Overnight Oatmeal

This amazingly easy overnight oatmeal recipe takes the cooking time out of steel-cut oats on a busy morning.  You’ll love the less mushy texture too, almost like oatmeal is supposed to be made.   This breakfast is a truly a win-win, since oat fiber has been shown to help regulate cholesterol,  maintain steady blood sugar levels and keep hunger pangs at bay. Studies show that just 3 grams of soluble oat fiber per day (as in one bowl of oatmeal) typically lowers cholesterol levels by 8-23%. Pretty impressive!

Oats also contain healthy antioxidants and plenty of other nutrients which I could go on and on about.  But in all honesty, my kids just eat them because they’re flavorful and satisfying, especially when combined with berries, nuts and cinnamon.  Yum!

Use this fun preparation technique to make 3-4 servings of instant oatmeal, no cooking required.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups steel-cut oats, or any combination of spelt, triticale, rye, or barley flakes
• 2 ½  cups rice or almond milk (carrageenan free)
• 1 fresh or frozen berries
• 1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, or 1 teaspoon stevia (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

The night before you plan to enjoy your oats, place all ingredients except for the nuts in a glass bowl or jar and and stir or lightly shake to combine.  Store in the refrigerator and serve cold or briefly heated in a saucepan the next morning, sprinkled with nuts.  No cooking required!