Easy, Delicious Morning Eats

I am officially in love with refrigerated oatmeal!

My morning meal has never been healthier, yummier, prettier and easier! I read about refrigerated overnight oats a while ago, but cold oatmeal that was not cooked sounded weird to me -right? Well, curiosity finally got the best of me and I set out to try this funky breakfast food. After choosing and testing several recipes and working a few of my own, I finally came up with the perfect proportion. They are yummy, creamy and chewy (it's an oxymoron but it's true!) and I love them.

The best test was when I sent a jar to work with my husband -who hates oatmeal. For the seven years of our marriage, I've tried to coax him into eating oatmeal. I've tried different recipes and only barely been able to get him to take a bit the size of a pea (my 5 year old does a better job of "tasting" foods!) . Undaunted, I thougth I'd try again with these overnight oats.

I texted him later in the day to ask him what he thought. Here's how it went down:

Me: Hi love, soooo how did you like the oatmeal?

Him: Well, they were weird at first but I kept eating them and actually ended up enjoying them!

(Guess what he had for breakfast today?)

If that's not reason enough to give these a try, I don't know what is!

The best thing about this breakfast is that once you find the texture you love you can change up the flavorings in a million different ways. Basically you just mix yogurt, milk, old fashioned oats and your favorite fruits and nuts or granola or whatever......

I am working on a breakfast recipe section on my site, but until it's ready, here you go:

Refrigerated Overnight Oatmeal. Made in 1/2 pint mason jars (or what ever small container with a lid you have) I try to use organic ingredients if possible! 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (don't use quick cooking oats or steel cut oats) 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt 1/4 cup skim milk 2 tsp dried chia seeds -not essential, but they add a HUGE pop of nutrition 2 tsp of maple syrup or honey -whichever you prefer 1/4 cup fresh blueberries 1/4 cup diced canned peaches preserved in juice not syrup. You can use fresh, but canned are easier! *Optional 1 Tbs dried granola or nuts to add some crunch. Mix all ingredients except fruit in a 1/2 pint mason jar. Screw on lid and shake vigorously. Stir in fruit and replace lid. Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours. In the morning add the crunchy topping or more fruit if you choose. Get creative and make it your own! Change out the fruits and add flavorings such as coconut extract or cocoa powder. The combinations are limitless!!! Low on time? Just throw the jar in your bag and take it to work for a healthy, satisfying breakfast. These will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so make a few ahead to save time in the morning!