from two limes
a bunch of cilantro I really cant stress the cilantro, unless you hate it.
a seeded and chopped roma tomato
jalapeno or pepper of your choice (what out for the seeds)
cumin, salt and pepper (seasonings are all to taste. I love cumin, so I start at 2 t.

saute onion garlic and pepper and cumin until translucent.(Remove from heat)
Rinse canned beans and drain.
Add semi cooled onion mixture and all other ingredients except tomatoes. stir in tomatoes and serve.

That sounds delicious. I normally buy bean dip and chips for the readathon, but I might have to make this!

I love to have sweets during the read-a-thon but that usually slows me down and makes me drowsy so an awesome energy health boost shake is just the thing, here are a few different ones

Apple Pie Health Shake:
- 2 apples (I love to use honeycrisp but red delicious works too)
- 1/4 cup of oats
- 3/4 cup cashew milk (almond milk works too [and I guess regular] but I prefer the cashew milk)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Peel and core the apples, cut them up, blend everything together until its smooth. You can choose to drink it just like this or opt to strain the shake to catch the larger oats that didn't blend, its up to you! Also feel free to adjust the ingredients.

Fruita Bomba Health Shake:
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup water

Blend it all up! You can really use any fruits in this, but if you use berries make sure to strain your mixture or it will taste weird. Other fun duos that I like to use are mango and strawberries, or a bag of mixed fruit blend and just use 2 cups of that.

Fun addition: Adding Chia seeds to either shake will boost up the health level of the shake

Oh that apple pie one sounds delicious!!!!! I am definitely going to have to try that.

Those shakes sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

Roasted garbanzo beans are my mega crunchy snack during readathon. Super easy too.

In the winter, I like to make "æbleskiver" which is a Danish Christmas tradition :)

I'd love to share the recipe, but you would need a special pan to make them and I'm not sure you have that?

Share the recipe anyway!

Irene wrote: "In the winter, I like to make "æbleskiver" which is a Danish Christmas tradition :)

I'd love to share the recipe, but you would need a special pan to make them and I'm not sure you have that?
"

That's a wild looking pan!

Irene wrote: "In the winter, I like to make "æbleskiver" which is a Danish Christmas tradition :)

I'd love to share the recipe, but you would need a special pan to make them and I'm not sure you have that?
"

Uh, æbleskiver (clearly, I'm Danish too..)! :D I think it would be possible to bake them in a regular (deep) pan, but then it would be more like a 'deep fry' since they would need quite a lot of oil (or whatever) to not stick to the pan completely. I haven't tried it myself but I know it is possible. :)
Otherwise, it's quite similar to pancakes so you can make them the same way and I'm sure they will taste almost (if not as) good even if they are not 'traditionally' round. :)

Beth wrote: "I love to have sweets during the read-a-thon but that usually slows me down and makes me drowsy so an awesome energy health boost shake is just the thing, here are a few different ones

Apple Pie H..."

That shake sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing!

I just looked up a YouTube video of someone making æbleskivers. Wow. Nice, but it's not something I want to attempt doing. I sure would not mind having some though.
:)

Okay, so here's the recipe anyway. Maybe try them in an ordinary pan or something (like pancakes) :)

Danish 'Æbleskive':
2,5 cup buttermilk
4 eggs
½ teasp baking soda
1 tbs sugar
1 teasp vanilla-flavored sugar
2,5 cup wheat flour
1 teasp ground cardamom
Zest of a lemon
Butter for the frying.

Mix flour with baking soda and cardamom. Then add eggs, sugar, buttermilk, vanilla flavored sugar and the zest. Bake on a pan until they look golden.

I also keep a crockpot of soup then stock up on dips, chips and salsas as well as healthier bite sized or chunked up fruit I can eat with fingers and no prep/reheat.

I like a nice grilled cheese with Muenster cheese crisp cracked black pepper bacon to start with the soup--skip that and it's a very, very healthy soup.

Chop up (removing any undesired peel or seeds) larger fruit into airtight container of orange juice ahead of Readathon then drain for finger eating (prevents yucky brown oxidizing and doesn't add "tart" like lemon juice but still has citric acid).

I don't get too complicated with the salsas or all the slicing and dicing. Jarred favorites or local Mexican restaurant takeout ones are fine. A sour cream based veggie dip works with chips or a veggie tray (I like getting a fat free sour cream and stirring in a packet of Knorr's vegetable soup because that brand has leeks and tastiness but pre-done or other vegetable soup packets work).

Quick White Bean Minestrone:
2 large cans diced or chopped tomatoes undrained (I like Italian seasoned ones, particularly the de Fratelli chopped)
2 regular cans white kidney (cannelini) beans
Bag of pre-washed baby spinach (or a really mild kale or other greens)
Garlic to taste; light salt and pepper (adjust after cooking)
Optional: a thin sliced zucchini

I dump everything but spinach into a soup pot; bring to boil and reduce to medium heat. Keep adding spinach and wilting down until pot won't take anymore. Simmer for about five minutes and adjust seasonings, adding additional oregano or Italian seasoning if wanted. Then keep warm in crockpot.

