Two days ago was my mother’s birthday. It reminded me of how much I miss home.

Somehow each time I leave it gets a little harder. In fact, one year ago when I first left for Costa Rica, I really didn’t miss anyone… at all. Perhaps I was so ready for this experience I was able to let everything else go. I was beyond ready to leave. And I knew I was coming back.

Now, each time I leave it’s a reminder that my life is no longer rooted in Seattle. That my family is no longer a phone call or a short drive away. That as much as I wish it were possible, they cannot be here, on this incredible journey, with me.

So today, missing them, missing my mom and her incredibly stocked pantry, I’d like to share with all of you my breakfast mainstay when I’m at home.

It’s quick to assemble, texturally exciting, and incredibly satisfying. I have been known to throw one down at 8am before yoga and last all the way until late afternoon for lunch.

Good Morning Breakfast Bowl

1/3 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 crisp organic Washington apple, sliced and peeled if not organic

1/2 ripe banana, sliced

1/2 cup berries, blueberries are my absolute favorite

Healthy dollop of greek yogurt, I love the new organic one at Trader Joe’s but Fage never disappoints

Handful of chopped raw pecans, blanched slivered almonds, finely chopped dried apricot, and toasted coconut

Sprinkle of cinnamon

Place quinoa in the bottom of a deep cereal bowl. Top with fruit, then greek yogurt. Sprinkle with nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. Dust with cinnamon.

Feel free to make any adjustments for your personal taste. You really can use any kind of fruit you like, oats instead of quinoa, and top with walnuts, pistachios, pepitas, cashews, hemp seeds, chia seeds, cacao, dates, fresh mint… whatever you fancy! Just please, please, please, eat as much greek yogurt as you possible can so I can live vicariously through you. This thin Monteverde stuff just doesn’t cut it!