Fast, Lower-carb, Weekend Bagels

Ahhhh spring break... this time of year tells me we made it... the school year from here on out is winding down. Any hope I had of keeping my seniors focused is about gone after this as they are in "college mode" and senioritis has definitely set in. This year I was not looking forward to spring break as much as usual... it's the first time since Charlie was born that I don't have her for the break and with Easter being the same week I am going 11 nights, 12 days, without her. This is the longest we have ever spent apart and I am counting down the days until I see her again, trying to keep busy and looking forward to asking if I can talk to her. This part of divorce never gets easier, especially since I am not at work so sitting at home with one child and not the other is heartbreaking. I look back at pictures of her when I miss her and that helps a little. I also try to get ahead in life so that when she does come home, and it's after work/school we are not as busy and can spend quality time together. 

Every time Charlie is gone for the weekend or a break, I have her draw me a picture on our bay window with window crayons- It makes me miss her a little less and has become one of our things so she knows I am thinking about her when she's gone

As with any household when two people work, fitting in things like laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, working out, family time, etc. all have to be done in the few hours at night and on the weekends. Matt has always been excellent at helping with household things, but it's still a lot to get done and when I am not working I try to pick up more things so when he gets home we can relax sooner in the night. During school breaks I try to capitalize on my time- it's like a game- at 5am I know I have at least one hour before the kids wake up... how much can I accomplish? Go! Even when the house is awake, if I am not at work I know that my house-tasks are slower, but at least I can keep the laundry moving and go shopping at less busy times which takes some pressure off. Some of the things I do during break include prepping more meals to keep in the freezer- stews, chilis, chicken and steak marinades, lasagna, etc., making baby food that is also freezer-friendly, deep cleaning one room a day, organizing and sorting piles that have accumulated, and whatnot. 

Mila helps with meal prep 

(don't worry- Matt was right there and only stepped back for the picture, I know babies in bumbos on elevated surfaces are a no-no... )

This break is no different- I am staying busy so I don't miss my Charlie and doing things that will make life easier when she gets homes- I did my big Costco trip and stocked the freezer with meat and meals, made enough baby food to last weeks, made all the dr./vet. appointments so those don't need to be done for a while and organized most of the house. Feels good. :) 

Charlie likes Cinnamon Sugar

One of the things we like to do as a family on the weekends we have Charlie is make a big breakfast. A favorite on the list lately have been bagels! I have made (and posted) about New York style bagels, but those take over an hour. These are done with five or less ingredients, and bonus, they have 1/2 the amount of carbs and fat and double the protein! There is no need to let them rise, no boiling, and no yeast involved. Are they as delicious? Matt thinks so, I am still on the fence, but they are no doubt a really awesome and fast substitute. 

Weekend Bagels

(Makes 4 Bagels)
Cal- 140
Fat- 0.5g
Carbs- 24g
Protein- 10g 

- 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour* (you could also use all all-purpose or all whole-wheat)
- 1/2 Cup All-purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt (the thicker the better)
- Water/Egg wash and Toppings (I love Trader Joe's Everything Bagel seasoning or Cinnamon Raisin!)

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. They may look crumbly. Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead 20-30 times until it comes together (add more flour if it is too wet, more yogurt if it is too dry.) 

2. Split the dough into 4 pieces and roll each piece into a 3/4" "snake" bringing the ends together to form a bagel shape. 
3. Place each bagel on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush with water or egg wash. Top the bagel with whatever you want. Bake for 15ish minutes until golden on top. Let them rest 5 minutes when they come out of the oven. 
(*this recipe was adapted from BellaGetsWaisted.com*)