Sleep? What’s that?
Please forgive me if this post makes no sense. I went out dancing with a few friends last night, and we didn’t get home until after two in the morning. But, of course, my body decides it’s a great idea to wake up at 6. So here I am, full of energy… and I have no idea where it’s coming from.
Maybe it’s coming from breakfast this morning:
Pouring this cream over cereal is so much better than milk!
It makes the bowl incredibly thick and creamy… I could eat a million of these bowls and still love them. (Side note: I usually add way more fruit and cereal than is shown in the photo.)
Those are Whole Foods’ bran flakes in the picture, but I often use uncooked quick oats instead. And I also like to add things like cacao nibs or sliced almonds. As for the cream, I posted the recipe awhile back, but I’ll re-post it below to save you the trouble of clicking links:
Whipped Cream Bowl
(Serves 1-2)
This is a Soy-Free Recipe.
- sweetener of choice
- 1/16th tsp salt
- 1 1/2 T water (20g)
- 1/2 serving agar base (see below)
- 3 drops coconut extract (Optional, but highly recommended)
- optional: cocoa or fruit (for flavored cream)
First, make the agar base (see instructions: here). When it’s cooled, put half of it in a blender (I use a Magic Bullet) with all the other ingredients, and blend away. Whip very well, so it’s completely smooth. I like to put it in the freezer for a few minutes prior to eating, so it’s super-cold, but it’s not necessary. Optional: add fruit, cacao nibs, cocoa powder, or other add-ins.
See the original post for the Calories and Nutrition Info.
As stated above, I love to pour this cream over fruit and cereal or quick oats. You could also sprinkle granola, or even a crumbled energy bar, on top.
Audrey says
Does the Luna bar have honey in it?
Oh, and I’m wondering about the bran flakes (not to be a food police, but for my own knowledge so I know whether to buy them or not!), does the Whole Foods brand have vitamin D3 in it? I find a lot of fortified cereals do, and that makes them not vegan. I’m just wondering because I’ve been trying to find a good brand of bran flakes. Thanks! 😀
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Nope! No d3 in the bran flakes. They’re completely vegan :). But yes, the luna does have honey.
Audrey says
Good to know! Thanks. 😀
luminousvegans says
I’m so excited b/c I just bought some agar at the store but didn’t know what to do with it so I’m definitely going to try this!
Oh, and I get about 6-7 hours of sleep depending on the day… I think I feel most rested when I get 8 hours though, so i definitely rely on coffee unfortunately.
Nadiya @ Milk and Honey says
Haha! My body is the same way as yours. No matter what time I go to sleep, I still wake up early! Except for today cuz I went out with friends and didn’t get home until 5am so I ended up getting up at 10… but that took a lot of effort… So you make the whipped cream using water and agar? Have you ever tried making it using almond milk?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
The agar base is milk-based :).
Cammy says
I am pretty much physically incapable of sleeping past 6:45 in the morning, no matter how late I was up the night before, so I never set an alarm. If I’m running on a natural cycle, I tend to sleep from about 11:30-5:45 or 6. It’s nice that I don’t need a ton of sleep, but it is definitely skewed towards morning-time–I have a hard time when I have to be in night owl mode, because for some reason I can’t sleep late to make up the hours.
Thanks for the product updates, I’ll have to watch out for those! I do a lot of outdoorsy work in the tropics, and I seriously think Clif should underwrite me in exchange for all the times I’ve taken a small suitcase of their products to Third World countries with me. 😉
JEnny says
Nope not tonight, my boyfriend and I was out for dinner and cocktail, so I know how you feel.
Love Jenny
Ann-Marie says
Hi,
I tried the whipped cream recipe, but for some reason it came out watery. It didn’t look thick like yours. When I blended it using the magic bullet, it just looked like watery almond milk. Am I missing something? *scratches head*
Thanks
Ann-Marie
Anonymous says
This might seem like a silly question, so forgive me, but did you make sure to cook the agar base and let it cool? I just know if I head read the recipe fast I might have just put the agar and milk into the blender and not read that you have to cook it to make the base first…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
That was actually what I was going to ask as well! 🙂
Did you click on the linked “agar base”? “Agar base” is an actual recipe, not just agar flakes.
Ann-Marie says
Hehehe. I actually used gelatin and let the mixture cool and then blended it. Maybe it was because I used gelatin or because I needed to cool it for longer than 3-4 hours…?
Lyn @ FueledBySalad says
This looks so good! Agar’s really readily available around here, so I’ll probably give this recipe a try some time soon. Normally I get 6-7 hours of sleep, but I run fine on that amount even though I should probably get more; I take intermittent naps throughout the day (between classes, on the way home etc) so my energy’s pretty fine.
