Cinnamon Vanilla Overnight Oats

Overnight oats have been a real life saver for both me and my stomach. Prepping meals for the day ahead is not a strong suit of mine. A great deal of effort goes into packing a yogurt cup, granola bar, and banana. So, since overnight oats have been discovered they have made their way onto my menu on nearly a daily basis. They're quick, delicious, and very satisfying - and so they shall stay on my makeshift menu. As someone who prefers to snack throughout the day, some days are busier than others and snacks don't always fit in between meals. Oatmeal is my best bet on these hectic days due to their high fiber content which keeps my belly full until I can fill it again.

Ingredients:

1/2 c oats

3/4 c milk (low fat, soy, almond, etc)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

1/2 tsp maple syrup 

1 tbsp chia seeds

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a jar overnight. Heat in the morning. Eat!

{Recipe ReDux} Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

This month's Recipe ReDux theme, "Spooky Spices" made me realize I really need to stock my spice cabinet. Since I moved to Portland and started the dietetic internship, my meals have been quite spiceless. Sure, my veggies and quinoa have tons of flavor on their own, but I guess it's time to turn up the heat.

This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats is super quick to throw together after a busy day and makes for a delicious breakfast the next morning. The funny thing is, I never cared very much for pumpkin flavored things. Now, I'm going pumpkin crazy. It is so delicious! I especially love pumpkin pie which is why I decided to toss it into my morning mix.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup vanilla soymilk

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

small dash of salt
2 tbsp raisins

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a jar and stir. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning top with granola or raisins! 

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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.