How do I overnight oats? Let me count the ways….

My first encounter with overnight oats contained chia seeds which I love in smoothies, but loathe in anything that is required to set and then eat or drink. the consistency is well, cha, cha, cha, chia…and if you are a child of the 80’s then you will know exactly what this means – gel-like, icky, sticky and gross.

This recipe and countless variations becomes breakfast at least 4 days a week. With an unlimited amount of creations you can concoct with this base, it is sure to become a morning staple in your home too. I put these oats together at night before bed, pop in the fridge, then grab while I’m running out of the house like my hair is on fire in the AM. I eat them at the office while I’m checking email and making coffee.

Overnight Oat Base:

• 1/3-1/2 C rolled oats ( I use Bob’s Red Mill, thick cut ) – not instant here – if you like it a little runny opt for less oats
• 2/3 C any non dairy milk ( my go to is unsweetened almond milk )

Typically I add:

• 2 T PB2
  
• 1 sliced banana ( just before I eat the oats )

My next fave is:

• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 T reduced fat coconut
• 1 C sliced strawberries (just before I eat the oats)

I also really love:

• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/2 C blueberries (just before I eat the oats)

Sometimes I even get really crazy and add:

• 2/3 C unsweetened chocolate almond milk ( instead of the unsweetened plain milk in the recipe above )
• 2 T Chocolate PB2
• 1 sliced banana

Directions: combine oats and any add in EXCEPT fruit, then pop in the fridge overnight. 6 or so hours they are ready to consume. Add fruit before eating. If you add fruit the night before the water escapes into the oats and make them watery and icky. A very technical term, icky.

Pictured below is the “really crazy” variety minus the banana. My fave jar to use is pictured. Seems to be the perfect size for 1) the spoon and eating and 2) the oats for soaking in the milk.