Welcome to our October Bright Rx Series! In honor of the cozy, chilly season ahead, this month's theme is Favorite Warm Breakfasts. First up we have Brightland friend Haley Hunt. Haley is the photographer, videographer, recipe developer, and human being behind Brewing Happiness, a blog celebrating the journey we take to a healthier life. She currently lives in Los Angeles where you can find her at the farmers market, on a hike, having dinner parties with friends, and probably asleep by 9pm. Read our special interview with Haley, then keep scrolling for the ultimate warm breakfast recipe.
Q&A With Haley
Brightland: What do you like to keep out on your kitchen countertop or "kitchen shelfie"?
Haley: I just keep the essentials - coffee, coffee mugs, plates, olive oil, salt, pepper, knives, utensils, and occasionally a cookbook that’s deeply inspiring me.
Brightland: What does living in a golden state meant to you?
Haley: My website, Brewing Happiness, was born out of the idea that happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey that takes work and effort and time. I think the same goes for living in a golden state. It’s about the intention and pursuit of what calls to your heart - your soul. It’s about basking in the sunshine when it is there, putting your whole heart into that moment, and not acting out of fear of future darkness. It’s about giving in to your life in each and every moment, and allowing it to be as full as it can be. It’s also about how great California is. (DUH.)
Brightland: If you could host a dinner party at home and invite 3 guests, who would they be, what would you serve and what music would play in the background?
Haley: I would invite Toni Morrison, Ira Glass, and Lizzo. I would serve my green grape sangria, a big salad with all the seasonal produce, probably some homemade pizzas with everyone’s favorite toppings, and a skillet cookie for dessert. Who wouldn’t like that menu? And, obviously, we’re going to listen to Lizzo the whole dinner.
Brightland: If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life (but receive all the nutritional benefits + look fabulous), what would each of you choose?
Haley: FRENCH FRIES.
Brightland: What was your favorite thing that your mom/dad/grandparent cooked for you when you were little?
Haley: My very southern grandmother, Peggy Sue, taught me so much of what I know about food and cooking. I looked forward to her butter-filled mashed potatoes at every family gathering and her blackberry cobbler. I can only hope to do her cobbler justice one day.
Roasted Fall Fruit Oatmeal Bowl
Ingredients:
- ½ pear, any kind, hasselbacked
- ½ apple, any kind, hasselbacked
- 1 bunch grapes, any kind
- 2 tbsp Brightland’s AWAKE
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup yogurt, any kind
- Honey drizzle, optional
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Hassleback your pear and apple, and place down onto a small baking sheet along with your grapes. Drizzle fruit with Brightland’s AWAKE, lemon juice, and sea salt. Toss until evenly coated. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a small pot over hight heat and add oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it is thick and luscious.
- Transfer oats to a bowl, top with a dollop of yogurt, and your roasted fruit. Drizzle with honey if desired.
- Enjoy!
