I first discovered the joy of Overnight Oats on a work break in January and have been in love ever since with the hearty combo of oats, greek yogurt and fruit for breakfast. While scouring Pinterest for the perfect at-home recipe, I quickly realized I was not alone in this dietary obsession, Pinterest is filled with oodles and oodles of unique takes... Finally after finding a somewhat basic one, it initially became a team effort with my Best Friend though she soon took over the making part and I became the official tester. We soon within weeks became the ultimate connoisseurs of Overnight Oats and daily discussing via text our likes and dislikes. But, We always seemed to go back to the first batch of the 'Dieters Delight' version, a reference to a longstanding joke about our hometowns old Truck Stop Restaurant and it's sad little attempt at offering something healthy among a Menu of Mammouth meaty dishes and portions (truckers apparently demand obscene amounts of food:). The legendary Dieters Delight back in the day (it is so fun to say:) consisted of Canned Peaches atop a heaping serving of Cottage Cheese. Don't worry my Overnight Oats recipe below does not contain cottage cheese, but we did run with the peaches. And they are perfect.
Now in my own Apartment, I have tweaked our peach recipe to my own perfect version. Not too thick or thin and a great basic jumping off point to get creative with different variations if I choose. Probably will stick with the basics, I am that kind of eater:) But, I do hope sharing my little Vanilla Overnight Oats recipe will make it easier for you to try your own hand at making up a batch.
Vanilla Overnight Oats.
Serving Size: 1 Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
1/2 or 3/4 Cup of Rolled Oats (I prefer 3/4, thicker the better:)
1/2 Cup of Greek Yogurt (I use Fat-Free)
1 Teaspoon of *Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon of Local Honey
1/2 Cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 serving of your choice of Organic in the bottom of Jar
Optional: 1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds.
Instructions:
First things first, I add all dry ingredients together and mix them quickly together with a spatula. Next comes the wet ingredients. Then stir it all together. I then place my frozen fruit of choice in the bottom of my Ball Canning Jars. I usually make four servings at a time (4 jars) enough to last for a couple of days. Lastly I ladle the Overnight Oat mix atop the frozen fruit and put the tops on right away. Once finished they go in the Fridge. Yes, they should stay in overnight, but I have happily found them ready to eat in five hours.
Supplies:
I am all about making the prep time a delightful process and here is a few of my favorite tools.
1. How Darling (yes I said darling) are these mixing bowls by Pyrex? A nod to what might of been found in our Grandmothers cupboards from the 1950's. (Target, $29.99). 2. Ball Canning Jars (12 0z.), I picked mine up my Local Community Co-op. 3. I like to ladle fancy and these Porcelain & Gold Serving Spoons do the trick. (Target, Threshold Brand. $8.99). 4. Support your Local Co-op, my friend Lisa graciously introduced me to the wonders of Wedge Community Co-op located here in Minneapolis. All of my ingredients were purchased there, except for my Beloved Favorite *Watkins Pure Vanilla extract (Target). Watkins is a Winona, Minnesota company. It has been around forever and it is even where my parents worked when they were first married (My Dad was the Factory Watchman and My Mom Front Desk Receptionist). So, Growing up we always had Watkins products. The Vanilla extract was a staple, I swear I can still taste Childhood in that extract to this day:)
Ok now go try making your own and let me know what you think.
Love, C.