It also works to just dump everything in crockpot to cook but do that a couple of hours ahead of when you want to eat, reducing to low/warm once spinach wilts.

thanks. Love this Minestrone soup recipe. thanks I added the ingredients to my shopping list

I'm having yogurt for breakfast and salad for lunch, and I'm making these delicious healthy Cookie Butter balls for a snack and a not-so-healthy, but yummy spinach artichoke quiche for supper.
Belinda

Salty Balls:
Makes 10 balls, ~140kcal/ball

1/2 cup nutbutter (peanut or almond, Belinda uses cookie butter)
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 cup whey protein isolate ( I had Muscle Milk Chocolate powder on hand, OSMO Active recovery would be bomber too)
1/2 cup dry oatmeal or 2/3 cup Perky's Rice Crisps
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Pop the PB and rice syrup in the microwave for about 30 seconds so that they are melty and able to be combined well. Then combine all ingredients. If you need a bit more holding power (we did), add more protein powder.
Then add a sprinkle-ly of salt on top.
from: http://www.haileyintraining.blogspot....



Patricia’s Quiche

Preheat oven to 350.

-Premade Pillsbury piecrust (the best)
-Line pie pan with piecrust and poke with a fork

Filling
Mix the following until creamy and well blended:
-6 eggs
-1/2 to 1 cup mayo (has to be real mayo)
-1/4 milk (approx.)
-1- 2 tbsp. corn starch (add last)

Then add:
-1 can chopped artichoke hearts
-1/4 of thawed chopped frozen spinach packet
- ½ to 1 cup parmesan cheese
- ½ to 1 cup blended Kroger hot pepper cheese blend –(I used less pepper jack and added cheddar and pepper jack mix)
-salt and pepper

Add filling to pie pan and bake for 45 minutes (keep an eye on it).

I love healthy snacks whilst reading but also a couple of cookies just because they are well cookies :P
I love muesli and yoghurt, smoothies (now that it is warming up in Australia) I have steamed veggies ready to go in the microwave or even meals to go.
My absolute fave snack is plain popcorn or corn chips and salsa...so yummy and healthy.

I have pre workout if I need the energy (just kidding I use that for working out only lol)
But I can always jump on my stationary bike and read!!
I have some yoga stretches to do to stretch my tired body out and of course plentyof water, green tea, and coffee stocked up!!

I start 11pm in Australia so that will be interesting :D

Becky wrote: "I love healthy snacks whilst reading but also a couple of cookies just because they are well cookies :P
I love muesli and yoghurt, smoothies (now that it is warming up in Australia) I have steamed ..."

I've actually always wished I started later like that. I am a late night person and so having to wake up at 5 am is usually very not successful... especially since I am usually up until 2 or 3 doing prep things.

Kathryn CA wrote: "Becky wrote: "I love healthy snacks whilst reading but also a couple of cookies just because they are well cookies :P
I love muesli and yoghurt, smoothies (now that it is warming up in Australia) I..."

Yea I'm pretty stoked that it's later for us down under :D but after a warm tiring day sometimes not beneficial.

Since it's going to be a cold day I've decided to try this crockpot recipe. It's a first for me but it looks like it'll be good and easy -
Frozen tortellini
Frozen spinach
2 cans diced Italian tomatoes
4 cups broth
1 block cream cheese cut up
Mix it all up in a crockpot for about 5-6 hours on low.

I'm thinking I'm going to add some bacon because everything tastes great with bacon.

How many boxes of frozen spinach? and how much Tortellini? I might make this instead of the minestrone soup

That really does look delicious!!!!

Karen B. wrote: "How many boxes of frozen spinach? and how much Tortellini? I might make this instead of the minestrone soup"

It says one package each but I'm going to have to change a little in order to get enough for the whole family who are piggies when it comes to this stuff. hehe

I don't have a blender yet (want to get a Vitamix) but I'm saving that Apple Pie shake recipe.

I'm making Easy Crock Pot Pot Roast with Gravy. I got the recipe from Number 2 Pencil and I've made it dozens of times now. It's so flavorful. My version is slightly modified.



Ingredients
3 pound chuck roast
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
salt
pepper
3 cloves of garlic (we're big garlic fans)
(optional) carrots, celery, onions,
(optional) red-skin potatoes cut into quarters (if you want whole potatoes instead of mashed potatoes)

Instructions
-- Mix the cream of mushroom soup and one dry onion soup mix envelope into your crock pot. You don't have to add any water or broth because the juice from the roast is going to mix in and make this might flavorful.

-- Chop the three cloves of garlic into small slivers (like a sliced almond)

-- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper to your taste. Take a knife and liberally stab your roast like it isn't already dead.

-- In the openings where you've stabbed your roast, slide in slivers of garlic. Put the roast into the crock pot with the soup concoction and toss the remaining slivers of garlic on top.

-- Add your selection of veggies on top (if you chose to include them) and cook on low for 8 hours. You can cook on high for 4 hours but the meat will not be as tender.

