Overnight Oats in a Jar
My kids always had breakfast and as they got older I reinforced the values of eating something first thing in the morning. I still do even though they may roll their eyes at me. I can hear them saying, ‘yes mom, we know’ (insert happy face here). But all kidding aside, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, period. Yes, I know there are those who say they get along just fine without it but as adults we need it to kick start our morning routine and kids need a breakfast, too. Their bodies and brains are growing and need refueling from food. Studies show that children who skip breakfast tend to be late or absent from school. Breakfast gives us energy to start our day and if you skip it you may end up eating more during the day. Studies have shown that those who eat breakfast have improved concentration and performance in the classroom or at the office. Those who skip breakfast are usually running late or don’t have time to eat. A simple solution is to prepare the breakfast the night before and make it healthy. Overnight oats in a jar is a super easy way to handle the stresses of what to make in a short time. And, I’ll bet most have the ingredients on hand without having to make a special trip to the grocery store. There are oodles of variations using oats but this recipe is easy to pull together and after you try it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of this before.
In a bowl, add all ingredients and stir to combine. Divide evenly between 2 jars, cover with a lid and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Remove from fridge and eat plain or top with granola or more fruit. OR, heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds for those cold mornings.
The Culinary Chase’s Note: The recipe uses 1:1 ratio (equal amounts of oats to liquid). Use almond milk, juice or whatever liquid suits your fancy. Change the fruit to mashed bananas, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, raspberry preserves, dried or frozen fruit. If using steel cut oats, add more liquid. My take on trying this? Can’t wait to make it again using different fruit. It was yummy cold as well as hot! Enjoy!
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ to ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- In a bowl, add all ingredients and stir to combine or place in a jar, cover with a lid and give it a few shakes. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Remove from fridge and eat plain or top with granola or more fruit. OR, heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds for those cold mornings.
This is called Bircher-muesli in Switzerland where I live as an ex-pat. A Dr. developed it to help patients to eat well. It is sold ready made in every grocery store, but every haus frau knows how to make it from scratch. The original recipe always had a grated apple in it. Goggle it!