I’m sure many of you are wondering why I am so obsessed with make-ahead breakfasts lately. Or maybe it’s just me. But there’s a good reason, I promise.
Since I’ve been watching what I eat (mostly watching it as it disappears into my stomach) I have realized that I have to eat breakfast. Because if I don’t, I snack on weird things while I’m at work (like peanut butter, or mac and cheese). When I snack, I blow my calories on weird stuff, and then I am over my calorie count for the day after dinner.
So I’ve been amassing an array of low-calorie, filling, and delicious breakfasts that I can make over the weekend. Because I am never hungry for breakfast, and unless there’s something already prepared, I am not going to make myself breakfast.
So far I’ve done homemade granola, and homemade yogurt. I eat the two together. I also have been making bran muffins every once in a while to mix it up.
But this is something new. I kept coming across recipes for overnight oatmeal, or refrigerator oatmeal. I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.
The fuss is about an easy to make, creamy, delicious treat that is only limited by your imagination.
Overnight Oatmeal
Ingredients (per jar):
- 1/4 C. oats (old-fashioned or quick)
- 1/4 C. plain yogurt
- 1/4 C. milk (regular, almond or soy. Pick your poison)
- 1 1/2 tsp. chia seeds
- 1 tsp. sweetener (again, this is up to you)
This is the basic recipe. You can easily add any fruit and flavorings that you like.
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a 1/2 pint mason jar.
I used almond milk, honey for my sweetener, and a splash of vanilla in each jar.
Step 2: Close the jar and shake it up.
Step 3: Open the jar and add fruit, nuts, and/or spices to fill the jar. These had cherries added.
Step 4: Place in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 5: Enjoy in the morning cold, right out of the jar.
These were cherry vanilla flavored. I have also used blueberries, and left out the vanilla. There really is no end to the combinations. Next I’m going to experiment with cocoa and bananas…
The Wife
Looks good- love the mason jars!
This is a really great breakfast option. Mason jars are my go-to container!
I have been making these recently, too. I have tried it with coconut milk & blueberries and vanilla but want to try a cranberry combo soon. Maybe with some orange zest?
That would be good. They make cranberries with orange flavoring in them, if you need a timesaver and can find them.
I’m waiting until we get some good apples. Then I’ll do an apple pie flavor.
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