Serve over mashed potatoes!

Emm wrote: "I'm making Easy Crock Pot Pot Roast with Gravy. I got the recipe from Number 2 Pencil and I've made it dozens of times now. It's so flavorful. My version is slightly modified.

Ingredients
3 pound..."

O.M.G. That looks delicious!

That does look so so good! I am feeling hungry now looking at all the amazing food!

Instead of creating a whole new thread for this topic, I thought that we could continue here so that anything that has been suggested above could be looked into and so that we can continue to grow our recipe section.

Please feel free to add more recipes. The more the better in my opinion :)

Lemon Cucumber Salad

2 cups couscous (or orzo if preferred)
1-2 cucumbers
cherry tomatoes (or whatever small type you prefer)
1-2 ears sweet corn
1/2 red onion (or shallots if you prefer)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3 oz feta (optional)
1 bunch of cilantro (or parsley if you prefer)
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the couscous or orzo according to directions on packaging. Chop up veggies into small pieces. Toss everything together. Can be served warm or chilled and it tastes even better if you make it the night before. The amount and types of veggies can be altered based on your tastes! I'm debating about adding sweet peas this next time.

Ann A wrote: "Yum! I'd like to try both of these recipes.

I've done so many of these read-a-thons, I'm kind of locked into what I eat. I get everything ready the night before because my start time is 6:00 a.m. ..."

Thanks, now my eating plan is done! I love your approach and also find that sweets make me more tired, so I'll also be limitng those!

I think for my first RaT & gonna keep it simple. Dis, chips, hummus, guacamole, pre cur fruits and veggies with dip and for substance we got some TV dinners for Kev and hot pockets for me. Everything will be quick and easy.

I am however toiling with the idea of potato, bacon cheddar soup or cream of broccoli soup in the crock pot. Anyone nave any easy recipes for either.

All of these recipes sound great. I will admit that I will have to find some time during read a thon for ice cream, as it is my favorite food :)

Amanda wrote: "I think for my first RaT & gonna keep it simple. Dis, chips, hummus, guacamole, pre cur fruits and veggies with dip and for substance we got some TV dinners for Kev and hot pockets for me. Everythi..."

I'm ordering a pizza for dinner. Only because I have family participating with me. Otherwise I just keep eating my soup!

One of my favorite and go to dips is called White Mud and it is so easy!

1 lb sausage (I use mild)
2 cans Rotel
2 bricks cream cheese

Brown sausage; add to crock pot
Cube cream cheese; add to crock pot
Add Rotel
Cook on high or low depending how fast you want the dip. On high it takes a few hours for the cream cheese to melt down. It's wonderful with tortilla chips.

I'm going to keep coming back to this thread year-round for recipe ideas!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Yield: 1 mug cake

recipe note: sometimes I like to stir in mini marshmallows or some chopped walnuts to add a little something different! Add both and it's like a Rocky Road Mug Cake! (I've never tried this myself)

ingredients:
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon peanut butter

directions:
In a large mug, whisk (with a small whisk or large fork) together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt). Add the milk, vegetable oil and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.

Cook in the microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds. This recipe will rise a lot and then deflate. I know it's strange, but trust me it's delicious! Serve immediately! [Mine took about an extra 45 secs to cook and was too hot to eat right away give it about 2-4 mins]

I have been living a microwave free life for about two years now (mainly because I'd rather spend my money on books...) but otherwise that looks so delicious! And that dip sounds amazing. I already have plans for my crock pot, but if I didn't, I would be all over that!

AvidReader1987 wrote: "Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Yield: 1 mug cake

recipe note: sometimes I like to stir in mini marshmallows or some chopped walnuts to add a little something different! Add both and it's like a..."

I will be giving this recipe a test run tomorrow. :)

I'm going the crockpot route with some healthy grub...Greek eggs casserole!
http://whitneybond.com/2014/07/21/gre...

Anyone heard of Puppy Chow? I think it's a midwest thing, but it's delicious and super easy to make

1 box Chex or Crispix cereal
1 jar of peanut butter
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 stick of butter,
1 bag of powdered sugar.

Melt the butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave (usually takes 1 min - 1.5 min)
Pour the mixture over cereal
Stir
Add powered sugar and stir again

I have a large Tupperware bowl with a lid...so when I add the powered sugar, I put the lid on and shake instead of stirring, but either will work.

That will be my sweet snack...otherwise, I plan on having some popcorn, chips and pre cut fruit around. Always have to have something healthy around! lol I'll probably make a pot of chili the night before.

And of course, I'll have enough coffee around to keep me awake for a while!

Lisa Jo wrote: "Anyone heard of Puppy Chow? I think it's a midwest thing, but it's delicious and super easy to make

1 box Chex or Crispix cereal
1 jar of peanut butter
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 stic..."

Being in and from the Midwest I have and I love it, I was going to make it but my dog got into some of the ingredients, but luckily not enough of the chocolate chips to get sick.

Anyone going to be having Irish Coffee near the end?