Georgia says
YUM!
georgia
http://www.swonderfulgd.blogspot.com/
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
I’m very much the same way—it doesn’t matter if I go to bed at 11 or 4—even on weekends I’m up by 8.
Nicole K. says
Lately my sleep schedule has gone hay-wire. So I get anywhere from 3 to 9 hours of sleep. For the past couple of days I’ve woken up at 3am and have gotten up close to 5am because I can’t fall asleep. I hope I get back to a normal pattern soon! Although I do love how much I get done on those early mornings 🙂
Sylvia says
I am so sleep deprived it hurts. I’ve got a 4 month old and a 3 year old so that’s why, at least its for a good reason. Love your blog sweetie!!
Em says
Yup, same here! I used to think I got no sleep when I was in college. But once you have a baby, you REALLY get no sleep. But it’s worth it ;).
Maria @ Beautiful Busy Bee says
I used to have trouble falling asleep, but now I sleep less so I’m more tired by the time I get to bed and I pretty much conk out as soon as my head hits the pillow. That’s so amazing how after 4 hours of sleep, you feel energetic! I’m so jealous. If I get anything less than 6, I might as well be a zombie. I love your new product alerts page! Unfortunately my grocery store carries a limited variety of Luna Bars (no chocolate raspberry, no chocolate chunk, no coconut chocolate, definitely not this new one!) but next time I go to whole foods I’m going to buy them out!
MegSmith @ Cooking.In.College says
I need around 8-9 hours of sleep! It is difficult to get much done when I have to sleep that much but I make it work 🙂
Dancing sounds like it was a success! And this breakfast…no wonder you wanted to get out of bed so early!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
okay that looks totally delicious! I need to find some agar somewhere!
Aja says
That sounds really interesting. I get about 8 hours but I always seem to feel more awake when I get less.
Char @ www.charskitchen.ca says
This looks really good! I’ve still never tried playing with agar, but will have to pick it up and make some of this! Lately I’ve been a smoothie person for breakfast, but today is definitely a cereal/oatmeal day. Just haven’t decided which yet 😀
I go through phases with my sleeping. For the most part, I struggle with insomnia, but I forced myself to get up early this morning. I get so much more done when I don’t sleep in ’til 11! haha. Hope you had fun last night! 🙂
caroline says
argh, i completley know how you feel. i went to bed around 11 last night then woke up at 2, and just woke up every hour after that, until 5 where i just completely woke up. but luckily for you, you have a bowl of cereal and cream to cheer you up!
Michele says
Okay, question: How much sweetener is ‘sweetener of choice?’ A tablespoon of sugar? Two? Three? 😉 I’m just curious where to begin. When I make your ice cream recipe, I make the whole thing with maybe two teaspoons of sugar, so I’m not really a ‘sweets’ person either.
CCK says
I use 1/2 a stevia packet (which would be about a tsp sugar), but it definitely depends on your tastebuds and also what milk you use (sweetened or unsweetened).
For most people, I’d say to start with 1 tablespoon of sugar, but if you only use 2 tsp for the whole ice cream recipe you might be too much of a no-sweets person for that lol.
Alexis @ A New Art History says
I haven’t been getting enough sleep since I decided to dedicate myself to a blog on top of being a full time grad student! But a little bit of chocolate in the morning with my breakfast, helps keep me happy and focused for the long day ahead.
This cream with breakfast cereal looks delicious! But where can you get agar?
Em says
Try the Asian section of Whole Foods.
Eden Foods makes the one I buy. But otherwise, an Asian market will have them.
Anna @ The Guiltless Life says
I don’t know how you do it on 4 hours of sleep! I’m one of those people that really needs 8 hours. Sounds spoilt I know but I just feel so gross otherwise! Cream over cereal = ultimate decadence!
Em says
I LOVE your whipped cream bowl! It’s one of my favorite CCK recipes. Oh heck, they’re all my favorites actually. All the ones I’ve tried have turned out awesome!
Will have to try the cereal idea, too :).
Lisa C says
Yum! That looks so beautiful. Agar flakes are now on my grocery list!
Lisa C says
Oh, and those Z bars as well!
Becca R. says
Hey Katie! You may not know off-hand but I thought I’d ask. Is agar similar to fruit pectin? I actually have the pectin, but no agar, so I was wondering if they are at all substitutable?
CCK says
Sorry, no clue.
Mallory @ Have Your Cake and Eat It says
i usually get 8-9 hours. i need a ton of sleep.. i slept 12 hours last night!! i am a freak haha
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
How cool! This looks so great:)
Nathalie says
I tried making this cream a couple times, back when I didn’t *really* have the equipment for it. Now that I do, and I’m in Japan so agar is plentiful and cheap, I really need to give it another go or three.
