Ode to Oats

Last night was rough. I’m pretty sure I cried myself into a dehydrated state, and therefore felt it necessary to hydrate up bigtime this morning. 4 different ways.

Yes, I'm aware coffee actually dehydrates you.

So, on a lighter note, today let’s talk oatmeal.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, oatmeal in some way shape or form is usually my breakfast during the week. It’s quick, easy, filling and nutritious.

Since moving out to the Maryland area I’ve been slowly working through a FIVE POUND bag of Oats that my mom hooked me up with. Gotta love Costco. I’m just about at the end of the bag and have been using the last pound or so to whip up some creative recipes to share.

Disclaimer before I share the recipes: I’m never much of a stickler with measurements... I kind of throw in whatever I’m feeling at the time. ALSO I’m a huge advocate of the overnight oats bandwagon. If you haven’t heard, oatmeal is just delicious cold as it is warm. Try out my banana cream pie overnight oats recipe below for proof.

delightful

Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats (my new favorite)

Overnight oats should be prepared the night before so that the oats can soak up the liquid and then be soft in the morning.

-1/2 cup oats

-1/2 mashed up banana (the riper the better)

-1/2 cup greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)

-1/2- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice (I prefer vanilla almond milk) - enough to fully submerge oats

-Handful of Chia seeds

-1-2 TB vanilla extract (depending how flavorful you want it)

Mix all in bowl, and let soak overnight. In the morning, slice up the other half of the banana on top. I also threw some coconut shavings on top … if you prefer something sweeter, try sprinkling some maple syrup/agave.

Next up...

Cranapple Pie Oatmeal

-          ½ cup of slow cook oats

-          A few dashes of cinnamon

-          Handful of frozen cranberries

-          Pieces of chopped up apple

-          3 TB of all natural applesauce

-          1 TB of ground flaxseed

Fill bowl with either water or milk of choice, until oats are submerged, and microwave 2-3 minutes until oats are fully cooked. Top with nuts (I’ve tried chopped walnuts) or sweetner (pure maple syrup works) if desired.

how you guys liking the nail color?

This past week my beloved aunt sent me three cans of pumpkin in the mail. She clearly knows the way to my heart! I’ve been a lover of pumpkin since I’ve been born I can remember, and so am super amped to do some experimenting with different pumpkin recipes over the next few weeks. Any comments/suggestions for possible recipes for me to dabble in would be fully embraced.

Cheers!