This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of SELF.
Food doesnt need to be complicated to be good.
You dont need to work for days to create that feeling of wholeness.
Graphic by Jocelyn Runice
My friends say they want to make delicious food quickly and easily, but what are they really saying?
What feeling are they seeking?
A road map, perhaps, for a way back to something.
That warm wash of simplicity.
But how can we achieve this balance?
Good food at a table can provide the framework.
Even if life isnt easyfar from itsitting down and enjoying a meal with people you really like can be.
Take breakfast, widely considered the most important meal of the day.
It provides essential fuel for your brain and body and also gets your metabolism working.
Makes about 5 1/2 cups
Heat oven to 250 .
In a bowl, combine ingredients and mix well.
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake 1 hour.
With a spatula, break granola into bite-size pieces and bake 15 minutes more.
Cool completely before eating.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Pour bacon fat into a heatproof container, reserving a small amount, and return pan to heat.
Add Gruyere in 4 rounds (1/4 cup each), carefully cracking an egg over each round.
Season with salt and pepper, and cook until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
(If you like your yolks a bit more cooked, cover pan with a lid.)
While eggs are cooking, toast bread in a toaster.
Spread each piece with 1 to 2 tbsp aioli.
Top with a small handful of arugula, 11/2 pieces bacon and a crispy Gruyere-egg combo.
Serves 2
In a medium saute pan over medium-low heat, melt coconut oil.
Add coconut flakes and toast until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.
In a blender, puree acai berries, bananas, rice milk, dates and almond butter until smooth.
Divide between 2 bowls and garnish with chia seeds, granola, goji berries and toasted coconut flakes.
Refrigerate at least 10 minutes or up to 1 day.
Divide between 2 bowls.
Top with diced peach, if desired.
Copyright 2016 by Gwyneth Paltrow.
Reprinted with permission of Goop Press/Grand Central Life & Style.
Photo Credit: Andrew Purcell
