Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal For One

Who says you can't have chocolate for breakfast?

For whatever reason, the earlier I wake up, the hungrier I am. As a consistent 6 "a.m.-er," I'm always searching for something fast and filling for breakfast. The only thing that satisfies this growing (still hoping) girl is a big bowl of oatmeal, and why not a bit of chocolate? Here's to starting the day right!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk (skim or plant based)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 eggwhite
1 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
1 tbsp ground flaxmeal
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp maple syrup
Banana + Nuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine oats and milk in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and then lower to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla to the pan and mix.
3. Stir in the eggwhites and continue to mix thoroughly.
4. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and cook until mixture thickens. Top with a chopped banana and nuts, and serve!

Oat-rageous Chocolate Coconut Cookies

Oat-Rageous Chocolate Coconut Cookies

My sweet tooth was uncontrollable last night so, I was inclined to make cookies. I scavenged through my kitchen in search of the perfect ingredients. Whole wheat flour. Check. Oats. Check. This wasn't going to cut it. I hit the grocery store and it all became so clear.  It was obvious. I needed chocolate. With that said, what's better than coconut and chocolate? There it was! An oat-rageous chocolate-coconut cookie.

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup oats
1 egg
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 handful of dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and oats. Add the egg and mix well.
3. Pour the milk into the bowl and stir until all dry ingredients are moist.
4. Add all remaining ingredients including walnuts, raisins, coconut, and dark chocolate to the bowl.  Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Spoon 2-tablespoon balls of cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.