Overnight Oatmeal

Just a heads up - this recipe is for STAGES 2 and 3 ONLY - sorry Stage 1 peeps...but, if this is something that would work well for your family feel free to go ahead and run with it.

I’m testing ‘grab and go’ or make-ahead items for those who want a good breakfast but don’t always have time to make them.   This recipe is a simple 'stop, drop and scoop' and then out the door. 

This was pretty good but Bubba (my hubby) and I thought the lemon zest was a little heavy, so I’ve scaled that back for you.  And feel free to use whatever fruit you would like, peaches, apples, bananas, berries, etc.  The original recipe says ‘serves 4’ – which in real life terms is 6 normal people or 2 teenage boys.  This fills you up fast!

I didn’t have rolled oats; I used steel cut oats and it was a little chewy and nutty tasting but we liked that better than soft mushy oatmeal.  I think you would too.

Overnight Oatmeal

serves 6

This affordable, healthy breakfast provides protein, whole grains and fruit to help you start your morning right.  The twist is that it virtually prepares itself while you’re sleeping — simply serve in the morning, straight from the fridge or warmed if you prefer.

2 cups uncooked rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)

2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds

Your choice of fruit, peeled and chopped

agave nectar

Combine oats, milk, vanilla and zest in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, scoop oatmeal into bowls and top with nuts and fruit.  Add butter or a drizzle of agave nectar if you’d like.  You can eat this hot or cold.

1/2 cup of this oatmeal is 1 serving of grains and 1/2 serving of fat.  Remember to count whatever toppings you use as well.