Easy Steel Cut Oatmeal

Mornings in our house generally begin with a small giggly child wandering into our room to show us Buzz Lightyear's latest move or a new Lego creation. We have been blessed with early risers (no matter what time they are in bed) so breakfast starts early. Sometimes before the sun comes up...leading to obscene amounts of caffeine for the grownups. 

Easy breakfasts are the best early breakfasts. I try to keep the fridge and pantry stocked with food that can be prepped quickly and these steel cut oats are a favorite for all of us. The boys put up a little fuss at first when they couldn't pick out chunks of sugar like they could when eating packets of instant oats...but once they tried the required bite they changed their mind. My youngest prefers with a dollop of strawberry jam, just like me. My oldest likes a sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon. The adaptability is one of my favorite things about this recipe. It's a great base for whatever you want to put on it, but it still tastes good plain. 

In the morning this heats up in the microwave in less than a minute and is creamy and filling. A good way to start your day...before or after your first cup of caffeine! 

Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal

adapted from Oh She Glows

Ingredients:

1 c steel cut oats

2 cups water

2 cups almond milk (I use the vanilla flavored and omit the vanilla extract)

1 c applesauce

pinch of salt

Optional-

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed

Bring water and almond milk just to a boil on medium-high heat. Turn heat down to medium and add in oats and applesauce. 

Simmer uncovered, stirring regularly for about 20-25 min. When the oats are creamy and almost all the liquid has been absorbed remove from heat. Stir in any of the optional ingredients. Serve immediately, or cool and store in the fridge.

To reheat, add a splash of milk (almond or regular) and any additional flavorings you'd like. Heat up in microwave or on stovetop. I like to add a spoonful of jam, and my boys like it with a dash of brown sugar and cinnamon.