Breakfast of Champions

For staunch supporters of tasty, healthy breakfasts, nothing really does it quite like oatmeal – especially as colder weather approaches: it’s nourishing and delicious, and staves off the winter chill like a piece of toast never could. So, in that spirit we present you with our go-to oatmeal recipe, which is versatile, simple to make (your oats can cook away on the stove while you get ready for work), and fun to customize. Here’s all you need to make your early morning feel like less of a drag, and more of a treat.

Morning grains (makes one serving)

What you’ll need 

– 1 c. Almond milk
-1/4 c. Old fashioned oats
– 1 T. Buckwheat groats
– 1 T. Toasted oat bran
-1 t. Chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp hearts.
-1 t. Cinnamon
– ½ t. Ground ginger
– Dash vanilla or almond extract
– Pinch of nutmeg
– Pinch of salt

Trick out your oats! 

Mix-Ins: sliced apple or pear, bananas, frozen berries, dates, walnuts or almonds, raisins, grated coconut

Toppings: brown sugar or maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, almond milk, fresh fruit or fruit conserve.

The oats pictured above are a riff on banana bread: morning grains recipe w/ bananas and dates cooked in, topped with more bananas and toasted walnuts. Deceptively healthy indulgence! 

Preparation

In a small saucepan, bring almond milk, spices and vanilla or almond extract to a low boil over medium-high heat.

Stir in oats, bran, groats, seeds, and any desired mix-ins (e.g., apples, bananas, dried fruits, nuts, etc.), and bring down to low heat. Simmer for 15 minutes – stirring occasionally – until grains have softened and the cereal has reached your desired consistency.

Remove from heat, and finish off with additional toppings as desired. Eat up, and feel your life-force returning!