One of the biggest hurdles I’ve got with eating is getting something in me for breakfast, before realizing it’s 11 am and I have all the hanger. To battle this, I usually grab one of the Clif Kids Z Bars in the morning.
Lately, I’ve been searching for another option, something a bit healthier first thing in the morning. With a bit of research and a bit of inspiration from a cookbook Jamie gave me for Christmas, I decided that we would give overnight oats a try.
Apple Pecan Overnight Oats
1 cup oats
1 3/4 cups of milk
Pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 apples, chopped
handful of pecans, toasted or raw
- Microwave the apples for 45-60 seconds to soften them before putting them into a glass container with lid
- Mix the oatmeal, milk, pinch of salt, cinnamon and pecans together
- Place in the refrigerator overnight
- Heat in the morning (unless you would like to eat it cold)
Let’s talk about the kind of oats that you’re going to use. If you like soft, mooshy oatmeal, quick oats are going to give you that. For chewy oatmeal, use rolled oats. For crunchy and chewy oatmeal, give steel cut oats a try.
Let’s talk containers. Jars are usually used for this, but trying to get everything in (and out) of the jar is a bit frustrating. I like to use our glass lifefactory containers as they can go right from the refrigerator to the microwave to heat the oatmeal - and the lids are secure.
Let’s talk sugar. You could add brown sugar, or honey - depending on your preferences. With the apples and cinnamon, I found it to be enough. Especially since I’m trying to reduce the amount of sugar intake first thing in the morning.
Makes enough for me + the kids with a side of fruit. If you’re making it for yourself, you could half or third the recipe.
