rice cooker | Guiding You Along the Journey of Sacred Becoming

Not too long ago, I got down to business in my kitchen. I cleared out what I was no longer using and I rearranged based on how often I use what was left and where it makes most sense to keep it. This might sound obvious, but on my journey to simplifying my home, my stuff, and my space, this was an exciting and big project for me. I even ended up with a few empty cabinets, which made my soul sing!

Just as I found the perfect storage place for my rice cooker, after it had sat out all summer while I wasn’t using it much, it was time to take it out again.

This happens every year. The air starts to get cooler and then I feel this little voice inside of me. “Oatmeal…oatmeal…it’s time.”

What I love most about my rice cooker, except for having to plan a bit ahead, is that I can do just that. I love waking in the early morning hours, when Chloe and Jon are still dreaming. I love my journey into the kitchen, first for my cup of tea, and then for my oatmeal that I don’t have to make, because it’s waiting for me.

The Zojirushi has, among its many settings, a porridge setting. I’ll be honest – this is why I wanted it and was so glad to receive it as a gift from an aunt last year.

Do I use it to make brown rice? Sure, sometimes. For the most part, it is the key to a simplified and relaxing morning with a hearty breakfast.

A while back I shared my SuperFood packed Start to the Day post, which featured the rice cooker, as well as my go-to recipe at the time. I’ve since cut out the maple syrup, because I’ve cut down on the nonessential sugar in my life, but it’s a more natural sweetener than a lot out there.

The Zojirushi Induction Rice Cooker * makes a great holiday gift for someone else or to put on your own wish list. It’s versatile with settings for different types of rice (and of course porridge) and it’s easy to clean.

If you follow me or have participated in any of my programs, then you know that toxins is an issue that I’m passionate about, and I’m very strict about what I use in my home. Plastic and nonstick and just about out in our kitchen. The Zojirushi is nonstick, but I’m still using it for a few reasons.

It’s what I’ve got and it’s bringing more ease into my life

Extensive research was done to find the best rice cooker out there, and this was it

I treat the rice cooker very carefully, and always use silicone utensils and NEVER metal on the surface

I have yet to find a better one, but when I do, I’ll let you know

My rice cooker serves as a great reminder that with everything comes balance. I worry less about the nonstick surface because I know I am taking proper precautions. That allows me to enjoy my breakfast!

What’s your favorite way to start your day once the weather turns cold? I’d love to hear, so please share in the comments below!

Peace, Love, and Wellness,

* affiliate link – I get a small percentage of purchases made through this link

As we get ready for spring, I thought I’d take one look back at my favorite cool weather breakfast. I love it so much I might eat it through the beginning of spring, but probably not into summer.

I start the night before with my favorite new appliance – my Zojirushi rice cooker – it’s so much more than that! I put 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of Steel Cut Oats in the rice cooker, set the timer, and go to sleep. It doesn’t even matter if I’m not sure when I’m going to be awake and ready to eat the oatmeal because the rice cooker has a warming function that works for at least a couple of hours!

[updated note: this would probably be a 2 person serving; it was perfect for me in the earlier days of nursing when my body was still craving lots of good quality calories]

When I wake up the next day, I get all of my ingredients out and ready. Depending on my mood, or on what fruit I’m adding, I sometimes add a splash of maple syrup (the real stuff! not the caramel flavored colored high fructose corn syrup stuff). Then I mix in some cinnamon, which I use in just about everything. You can really add whatever you’re in the mood for.

So where are the Super Foods, you ask? Here they come!

In goes a teaspoon of Maca powder which is great for a lot – I have found it to really help boost my energy and keep me more focused. Then I add a heaping teaspoon or two of chia seeds – amazing little things! They help balance the blood sugar, they’re a great source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, and they’re a complete protein to mention just a few things. Check out www.mychiaseeds.com for more info.

Next comes my fruit, and this changes based on my mood and what I have on hand. Sometimes it’s bananas and/or dried cranberries. Sometimes I heat up some frozen strawberries and make a syrup and mix that in.

Then I’m ready to dig in and eat a great balanced breakfast that keeps me energized and full for hours without the crash that we get from refined foods.

So let’s recap the recipe and a bit about why each ingredient is so healthy:

Steel Cut Oats – whole grain so it hasn’t been stripped of any vitamins or minerals

Maple Syrup – just a little bit for a natural sweetener

Cinnamon – yum! (plus it is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties)

Maca powder – for vitality and mental clarity

Chia seeds – for the fiber that balances blood sugars, complete protein, and Omega 3 oil

Banana, cranberries, strawberries or other fruit – getting some of your fruit in early gives you a healthy energy boost and gives some nice flavor and texture to the oatmeal.

Enjoy! If you try it out, let me know what you think 🙂

Guiding You Along the Journey of Sacred Becoming

Tag Archives: rice cooker

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