It is sweltering in NYC these days. Simply sweltering! I was hopeful that the periodic thunderstorms would cool things down a bit, but all they seem to do is increase mugginess. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a crowded, non-air conditioned subway car in the morning. Ew.
Such balmy climates call for a cool and refreshing breakfast. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t given up my favorite breakfast combo of french toast and bacon – but I can’t have that every day, can I? Or rather – I shouldn’t. That’s when I turned to a super-easy, healthy and dessert-like alternative – refrigerator oats!
Those of you who have been following along on the blog know that I’m a bit of an oatmeal fanatic – and it doesn’t help that…… the amaaaazing Oatmeals shop is in close proximity! So, I’m super excited to talk about my “summered up” version: refrigerator oats.
Now what you see here may look a bit healthy, but don’t let that scare you:
But one thing I really was excited about was using these jars – but any 8-oz or larger container will do, really:
The proportions may very depending on the type of milk and yogurt you use, but this is what works for me. These do need to sit in the fridge a bit (preferably overnight), and I like to make 4 or 5 at once. The proportions below are for one 8-oz serving!
Refrigerator Oats (proportions for one serving – I make 4 or 5 servings at a time)
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats (uncooked)
- 1/3 cup yogurt (I used plain Greek non-fat)
- 1/3 cup milk (I used skim, but you can use any-fat, almond, soy, etc.)
- 2 tsp chia seeds (I had some left over from my first Chia experience; they are an awesome fridge oats addition!)
- Sweetener to taste (I usually use 1-2 tsp of honey or agave. If your yogurt is flavored, you might not need this).
- Toppings – fruit, nuts, cocoa powder, nut butter, etc.
This is super easy.
1. First, combine the oats, yogurt, milk and chia seeds in a container. Cover the container securely and shake vigorously! (See first photo for result)
2. Then, add whatever toppings you’d like until the container is pretty full (I leave about a centimeter for expansion of the oats and chia seeds). Some combinations that I’ve tried and liked are:
- banana/almond butter/honey/walnut
- banana/cocoa powder/honey
- blueberry/cinnamon/maple syrup
- blackberries/raspberries/blueberries
- strawberries/marscapone
Get creative!
3. Refrigerate at least overnight – the next morning: voila! Refrigerator oats! Good to eat right out of the jar 🙂
Refrigerator oats are super easy to make, pretty healthy, and quite filling – one will keep me satisfied until lunch. Even if you’re usually not the biggest oatmeal aficionado, I encourage you to give this a try – it’s almost reminiscent of rice or tapioca pudding. Try it out and let me know what you think! And I’m really keen to hear about your favorite add-ins so make sure to let me know!
Are you an oatmeal fan?