Do I get enough sleep? It’s hard to tell. I feel like the body will wake up at certain times out of habit regardless of whether you’ve slept “long enough.” Case in point, I woke up around 4:30 am on Saturday (I usually get up at 5:30), feeling awake like it must be 6 or so. Took one look at the clock and sternly told my body, “Body, you need to sleep longer,” and went back to bed. I find that energy you describe is like… being high, or drunk, almost? Not that I have personal experience of those sensations to compare it to. I start feeling giddy (and kind of stupid), and will giggle in a maniacal manner at the lamest of jokes. That’s when I *know* I’m tired, hahah.
Side note: Granola bar recipe? Makes an *awesome* crust!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I’m someone who needs 7-8 hours of sleep or I’m like a dead person. It also helps that I get tired around 10 PM.
Ann says
Katie
I am all about puddings and sauces with toppings like this–I always keep your cheesecake sauce on hand (with a slight modification for acd-friendly), both vanilla and one with added lemon juice, lemon or orange extract for lemon pudding (which is awesome over berries and/or with flaked coconut. I love vanilla over pumpkin/butternut dishes like your pumpkin bread in a bowl, pumpkin cookie dip, or regular old roasted squash). They keep me sane when I need a sweet treat on this super restrictive diet.
As for sleeping, I used to be a champ but getting my kids up for school, now that I have to live by an early bus for my middle-schooler, has turned me into a morning person–something I NEVER thought would happen. But it’s a great time to get your exercising done and catch up on my fav blog reading (yours of course 🙂 )
Thanks
Ann
CCK says
Awww Ann, your comment made me smile so much!
Katie @ Raisins&Apples says
I’m adding agar flakes to my amazon list right now! This has my name on it…for next week, at least 🙂
Nicole @ Giraffelegs says
What?! So intrigued with this creation!!!
Emily says
I LOVE YOU!
This was awesome!!! Thanks CCK!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Before I had a child, I used to think 8-9 hours was normal. After having a child, 4-5 hours is normal. It’s amazing how life has changed and what my body requires. Needs and requires and what’s reality are dictated by the ebbs and flows of life. Parenthood changes your life on just about every level!
Hope you had fun out with your friends!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Wow! What a quick nice looking cereal!! Your so creative with your meals!!
Albizia says
I usually need 7-8 hours of sleep for a properly functioning brain but if I go to bed at three or even four, I still wake up at six. My biggest sleep in ever was until nine 😀 . I think on days after being sleep deprived we function on adrenaline so we feel more energetic physically but we can’t really concentrate on anything. But a good breakfast can help feel great even after long nights 😉 .
gale says
My dr. Told me to stay away from Luna bars….she said they are not much different than eating a candybar….do u agree?
Amber K says
The cereal bowl looks delicious!! I have the worst trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I’ve been dealing with the insomnia for a couple of years now. It totally stinks!
Jenny@HealthyMOChick says
yum yum and more yum “whipped cream” makes everything better.
MrsOgg says
I USUALLY get 8-9 hours but, lately I am having trouble falling asleep and waking a ton…could be the 39 weeks pregnant thing, haha. But, your post really made me chuckle because I have a two year old and the baby whisperer says-and I also found this to be true-that if you put your toddler down for bed too late they will actually wake earlier. Not that you’re a toddler but, it is a funny coincidence. 😉
Paula's Plate says
YUM this sounds delicious… Where do you find agar? I can’t wait to try it!
Also, do you have any homemade granola recipes? I am in search of a great recipe that isn’t filled with oils and excess fat…and maybe some CHOCOLATE 🙂
CCK says
Try the Asian section of Whole Foods (Eden Foods brand). Or, an Asian market will have agar.
Katie Smith says
Hi Katie!
Do you know how long you can store the agar base for, and the proper way to do so? I’m interested in making a large batch and storing it long-term, if that’s even possible. Thank you, and thanks for posting such healthy, yummy recipes!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
It’ll last at least 4 days, covered or uncovered :).
Katie Smith says
Thank you! I LOVE that eating healthy is just as delicious (and oddly, more liberating), and it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice decadence…all of the time, anyway. 🙂
I never would have thought healthy whipped cream could be possible and am very glad to be proven wrong! 🙂
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
I’ve been trying my hardest to get to bed earlier (doctor’s orders, too). I used to go to bed at around 11pm and get up at around 5am (sometimes 4am); it was really hard to get through the week, and I was taking naps constantly. But now, I am striving to get to bed by 10pm. My doctor says I need to be getting 9 hours of sleep per night; and since I have to get up at 5am, I really need to get to bed earlier than 10pm, but I’m taking it one step at a time. 🙂
Angela@veggievinyasa says
I’m trying to cut out dairy, so this recipe excites me! I need 8 hours of sleep, but love even more.
