Overnight oats

The chilly mornings have come with a vengeance which means that I want something more substantial for my breakfast but that does not take lots of time to make.  Overnight oats are useful for keeping costs down as oats have hardly increased in price, but I especially like them as they are easy to switch up into something tasting amazing by only using what I already have in the cupboard or fridge.  They are also quick as you can make your breakfasts for the week in one go and put them in the fridge.  They last up to 5 days in the fridge.

When I worked, I used to make mine in jars so that I could take them to work with me and eat breakfast there.  I had to be out of the door before 6am and was not hungry at that time.  Depending upon what you add, this is also quite a healthy breakfast as it contains lots of fibre, vitamins and minerals and protein.  You can make these with water or with milk but the taste is creamier if made with milk. Any kind of milk can be used.  Some people add a bit of Greek yoghurt to make them even more creamy.

Basic overnight oats

50g of rolled oats (the old fashioned kind and not the instant variety)

100ml of milk (any kind).  (I add a splash more milk or a couple of tsp of yoghurt if adding chia seeds)

pinch of salt (important for taste)

1 to 2 tsp of honey or maple syrup or sweetener

1 tsp chia seeds (optional)

1/2 tsp vanilla essence (optional)

Method

1.  Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl or jar with a lid and place into the fridge overnight.
2.  When you are ready to eat them the next day, remove the lid and stir well.
3.  Add a bit more milk if you wish.
4.  Top with what ever you have in.  I use a combination of fresh fruit, seeds, granola, nuts.  You can make them as posh or as simple as you want.

Don’t be tempted to put things fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or seeds in until the morning, however things like dried fruit and chia seeds should be added in the evening as they need time to swell.  You can add things like compote, peanut butter, cocoa or spices like cinnamon the night before as well.

These are meant to be eaten cold and taste better that way, but it is ok to warm them if you need a bit of central heating on a cold day.  Warm them in 20 second bursts in the microwave.

My favourite variations

1.  I like to throw in some chocolate chips in the morning and add some sliced banana
2.  I add mixed spice instead of the vanilla essence and sultanas the night before and then grate some carrot in the next morning (like carrot cake)
3.  I add 2 tsp of cocoa the night before and then fresh raspberries the next morning.
4.  I add cinnamon instead of the vanilla essence and grate in some apple in the next morning.