With a dash of Haitian Vanilla.

This has got to be one of my favorite quick meals. I discovered, and altered this recipe during lent this year, and it was so good that I have permanently added it to my meal catalogue.

I love oatmeal. Love it. There really isn't anything that can beat it for speed, cost and warm fuzziness. Except of course, when you add some peanut butter and Haitian Vanilla to it.

For this recipe you need to collect the following ingredients:

• Quaker Oats
• JiF Peanut Butter, smooth
• Haitian Vanilla Extract
• Organic Milk
• White Sugar

While the oats are cooking per package instructions measure out the peanut butter, sugar and Vanilla. I usually use about a cup of peanut butter for every 2 cups of oats. Also measure out one table spoon of sugar and two caps full of vanilla extract.

When the oats are done, quickly add the sugar and peanut butter, stirring briskly. Once the sugar and peanut butter have dissolved into the oats, add the vanilla extract. Once this is mixed up nicely add milk to taste.

At least made at home, on the cheap.

I love a good coffee, but sometimes you want something a bit more involved than a normal cup of joe. When those moods strike me, I reach for the following:

• A good medium roast bean. I am using some freshly roasted Tanzania at the moment, courtesy of Roastmeister Rich, but any store roasted been with medium body would work.
• One heaping teaspooon of Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa powder, the Milk Chocolate variety.
• One teaspoon of Sugar
• A dash of milk, organic whole milk if you can find it/afford it. Organic whole milk is creamier in my opinion and makes a better base for your mocha. I use a bit more than a dash myself, but you will need to find out what you like through trial and error. Darn.

Once you have your coffee brewed, grab the cup you want to use and add the cocoa powder and sugar. Mix the two together well, then add your milk. Stir up your mocha concoction as well as you can, and then hit it with the coffee.

Another bit of stirring later, and you should have some seriously fine Cafe Mocha. Top with whip cream if you so desire, or just find a comfy corner and a good book to read whilst you enjoy your drink.

I have been meaning to start putting some of my favorite recipes up here for some time now. I guess starting with my "at home Cafe Mocha" is a good place.