Baking Serendipity says
I need 8 hours of sleep each night too…but must not be a naturally morning person because if I stay up later, I have no trouble sleeping in 🙂 I love your breakfast bowl! The cream sounds like such a treat…definitely a must try!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I LOVE eating cereal with cool whip and this sound way healthier. Must try!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Ooooooh, new Luna bar flavor! I can’t wait to try it — if I can find it here in Canada that is…
I always try to get 8 hours of sleep, and usually end up somwhere around 7-7.5 hours. I like my sleep! 🙂
natalie @ southern fit foodie says
Mmmmm that sounds like the perfect breakfast!
Sleep…I wish I got enough! I try to get 7 hours of sleep each night, but it sometimes is only 4 or 5. I’m working on it!
Kit-Kat says
I LOVE LUNA AND CLIF!!!!!!
I have not slept well, because I have been with my family at a motel in California for my granddaddy’s funeral, but I’m home now, so sleep should come to me easily! 🙂
And yes, some mornings I’m just like you with late nights and early energizing mornings! 😉
Vegyogini says
I saw that new Luna bar at Whole Foods today and am SO bummed that it’s not vegan!
Debbie says
Oh I can’t wait to find these white chocolate Mojo bars. I miss white chocolate the most, I can’t find vegan white chocolate anywhere except in luna bars.
BroccoliHut says
I can actually relate a bit to the energized days despite lack of sleep. It seems that I have the BEST, most invigorating runs the morning after a night that involves alcohol. Weird, right?
ileana says
This is so interesting!
LizAshlee says
Typically I get a fair amount..7ish hours but there seems to be a few nights through the week when I get 6 or so and I don’t love this..like last night..couldn’t go to sleep…too much on my mind:( Oh well, better tonight! 🙂
Charis @ MannaTreats says
this looks absolutely delicious! I adore whip cream 🙂 but feel bad eating it so thank you!
Sherlock says
That looks good! I bet it would be awesome on some grilled pita bread.
I have tried over 7 varieties of hummus and I always keep going back to the garlic lovers flavor.
I’m a garlic freak so obviously I’d love it 🙂
Candy says
Hi Katie!
I have been reading your blog for a couple months and love all your amazing recipes. I wanted to thank you for all the work that you have put into making creative delicious and healthy foods. I also had a question for you. I really want to make this recipe but all I have is guar gum. Would I be able to sub it for the agar? All I know is that they are both variations on a thickening agent and I wanted to see if you had ever tried guar gum before? Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I’m not sure 🙁
Lindsay says
Katie
Im new to the blogging world and I adore it. You along with XCFoodie.com are my favorites right now. I might make a blog but i dont know yet. Good recipe :). I feel like I have more energy also on the days that I dont get as much sleep. One time I got home from a vacation at 2 AM, and then ran a 5k the next morning at 7 🙂
lindsay
Hannah says
That looks delicious, as usual!
I feel sleep deprived a lot. I’ve started drinking a little bit of apple cider vinegar everyday instead of caffeine, and that seems to help. My schedule is really wacky from my classes/work, which means I rarely get to keep a sleeping pattern for more than a week; and it’s terrible on me!
Hanna says
It looks delicious but how many calories is it?
Alanna says
She has calorie info linked above from the base recipe, but it will depend on how much (and what type of) sweetener you use.
Sunnie says
I’m sorry if this question has already been asked, but I was just curious: would it work to sub agar powder for agar flakes, if I did it gram-by-gram? I have a digital scale, so I don’t actually go by physical measurements (I love scale precision! :D) I was just curious if the same weight amount would probably yield the same results?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Sorry, I haven’t tried agar powder. I think others have…
Dulce says
what is the measurement of sweetener that you used? And which sweetener did you use? What can I use if I don’t want to use xylitol (gives diarrhea), agave, maple syrup, honey or sugar/sucanat – but still want a white color?
Sydeny says
This looks allot better than having milk with cereal in the morning (not that I am eating cereal very much anymore, maybe once I have made this I might start?) It looks so creamy:). I want to try your ice cream based of of coconut milk, it sounds really interesting!
When I was 10 or eleven it would take me 1-3 hours to fall asleep every night. When I started middle school that wasn’t the case anymore. We were forced to wake up at 6:30 every day, and as that may not seem very early I hated it. Nowadays, on my own I wake up usually around eight, sometimes earlier and sometimes later.
ciara johnson says
I like that kind of stuff do I know how to make whip cearel