Stacey's Stir

As you can probably tell by now, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day – not only to cook, but to eat as well. But, most mornings when we are running out the door for work, the cooking part is not very likely to happen. The most I’m capable of is stuffing spinach, frozen berries, and a banana into a blender. And that’s only on a REALLY good day.

To ensure that we’re not living off of snack bars Monday to Friday, I try to keep a couple of prepared breakfasts in our refrigerator most of the time. Both Chia Seed Pudding and Overnight Oatmeal are simpler to prepare than a smoothie and almost as quick to grab as a Lärabar. You make them the night before, (which literally consists of throwing a few ingredients into a bowl and stirring), and then when you wake up you have a delicious and wholesome breakfast ready to spoon into a bowl and top with your favorite fruit and nuts.

I know, I know.. oatmeal can seem so mundane. So predictable. But, I promise this recipe is absolutely the furthest thing from boring. The maple syrup and vanilla give this oatmeal a much richer flavor than the instant packets you and I grew up on. And the chia seeds give it a wonderfully smooth texture, not to mention a huge dose of fiber, protein, and omega-3’s.

So now, on those mornings when you’re dragging because you stayed up way past your bedtime binge watching Hart of Dixie on Netflix (oh, no.. that’s just me?), you have the perfect breakfast that’s simple, healthy, and will even get you out of the door on time. You’re welcome!

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Overnight Oatmeal

Serves 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup whole milk 
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Directions

1. Add all of your ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl and stir well to combine. 
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
3. Spoon into a bowl and top with your favorite fruit and chopped raw almonds. 

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I was recently in a local juice bar that had their own version of overnight oats that used steel cut oats. I use the traditional, rolled oats and haven’t tried this version yet but I’m sure it would be delicious, as well!

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Happy stirring!

xoxo, Stacey