Happy Saturday, everyone!

I hope that it’s blossoms, birds singing and sunshine in your neck of the woods; it certainly is the case here in Texas. We had a tumultuous thunderstorm last night (including loss of power for much of the night; love flossing my teeth in the dark). But the upside? All the yellow-green pollen that’s been coating my car, throat and eyeballs has been blown away to reveal a sparkling, spanking clean morning.

And I’m ready for a run!

I’m taking Nick to a kite festival around noon, so it’s a mad dash to make and eat breakfast, clean up (i.e., shove items in dishwasher), run, shower, and locate and untangle kites. I love Saturday morning baked goods, but there’s no time, plus Nick and Kevin have already eaten. Solution? My 2-Minute protein mug muffin.

If you have protein powder in the pantry, this is a great alternative to a smoothie; some mornings I’m just in the mood to chew. And this is so much better than many store-bought protein bars, which are very often full of junk ingredients, such as low-quality proteins, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. This quick muffin offers an easy (and delicious) alternative (plus you can spread it with jam or marmalade :)). Or you can add in a tablespoon or two of…just about anything, from chocolate chips to diced fruit to chopped nuts.

Seize the Saturday!

Just plop everything in a mug (give the mug a spritz of nonstick spray first).

Mix it up until smooth (the protein powder may clump a bit at first; just keep whisking, it breaks up after a few seconds). Then microwave! Easy peasy. Eat it right out of the mug or transfer to a plate. You can even save it for later (place in an airtight container or bag).

Don’t forget to enter my book giveaway! Enter here: Win 1 of 10 Copies of my book, 250 Best Microwave Meals in a Mug! You have until April 1!